The Toronto Public Library Board met on April 28 at Mount Dennis branch. Key topics discussed include:
2013 Performance Measures
2013 was another busy year (PDF) for Toronto Public Library. Notable increases in library usage include:
- 96.2% increase in circulation of e-content, which is now 6.6% of total circulation
- 3.2% increase in website visits and 29.8% increase in website searches
- 21% increase in wireless sessions and 5.3% increase in use of public computers
- 5% increase in program attendance
These statistics indicate a shift in library usage and borrowing patterns as new services are introduced.
Total circulation of library materials, both electronic and physical, was stable at 32 million. Visits to library branches declined by 2.1% in 2013 largely due to the closure of Fairview for renovations, which accounts for 2.6% of total visits in a typical year. Use of physical materials in library branches declined as information migrates to online and digital format.
All in all, 2013 was the third busiest of the last ten years, which is notable given Fairview’s closure for the full year, a number of short-term branch closures for renovation and severe weather events that impacted branch visits and total circulation.
Strategic Plan Update – 2013
The Library reported significant progress (PDF) on its strategic plan goals, including detailed information about:
- Increased availability, promotion and usage of e-collection
- Strong focus on the importance and joy of reading throughout life, including the opening of 2 new KidsStop interactive early literacy centres and the distribution of an early literacy guide for parents and caregivers across Ontario
- Digitized special and local history collections to promote access
- Learning opportunities for job seekers, entrepreneurs and small business owners
- New and emerging technologies for virtual library services and branches
Cisco Canada Partnership
The Library will formalize a partnership (PDF) with Cisco Canada, designed to jointly explore and pursue opportunities that foster citizen engagement, deliver operational efficiencies, extend library services and reduce the digital divide.
Based on exploratory discussions, the Library and Cisco have identified the following initiatives of interest: TelePresence deployment in several locations to support live video dissemination of lectures, public and staff training; providing access to subject matter experts via TelePresence; interactive digital signage to assist with way-finding and information services.
The next step is to formalize the agreement in a memorandum of understanding.
Reconsideration of Library Materials
The Library has a process for members of the public to identify concerns about books and other materials in its collection. These concerns are reviewed and dealt within the context of the materials selection policy (PDF) and principles of intellectual freedom. In 2013, there were complaints about seven titles (PDF). After review, all were retained in the collection.