David Fleming, Library Planning
Consultant, Business Services provided
a presentation on the Economic Benefit of Ottawa Public Library. (Held on
file with the Chief Executive Officer). He said the purpose of the study
was to look at how events, activities, and spending impact people and
communities.
Key highlights of the
presentation:
·
Explained why the study was completed;
·
Demonstrated the methodology around the
two-pronged approach: direct and indirect benefits;
·
Gave an overview of the return on investment
indicating that dollars spent on library services provide a good investment;
·
Provided the link to the interactive website
where residents and stakeholders can go through the library, read about
sections of OPL’s services that are captured directly in the study, and how
much benefit was realized;
·
Advised that other products are available,
including a full technical study and workbook with background data and
calculations; and
·
Explained next steps with respect to a social
impact study.
Chair Tierney and Vice-Chair
Bergeron thanked staff for the very informative and interactive presentation.
Trustee Fisher asked if libraries in the
province use the same methodology and whether OPL is a leader. Mr. Fleming
advised that the base methodology is the same for the six library systems referenced,
however, there are many adaptations that are adjusted to fit each library in
its own way. In terms of leading, Mr. Fleming said that OPL’s conservative
version of the methodology compares quite well against the other libraries.
Vice-Chair Bergeron commended staff and
was keen on the $5.17 in benefits for every dollar invested as identified in
the presentation. He said the public would get an appreciation of the
benefit of OPL.
In response to a question from Trustee
Sweet on how staff plan to get the message out on the study, Anna Basile,
Program Manager, Planning and Board Support said the Economic Benefit Study
will continue to be referenced over the years ahead. She noted that a news
release was issued, as well, as social media posts via Facebook, Twitter,
etc. Over the coming days, staff will be sharing copies of the report to key
stakeholders within the community, to other libraries across the country and
into the United States, and with local partners such as Ottawa Public Health.
Trustee Higdon asked whether the report
suggested ways in which OPL can enhance the economic benefit of the library
system. Mr. Fleming advised that it may be helpful to consider both the
economic and social benefits together rather than focusing on one type of
benefit. He noted that staff wanted to release this piece and bring back the
second piece at a later date, which will give a clearer picture and not
isolate one benefit over another.
In response to a question from Trustee
Higdon regarding whether different languages should be looked at in the library
system, Mr. Fleming stated that once the full study has been completed, staff
will be looking at demographics, the impacts created, and whether there are
gaps such as cultural or languages.
The CEO said that looking back to the
Imagine Campaign, people indicated that they love OPL’s spaces. She said the
Federation of Ontario Public Libraries survey through Market Probe Canada
indicated that people in Ontario value and derive benefit from their
libraries. Ms. McDonald thanked Mr. Fleming for putting a figure to that
value for OPL, and thanked Matthew Pritz, Manager of Finance and Business
Services for supporting the project.
There being no further discussion, the presentation was RECEIVED.
|