Creating the Ontario Digital Library Sketching the Scenario

What’s behind all this? Rapidly changing technological, social & political environment Digital divide Shrinking budgets Increased user demand & diversity Knowledge-creation process is too slow & bogged down

In the midst of this chaotic, stressful, challenging & opportunistic environment, a vision has begun to emerge…

…of The Ontario Digital Library As an Ontario citizen, whether I’m in Tiny Town, Ontario or Toronto, the Ontario Digital Library is there for me – with the advice & resources I need to grow & develop throughout my life.

An Ontario Digital Library Advice Content Collaboration Equity Service Synergy Is about Access

Its Purpose: what will it do? Provide broader access to content & services Leverage purchasing power & maximize shared use of existing services & resources Enable a society of learners Harness economies of scale Speak with one voice Create organized digital space Place libraries as the catalyst in transforming access to information & creating knowledge

Its Principles: how will it work? With: Equitable access Shared decision-making Shared governance model Shared accountability Shared funding A focus on citizens A recognition of stakeholders’ diversity A balance of inclusivity & universality An underlying assumption of trust

Driving Forces: Why will stakeholders support it? What’s in it for us? What’s in it for our funders? What’s in it for Ontario citizens?

What’s in it for us? Positive broad-based approach for:  delivering value-add services & vast array of resources to an increasingly demanding, diverse clientele  reducing the digital divide in our communities  going beyond our institutional & geographic boundaries to extend our operations, resources & services  helping our staff develop competencies required for this new environment  increasing our ROI & purchasing power  positioning ourselves in this new & evolving marketplace

What’s in it for our funders? Something that makes a difference Progressive model that contributes to:  economic development  effective use of tax dollars  increasing accountability  creating a society of learners Competitive advantage that:  empowers Ontario citizens with knowledge, information & enhanced thinking skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive & complex global environment  develops a population with, & a competitive, skilled workforce & business environment

What’s in it for Ontario citizens? A One Citizen Approach  No longer ‘handed off’ from one system to another  Enabled to learn & participate in one continuum of library services all the way thru their lives  A one taxpayer perspective

Key Issues: what will make this work? Common understanding of & commitment to ODL vision, goals & principles Strategies for meeting different mandates & different needs  a workable multi-faceted, equitable model Standards Quick wins

What needs to happen next? Create the “Catalyst Team” to design the concept & process Develop the case & scenarios Clearly define the problems & possible solutions  Leverage work & accomplishments already completed  Document impact of collaborative approaches  Build momentum among constituents  Find process money  Communicate, listen & connect

Remember our primary purpose: “To bring together human beings and recorded knowledge in as fruitful a relationship as is humanly possible.” Jesse Shera

W. David Penniman AT&T Bell Labs, 1989 Status quo is not an option To remain what it is, the library must change.....if it does not change, it will not remain what it is. Back