Public Library Research
OLA Research
OREC’s 2023 Remote Work Mini-Survey Report (2024)
Resilient Public Libraries: OPLA Research and Evaluation Committee (OREC)’s Survey of Public Libraries (2022)
Conducted in the summer of 2022, this benchmarking survey examined the impact of the pandemic on Ontario libraries and the resiliency of public libraries to future disruptions.
- Roberts, Sarah, and Alison Clarke. 2024. “Resilient Public Libraries – A Survey of Ontario Public Libraries Two Years into COVID-19.” Public Library Quarterly, November, 1–25.
- Results presented at OLA Super Conference 2023
- Survey Data (Excel)
- Full Survey Text (Questions)
Ontario Public Library Response to COVID-19 (2020)
This survey report summarizes Ontario Public Libraries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.
OPLA’s Survey on the Registration of New Members (2019)
Children and Teen Services Benchmarking and Statistical Reports
- Teen Services Benchmarking and Statistical Report 2018
- Children’s Services Benchmarking and Statistical Report 2016
- Teen Services Benchmarks and Statistical Report 2013
- The OPLA Child and Youth Services Benchmarks and Statistical Report 2009
- Child and Youth Services in Ontario: Benchmarks and Statistical Report 2003 C
External Research
Bridge 2021/2022 Report: Impact of Technology Services in Ontario Public Libraries (June 2023). Prepared by Nordicity and Toronto Public Library.
This report shows the continued impact libraries have on bridging the digital divide, enhancing digital literacy and increasing equitable access to technology for their communities and for the province.
Technology Access in Public Libraries: Outcomes and Impacts for Ontario Communities (2018). Prepared by Nordicity for Toronto Public Library.
Presents an overview of the pilot implementation of the Bridge toolkit along with a selection of key findings from the participating public libraries.
Qualitative Evaluation of the Impact of Library Programs (2014)
OLA has partnered with Dr. Bill Irwin, Assistant Professor, Management and Organizational Studies, Huron University College on this multi-year academic research project
Preschool Early Literacy Programs in Ontario Public Libraries (2012), by Stagg Peterson, S., and Jang E. for the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.
Research on the ways in which preschool literacy programs in Ontario public libraries (1) facilitate participating children’s early literacy development and school readiness, and (2) influence family interactions supporting children’s literacy learning.
Capital Needs Analysis (2011), Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.
An analysis of public library infrastructure and costs associated with upkeep.
How Canadian Libraries Stack Up (2011), Ontario Computer Library Center.
Statistics about library use in Canada.
- Burlington Public Library. (2017). Building Burlington’s prosperity: The economic impact of Burlington Public Library.
- Halton Hills Public Library. (2014). Economic impact of Halton Hills Public Library [Report to the library board], Diamanti, J
- City of Kawartha Lakes Public Library. (2015). Public library economic impact study.
- Newmarket Public Library. (2016). Newmarket Public Library economic impact study, Kyle, T
- London Public Library. (2015). A perspective on the economic impact of London Public Library on the City of London.
- Milton Public Library. (2014). The economic impact of the Milton Public Library on the Town of Milton.
- Ottawa Public Library. (2016). Check out the benefit: The economic benefits of the Ottawa Public Library.
- Pickering Public Library. (2014). The economic impact of the Pickering Public Library on the City of Pickering .
- Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (2015). Building strong and vibrant communities: The value of Sault Ste. Marie’s public library.
- Stratford Public Library. (2015). Under the umbrella: Stratford Public Library’s economic impact .
- Temiskaming Shores Public Library (2018). Valuing Northern Libraries: Sample Community Report.
- Toronto Public Library (2013). So Much More: The Economic Impact of the Toronto Public Library on the City of Toronto, Martin Prosperity Institute.
- Vaughan Public Library (2017). The Economic Impact of Vaughan Public Libraries on the City of Vaughan.
- Vancouver Island Regional Library. (2016). Assessing the economic impact of Vancouver Island Regional Library on our member communities.
Ontario Public Library Statistics (2020) Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. Ontario Public Library Statistics from 2002-Present can be accessed on the Ontario Government Website
Ontario Public Library Operating Data 2009-2018 Overview, Primer on Library Statistics, and Collected Tables (2019) Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, compiled by Robert E. Molyneux and Stephen Abram.
