About Bridge

Showcasing your library's impact

Bridge is an automated platform that helps libraries measure and demonstrate the value of their technology services. Through data dashboards, surveys, and reports, Bridge provides actionable insights to:

Drive digital inclusion by measuring equity and impact.
Optimize technology resources for efficiency and continuous improvement.
Strengthen advocacy efforts and support data-driven decision-making.

Partnering with libraries across Ontario, Bridge empowers your library to tell a meaningful story about technology impact.

WHY BRIDGE

The Challenge and Opportunity

Bridge positions Ontario’s public libraries as leaders in standardized, outcome-based measurement across digital services.

In today’s world, digital access and literacy are essential for social and economic progress. Without these, individuals risk exclusion from key opportunities, creating a digital divide. Despite broadband availability, gaps in affordability and access persist, particularly in rural, remote, and low-income communities, including First Nations.

While libraries have made significant strides in advancing digital inclusion, achieving full digital equity remains a critical goal—one that Bridge can help accelerate.

WHY IT MATTERS

Aligning technology services with community needs

As technology services evolve, public libraries must continually adapt to meet the diverse and changing needs of their communities. To develop responsive services, libraries need actionable data to track service delivery, gather patron feedback, and make data-driven decisions. Bridge provides the reliable, real-time data libraries need to ensure their technology services are effectively meeting the unique needs of their communities.

WHO WE ARE

Toronto Public Library’s leadership role

Toronto Public Library (TPL) leads the charge in advocating for Bridge, working to expand its reach and amplify the collective impact of Ontario’s libraries. TPL’s commitment to automating outcome and performance measurement strengthens all libraries by providing reliable data to showcase their impact and drive digital inclusivity across the province.

WHAT WE MEASURE

Measuring the impact of your technology services

Bridge helps libraries collect and analyze data to evaluate their technology services, identify gaps, highlight strengths, and compare performance with peers across Ontario. The platform measures technology services in three key areas:

Internet Connectivity

Assess Wi-Fi access and other internet services provided by the library.

Equipment and Software

Track the use of technology resources like lending laptops, tablets, and software.

Digital Literacy Classes and Support

Measure the impact of classes and support aimed at enhancing digital skills, from basic computer use to advanced digital design.

BENEFITS OF OUR DATA SERVICES

Unlock the power of data to drive digital inclusion

Bridge equips Ontario public libraries with three essential tools to measure and demonstrate the value of their technology services:

Patron Survey

Gain actionable insights directly from library users. Understand how your technology services impact their lives and identify areas for growth to better serve your community...

Staff Survey

Leverage the expertise of your library staff. Gather their perspectives on technology services to uncover operational efficiencies and improve service delivery...

Availability & Usage Indicators

Monitor critical data on technology access and usage. Make informed decisions to optimize resources, enhance user experiences, and demonstrate the value of your services to stakeholders...

STANDARDIZED COMPARABLE DATA

Benchmarking & Reporting

Bridge leverages standardized, comparable data across Ontario to help libraries measure performance, identify strengths, and drive improvements. This consistent data enables libraries to benchmark against peers, advocate for resources, and demonstrate their impact. By using this data, libraries can make informed decisions, promote digital inclusion, and achieve measurable, equitable outcomes for their communities.

Peer Group Benchmarking

Compare your library’s data to similar libraries by selecting custom peer groups based on size (small, medium, large) or region (GTA, Central, Northern, Southwestern, Eastern).

Ontario Benchmarking

Benchmark your library against the collective data of all Ontario libraries.

Historical Benchmarking

Compare current data to historical trends for insightful, longitudinal analysis.

Success

Bridge Reporting

Filter by Service

Focus on specific technology services or categories that matter most to your library.

Filter by Demographics

Analyze equity by using demographic filters to identify disparities and ensure inclusive services.

Filter by Time Period

Focus on specific data ranges for targeted insights.

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

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

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