Library Impact Ontario

Library Impact Ontario brings together Ontario public libraries to leverage data analytics, insights and training to advocate for the impact their digital services have on communities.

Developed by Toronto Public Library, Library Impact Ontario helps libraries:

• measure digital inclusion and impact in communities
• make informed data-driven decisions on technology services
• strengthen advocacy and accountability through evidence-based insights
• build collaboration and data confidence in staff, regardless of their skill level

Library Impact Ontario is a free suite of services that offers tailored resources for libraries of all sizes. It’s easy to use and designed by libraries, for libraries.

Together, libraries make the difference.

Our free suite of services

Bridge

Bridge is a practical and automated outcome measurement platform. It empowers libraries by collecting, assessing and visualizing technology data through data dashboards, surveys and reports.

Choose from two versions of Bridge that allow you to customize the survey length and frequency based on your library’s needs:

• Bridge Standard [NEW] – Recommended for small to medium-sized libraries, featuring streamlined and less frequent surveys, simplified key reports and Ontario-wide benchmarking.
• Bridge Pro – Recommended for medium to large-sized libraries, includes advanced features such as customizable surveys, equity-focused reports and more frequent data collection options.

Data Literacy, Learning and Support

Build data confidence, connect with other libraries and access support resources through our new Data Literacy, Learning and Support portal. Take advantage of:

• self-directed, asynchronous learning opportunities to explore data analytics, visualization, storytelling and informed decision-making—all at your own pace
• peer networking opportunities, including Survey Best Practices and Board Advocacy live webinars, and recordings of past sessions
• on-demand resources to help you navigate the Bridge platform, onboarding tools and tailored one-on-one support

Learn more

Attend an information session to learn more about Library Impact Ontario:

• TPL Info Session – Feb 10, 2025, 11:00 am -12:00 pm
• OLS LearnHQ Info Session - Feb 25, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (sign-in required)

Register today

Register for Library Impact Ontario and take on as much or as little of our services as your library requires. Registration is open year-round.

Have questions about Library Impact Ontario?
We have answers!

What is Library Impact Ontario?

Library Impact Ontario is a suite of free services, including a measurement platform, educational workshops and collective advocacy support, designed to help libraries across Ontario make informed decisions about the services they provide, gain direct insights into community needs, and maximize evidence-based advocacy for financial security.

Library Impact Ontario aligns with Ontario’s Digital and Data Strategy, ensuring that libraries have the tools, skills, and access to thrive in a digital world. It’s a unified consortium of libraries, committed to harnessing data for greater impact, adaptability and accessibility.

Our vision is to provide every Ontarian with access to the technology they want and need, and the comfort and confidence to use it to access economic, educational, social, health and civic opportunities.

Why should I register?

Registering for our services will:

• help you collect, analyze and report the positive impact your technology is having on the well-being, development and confidence of your library customers.
• help you understand the relationship between your library and the services you offer.
• highlight the vital role libraries play within the communities they serve.
• empower you to make informed decisions about the technology services you provide, fostering continuous improvement of these services and advancing digital equity.
• extend your reach and connect you to ‘like' libraries to identify gaps and leverage data to increase your service offerings by tapping into collective comparable data.
• provide maximum benefits to your library with minimal effort and time through advanced automated features and support that do most of the work for you.

The more libraries that register, the better our data. The better the data, the more we're able to demonstrate the collective impact we are having.

Library Impact Ontario is free, flexible and accessible.

I'm not that knowledgeable about data. Is this complicated?

Library Impact Ontario is straightforward and practical. These services are developed by libraries for libraries. Whether you're a small library system or a large one, a data novice or a full deep-dive data expert, Library Impact Ontario can help you help your customers.

Customize our services to get what's most relevant to you. And our workshops and tools can help build data confidence in your library staff, regardless of their expertise.

I registered for the Bridge Project. Is this different?

The Bridge Project is now part of Library Impact Ontario. We’ve rebranded to better reflect our full range of services and the collective impact libraries make in their communities.

Is this a short-term, phased, or temporary commitment?

No, Library Impact Ontario is a long-term initiative. Enjoy uninterrupted access to our services as long as you remain a member.

This seems like a lot of work, is there a light version of your services?

Our services are totally flexible—take on as little or as much as your library has capacity for. For smaller libraries, we offer streamlined options like Bridge Standard (new), while larger systems can explore advanced features through Bridge Pro.

Who's behind Library Impact Ontario?

Library Impact Ontario is developed by Toronto Public Library, a trusted leader in digital equity and inclusion.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

Connect with:

Sepideh Mckensy
Senior Services Specialist, Library Impact Ontario

Policy, Planning and Performance Management
Toronto Public Library
smckensy@tpl.ca
bridge@tpl.ca

Contact Us

For inquires about Library Impact Ontario, please contact: bridge@tpl.ca