About Bridge

About Bridge

Your library makes an impact We help you demonstrate it

Bridge provides libraries with an innovative, automated and practical data solution platform to help them measure the value and impact of their technology services. Bridge utilizes outcome measurement to empower libraries with evidence and insight through data dashboards, surveys and reports. 

Partnering with libraries across Ontario, Bridge helps public libraries:

  • Measure equity and demonstrate impact to drive digital inclusion and respond to community needs.
  • Provide critical feedback to manage technology resources more efficiently and effectively fostering continuous improvement and data-driven decision support; and
  • Empower advocacy and accountability in reporting requirements, with implications for meeting strategic priorities and securing sustainable funding
About Bridge

The challenge and opportunity

Bridge has the potential to position the public library sector in Ontario as a leader in the advancement of standardized comparable outcome measurement practices across geographic boundaries within the digital landscape.

In today's society, digital proficiency and access to technology are vital for social and economic advancement. Without these resources and skills, individuals risk exclusion from essential opportunities and achievements, creating a digital divide. Digital inclusion and literacy are now fundamental prerequisites for active participation in various aspects of life, whether personal, civic, social, or professional. Despite widespread broadband and mobile availability, connectivity gaps persist due to affordability and limited options, particularly affecting rural, remote, and low-income communities, including First Nations. Although libraries have made great progress in advancing digital inclusion and literacy, there is still a long way to go before digital equity can be achieved, and everyone is included in the digital world.

About Bridge

Bridge provides actionable data to match library technology services to (evolving) community needs

Technology services are rapidly becoming more sophisticated and varied, and public libraries continue to adapt to evolving ways of learning, creating and interacting with information. At the same time, the needs of each community in Ontario are vastly different. To develop responsive technology services, public libraries must plan services with their specific communities’ needs in mind, track the delivery and update of those services and consult patrons on their experiences. Each step of this service delivery process should be driven by evidence. To achieve this aim, libraries must have access to current, reliable and actionable data.

WHO WE ARE

Toronto Public Library’s leadership role

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) continues to engage public libraries to participate in Bridge through its advocacy efforts, with the mission to build momentum and expand its reach, thereby reinforcing the collective impact of libraries and advancing Ontario's journey toward digital inclusivity. TPL's dedication to advancing and automating outcome and performance measurement in the public library sector benefits all public libraries, as robust and reliable data allows them to articulate a compelling narrative about their collective impact.

Our Data Measurement

What technology services does Bridge measure?

Bridge enables libraries to collect and analyze various types of data to assess their technology services. This helps them prepare stakeholder reports and surveys, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and compare their performance over time or with peer libraries in Ontario (based on size or region). Bridge measures technology services across three technology categories:

Connecting to Internet

This category focuses on technology services related to internet access at or through the library, including WiFi connectivity.

Equipment and Software

This category encompasses technology services that involve hardware, software, and technology equipment, such as lending laptops and tablets for general use.

Digital Literacy Classes and Support

This category pertains to technology services that provide structured classes, workshops, and one-on-one support to improve digital literacy skills, such as basic computer skills and digital design.

OUR DATA SERVICES

How does Bridge collect data?

Bridge consists of three essential service components that collect, measure and evaluate the impact of technology services on digital inclusion:

Patron Survey

This service component collecting feedback directly from library users regarding their experiences with technology services to demonstrate how technology through the library changes lives. It helps assess the effectiveness of current services, identify areas for improvement, and gather valuable insights into users' digital needs and preferences. It further collects reasons for non-use open qualitative feedback and voluntary equity data.

Staff Survey

The service component allows library staff members to provide their perspectives on technology services. They can offer insights into the challenges faced while delivering services, identify training needs, and provide suggestions for enhancing the overall technology infrastructure and support within the library.

Availability & Usage Indicators

The service component tracks data related to the volume and uptake of technology services, such as the number of computers available, internet access speed and digital resources accessed by patrons. These indicators help measure the utilization of technology services and identify patterns and trends in digital inclusion efforts.

About Us Bridge

Benchmarking & Reporting

Benchmarking, utilizing standardized comparable data, is a vital tool for libraries, enabling them to adapt, thrive, and advocate effectively. It involves collectively measuring key metrics, pinpointing areas for improvement, and providing data insights needed for growth. This process empowers public libraries to make informed decisions, fostering digital inclusion and equity. Bridge results offer a comprehensive system-level analysis, anticipating organizational needs and trends. This evidence-based approach supports libraries in achieving strategic goals, promoting measurable and equitable outcomes for diverse communities. Assessing and enhancing technology services is integral to evaluation and accountability, allowing libraries to gauge their effectiveness in delivering promised outcomes to their communities.

Peer Group Benchmarking

Compare your data to like libraries by selecting custom peer groups; Peer Group Size (small, medium, large) or Peer Group Region (GTA, Central, Northern, Southwestern, Eastern)

Ontario Benchmarking

Compare with the collective whole, how does your library fair against all of Ontario.

Longitudinal Benchmarking

Compare two points in time. Compare current data to historical data for longitudinal analysis.

Success

Bridge Reporting

Filter by standard service

Choose what technology you want to focus on; all or a specific category or a specific technology.

Filter by demographic

Focus on equity and compare insight through demographic filters to identity desparities.

Filter by time period

Focus on a specific data range.

Ready to sign up today

Fill out our registration form to join Bridge today. Activate your FREE subscription and gain access to data that will maximize your library benefits, while minimizing your time collecting and measuring data to advocate for library sustainability and growth

Sign Up Here!
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Send an inquiry

Have questions or want to get more information on how Bridge can benefit your library?

Special thanks to the Ontario Government for their funding and ongoing support.

Visit our project website:

www.tpl.ca/impact

Have a question or need support?

bridge@tpl.ca

Platform Features

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