New Funding Announced: $3 Million Fund to Enhance Digital Libraries Across British Columbia

Note: $3 Million/CDN = $2.14 Million/USD

From The Times Colonist/CP:

Libraries across British Columbia are getting $3 million to enhance their digital services.

The Ministry of Education says the one-time investment will permit greater access to online learning and reading resources.

Direct to Full Text Article

From the Government of British Columbia

Libraries can use this new funding to provide enhanced digital and connectivity services by expanding Wi-Fi capabilities, offering community digital literacy training, enhancing online library programs and purchasing technology, such as scanners, tablets, microphones and cameras. Libraries will work together to deliver a provincewide collection of ebooks, magazines and other online services that people will be able to access with their library card.

Part of these funds, $1.8 million, will be allocated through the BC Libraries Co-operative to support electronic resource licensing and help expand online common collections for all B.C. public libraries. The additional $1.2 million will be distributed directly to libraries.

The ministry has released a new strategic plan for provincial public library services in British Columbia. The plan was developed with library partners and focuses on making sure British Columbians experience library services that are engaging, accessible and responsive to their needs.

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Quick Facts:

• Government provides $14 million in annual funding toward operating costs at B.C.’s public libraries.
• There are 71 public libraries with 249 branches throughout B.C., serving 99% of B.C.’s population.
• Over 2 million people have library cards and access the services offered through 249 locations in British Columbia.
• There are 700 library trustees, 3,900 library employees and 2,400 volunteers in B.C.’s public libraries.
• B.C.’s public libraries hold almost 6 million volumes and 3.75 million titles in ebook/e-audiobook collections, plus many other digital resources including magazines, music, learning tools and films.
• People used digital resources from B.C. public libraries over 9.5 million times in 2018, inclding 5 million ebook/e-audiobook circulations and 4.5 million uses of other digital resources.

Direct to Complete BC Government Announcement

See Also: Provincial Strategic Plan for Public Library Service 2020
14 pages; PDF.

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, News, Public Libraries