The Toronto Public Library Board met on September 8, 2014 at Malvern branch. Key topics discussed include:
E-Content Update and Advocacy Strategies
There has been significant progress in the past year with advocacy efforts for improved public library access to e-content. Many Canadian independent publishers make their content available as do five of the six major publishers. However, some multinational publishers continue to impose terms including unreasonably higher prices.
Toronto Public Library has taken a leadership role in advocating for accessibility of e-content for public library users across Canada, communicating its position to several government and publishing stakeholders, and working collaboratively with other large public library systems across North America.
The Board agreed to next steps including:
- Continued conversations with publishers as part of an effort to establish fair and reasonable prices and obtain more e-content
- A campaign this fall to raise awareness of e-content at the library and to encourage more borrowing, as well as targeted advocacy about the challenges surrounding e-content access and pricing
- Collaboration with other large Canadian public library boards and associations on this issue
Youth Advisors’ Update
Toronto Public Library appointed two volunteer youth advisors to consult with youth across the city about the library and its services and report back to the Board with timely advice on issues of importance to youth. At last night’s meeting, the youth advisors gave a presentation that included a summary of a survey of teens across the city, highlighting an opportunity to raise awareness of resources and events for youth through social media and in-branch experience.
2015-2024 Capital Budget and Plan
The Board approved the 2015-2024 capital budget and plan (PDF) submission of $14.450 million debt ($19.334 million gross) in 2015 and $153.235 million debt ($242.367 million gross) over 2015 – 2024.
Perth /Dupont
Perth/Dupont branch’s proposed relocation to 299 Campbell Avenue, 350 metres from the branch’s current location, would create a 10,000 square foot branch at a cost of $2.87 million.
Staff will continue to work with the local City Councillor and developer to negotiate terms for relocating the branch. The negotiated terms are subject to a future Board approval.
The Board also passed a motion to seek an additional $841,000 in funding for the project as part of the 2015 – 2024 capital budget and plan for submission to the City of Toronto.
Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
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Media Contact:
Ana-Maria Critchley, media@torontopubliclibrary.ca, (416) 393-7212