About Southern ontario library service
Southern Ontario Library Service: Delivering Exceptional Programs and Services
The Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2021. It is mandated to deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. SOLS serves over 200 public libraries in southern Ontario, providing them with access to resources, training opportunities, and support services.
At SOLS, we believe that libraries are essential community hubs that provide access to information, education, and entertainment. Our mission is to help public libraries thrive by providing them with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.
Our Programs
We offer a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of public libraries in southern Ontario. These include:
1. Interlibrary Loan: This program allows library patrons to borrow materials from other participating libraries across the province.
2. Continuing Education: We offer training opportunities for library staff on topics such as customer service, technology skills development, collection management and more.
3. E-Resources: We provide access to a variety of digital resources including eBooks, eAudiobooks and online databases.
4. Consulting Services: Our team provides consulting services on various topics such as strategic planning for library boards or developing community partnerships.
5. Youth Services: We offer programming support for children's librarians including summer reading clubs and early literacy initiatives.
6. Accessibility Services: We work with libraries across southern Ontario to ensure their facilities are accessible for all members of their communities.
Our Support Services
In addition to our programs we also provide support services designed specifically for public libraries in southern Ontario:
1.Technical Support - Our technical team provides assistance with hardware/software issues related specifically towards library systems.
2.Marketing & Communications - Our marketing team helps promote events/programs hosted by our member Libraries through social media channels like Facebook/Twitter/Instagram etc.
3.Financial Support - We provide financial support to libraries in the form of grants and funding opportunities.
4. Resource Sharing - We facilitate resource sharing between libraries, allowing them to share materials and reduce costs.
5. Advocacy - We advocate on behalf of public libraries at the provincial level, ensuring that they receive the funding and support they need to continue serving their communities effectively.
Our Impact
Since our inception, we have had a significant impact on public libraries in southern Ontario. Our programs and services have helped these institutions thrive by providing them with access to resources, training opportunities, and support services. As a result, library patrons across southern Ontario have access to high-quality collections of books, digital resources and other materials that enrich their lives.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from various organizations including the Canadian Library Association (CLA) which awarded us with its prestigious "Library Service Award" in 2021 for our outstanding contributions towards promoting library services across Southern Ontario.
Conclusion
The Southern Ontario Library Service is committed to helping public libraries thrive by providing them with access to resources, training opportunities, and support services. Our programs are designed specifically for public libraries in southern Ontario while our support services are tailored towards meeting their unique needs. With over 200 member Libraries under our umbrella we strive every day towards making sure that each one receives exceptional service from SOLS team members who are dedicated professionals working tirelessly behind-the-scenes so that your local library can continue serving its community effectively!