FAQs for Researchers

We have compiled information to help you assess your research project against our criteria, and to provide you with useful alternatives.

What are the guidelines for conducting research at Toronto Public Library?
TPL's Research Participation Policy outlines the requirements for conducting research at the library, including conducting research that takes place in a library branch or that involves library customers.

Please contact us at research@tpl.ca prior to planning your research project. A Research Participation Agreement must be signed between the researcher and the library upon approval of a research request.
What is a Research Participation Agreement?
The Research Participation Agreement is a document signed between the library and the researcher. It clarifies and confirms mutual expectations and commitments between the researcher and the library.
How do I apply to conduct research at TPL?
Thank you for considering TPL for your research proposal. New research requests are not being accepted at this time. Please check back in early 2025 to see if we are accepting new requests.
What kinds of research would TPL not engage in?
TPL will consider a research request only if it is within the scope of the Research Participation Policy, and where there is organizational capacity to support the research proposed.

The Library's priority is to support research that contributes to development, enhancement and evaluation of its facilities, programs and services. The Library does not support research where the Library's support or participation would undermine the Library's vision, mission, or values.
Are there ethics considerations for research requests submitted to TPL?
Researchers must provide proof of approval of their research proposal by their institution's Research Ethics Board. The library will not approve research that does not meet the ethics requirements outlined in the Research Participation Policy.
What is open data?
Through its Open Data Policy, the library provides machine readable, non-proprietary data sets for the public good.
Will TPL help to advertise a research initiative that is looking to recruit participants where the research will not take place in a library branch?
TPL’s Display and Distribution of Information for the Public Policy identifies that we do not generally display or distribute information that is an invitation to participate in a survey or research project that we are not a partner or sponsor of.
What resources will TPL provide for a research project? Will TPL help to advertise an accepted research request?
The Research Participation Agreement will state what services or resources the library will provide to the researcher, and is dependent on availability of staff and operational capacity in the branch.
Am I required to make my research available to the public?
Yes. The terms of the Research Participation Agreement include a condition that the researcher agree to make the results of the study freely available to the library and the public.
Does TPL provide any funding for research requests?
The library does not provide research funding.
May I interview a specific staff member or manager whom I have identified based on their job title?
Please review the Research Participation Policy to verify if your request is within the scope of the Policy and contact research@tpl.ca with the details of your request.

If you are a student looking to speak to a staff member as part of a course assignment, please download and fill out a Student Interview Request Form (PDF) and submit to research@tpl.ca.
Can I request information for journalistic purposes?
If you have a media inquiry, please contact media@tpl.ca.
My research will result in for-profit data products. Is it eligible under the Research Participation Policy?
The library will not engage in research that is of a commercial nature or for profit.

Through its Open Data Policy, the library provides machine readable, non-proprietary data sets for the public good. These data are royalty-free and can be used for commercial purposes subject to terms and conditions in the Policy.

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