While this article has been written with the OPLA Forum in mind, please know that much of this information can be applied to the other sector forums and community groups you may be a part of!

As Ontario’s public libraries continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: we are stronger when we learn from one another. The OPLA Forum is new, and we are still discovering all the ways it can support and strengthen our community. 

What we do know is this — whether you are looking for a fresh programming idea, advice on a policy question, or an opportunity to connect with colleagues across the province, and beyond, the OPLA Forum provides a space to share, collaborate, and grow together all year round, not just at Super Conference. 

What Is the Forum, and Why Participate? 

The OPLA Forum is an online community created for public library professionals to connect, collaborate, and engage with one another. While supported by OPLA Council, the Forum is, first and foremost, a space for members. Its value will be shaped by the people who use it. 

It is a space for: 

• Asking questions and seeking advice from colleagues. 
• Sharing resources, templates, and promising practices. 
• Identifying and discussing emerging trends, issues, challenges and opportunities facing public libraries. 
• Celebrating successes, milestones, and innovative projects. 
• Continuing conversations that begin at conferences and professional development events. 
• Connecting with library workers from communities of all sizes across Ontario. 
• Fostering belonging, advocacy, learning, growth, and connection. 
• Informing OLA and OPLA about the professional development opportunities, resources, and conversations members are seeking. 
• Build meaningful connections outside of conferences and meetings. 

Whether you work in a large urban system or a rural branch, are nearing the end of your career, are just starting out in libraries, or are anywhere in between, the Forum offers an opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of Ontario’s public library sector.

Public libraries continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. By sharing our experiences and expertise, we can better support one another and strengthen our collective voice. 

Step 1:

• Log in to your OLA account. 
• Navigate to the OPLA Forum through “Groups.” 
• Select “Public Libraries Sector Forum.” 

Step 2: 

• Complete your profile and add a short introduction. 
• Browse existing discussions and resources. 
• Ask a question or contribute to an ongoing conversation. 
• Connect with other members. 

Making Posts

Simply jump in and consider posting: 

• A question you are working through. 
• A reply to someone else’s post. 
• A successful program or initiative from your library. 
• A resource, template, or tool that others may find helpful. 
• A discussion topic related to an emerging trend or challenge. 
• A celebration of your team’s accomplishments. 

The Forum will thrive when members feel comfortable sharing both successes and lessons learned. Chances are, if you have a question, someone else has been wondering about the same thing. 

Accessing and Adding Resources 

The Forum is also a growing repository of shared knowledge. Members are encouraged to upload and share resources that may benefit colleagues across the sector, including: 

• Policies and procedures.
• Program plans and promotional materials.
• Toolkits and templates.
• Articles, reports, and research. 

File Naming Structure 

As we begin building the OPLA Forum’s resource library together, we are taking a flexible approach to organization. While there is not currently a formal file-naming structure in place, we know that thoughtful and consistent naming will help us keep resources searchable and manageable as the collection grows. 

When uploading documents, we encourage members to consider including some of the following elements in the file name. Here are some examples:

• Organization/Owner: OPLA, BrantfordPL, TorontoPL
• Category: Advocacy, AI, Leadership, Safety, HR, Programming
• Topic: Municipal Relations, Security Pilot, Strategic Planning
• Document Type: Toolkit, Policy, Presentation, Template, Report, Guide
• Date: The year and month of the most recent version, such as 2026-07

For example: 

BrantfordPL_Safety_SecurityPilot_Report_2026-07 

Suggested categories include: 

Advocacy, AI, Accessibility, Collections, Customer Service, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Facilities, Governance, HR, Leadership, Marketing, Operations, Policy, Programming, Safety, Strategic Planning, Technology, and Wellness. 

The OPLA Forum is new, and we expect our approach to evolve alongside our community. By taking a thoughtful approach to file naming, you will help us better organize and improve the resource library for everyone in the future. 

Uploading a File

Before adding a file, ensure it is named exactly as you would like it to appear in the Forum. 

1. Locate the “Files” folder on the right-hand side of the page. 
2. Click “Files” to open the folder. 
3. Select “Add Files.” 
4. Click “Upload Files.” 
5. Select the file you would like to upload, and then click “Open.” 

As the collection grows, so will the value of the Forum as a go-to resource for Ontario’s public library community. 

Join the Conversation 

The OPLA Forum is more than a discussion platform—it is an opportunity to build community, strengthen connections, and help shape the future of member engagement within OPLA. 

We encourage you to visit often, participate regularly, and invite your colleagues to do the same. Every question asked, resource shared, and conversation started contributes to a stronger and more connected public library sector. 

The Forum will become what we make of it, and we hope you will help us write its next chapter!