Case study
Nation-wide study enabling Canadian urban library systems to demonstrate social impact and secure future funding
"The national impact study carried out by It depends and IS IT A BIRD has been a game changer for how we talk about public libraries in Canada. Thank you to the team for going above and beyond!" – Mary Chevreau, Executive Director of CULC
Need
Faced with structural issues like digitisation and dwindling foot traffic, funding for urban libraries all over Canada was being cut. The Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) needed a novel way of illustrating library impact beyond conventional metrics, to aid in fundraising and advocacy work locally, regionally, and nationally.
Solution
We carried out a large-scale impact assessment study, demonstrating how public libraries positively impact individuals, communities, and society. Measuring impact along intellectual, emotional, social, and creative dimensions, the study provided CULC with a new way of speaking about libraries’ role in Canadian society – opening avenues of influence with municipal councillors and stakeholders across the country.
Process
Research design in collaboration with a steering committee of library executives from across Canada. Quantitative data collection through 26 actively participating library systems and external vendors. National summary report presented at the Ontario Library Super Conference. Conducted in partnership with IS IT A BIRD / Implement Consulting Group.
Impact assessment · Public infrastructure
+18,000
quantitative survey responses collected across Canada in English and French.
53
Canadian urban library systems covered, with active participation in data collection from 26 systems.
12
impact reports, informing PR strategy, advocacy work, and stakeholder engagement across the country.
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