Measuring the Social Impact of Toronto Public Library
Enabling Torontonians to Grow and Thrive: Measuring the Social Impact of Toronto Public Library is a ground breaking study that provides an empirical, evidence-based measurement approach. This approach moves beyond traditional statistical reporting measures — like number of visits and uses of services — and helps us better understand the ways that Toronto Public Library (TPL) services actually impact library users.
Toronto Public Library partnered with innovative Danish firm Seismonaut. Together we take a unique approach that is the first of its kind in North America to measure the value of the library and its services using their Experience Impact Compass.
Toronto Public Library’s value reaches far beyond the economic impact of dollars and cents. It profoundly touches people’s lives, and our new Social Impact Study measures this previously unquantifiable value.
The results prove how vital the Toronto Public Library is to the city, enabling Torontonians to grow and thrive, and demonstrate the need to continue to invest in library services at a time when social cohesion is more important than ever.
The study was made possible by a generous donation through the Toronto Public Library Foundation (TPLF) from Richard and Joan Boxer, one of the founding members of the TPLF.