The Toronto Reference Library, once known as the Metropolitan Reference Library, is not only a staple for the city of Toronto but it is also known as the largest public reference library in Canada. The name change of this iconic library was prompted in 1998 due to its incorporation into the Toronto Public Library system.
A grant of $350,000 from Andrew Carnegie in 1903 enabled Toronto to create this monumental reference library (Beckman, Black and Langmead 98). While Toronto received a very large grant, it was not the only city to be gifted by a donation from this generous benefactor. By 1920, Carnegie had provided about $50,000,000 for the construction of 2500 buildings (Harris 246). Though the Toronto Reference Library was initially located at the northwest corner of College and St. George Street, a new location was proposed in 1972; the first was taken over by the University of Toronto as a student centre and a bookstore.
This library remains as one of the three largest libraries in the city; a five-story building of 416,035 square feet designed by the architect Raymond Moriyama. A poll taken in 1982 revealed that the Metropolitan Toronto libraries were ranked number one as the busiest libraries in Ontario, with 53 percent of adult respondents having visited the libraries (Denis 24). Today, the Toronto Reference Library is a member of the world’s busiest urban public library system, the Toronto Public Library system (Evans and Savard 144).
The Toronto Reference Library has remained popular and active due to the innovations they have achieved over the years. In early 1996 the Toronto Reference Library introduced its integrated information system called WorldVue. This personal computer-based system supports access to the catalogue, electronic databases and the Internet. In more recent years, the Toronto Reference Library has introduced the Virtual Reference Library, an application which allows patrons to visit the library virtually (Wayne and Scardellato 184). This library provides free internet access throughout the building, access to computers at no cost, as well as access to the Digital Design Studio, information and reference services, art exhibit space, a piano practice room, and many other useful novelties. As well as technological innovations, The Toronto Reference Library has implemented programs such as urban stories: next chapter which encourages youth and civic engagement youth to volunteer to gain volunteer hours, build leadership and interpersonal skills, and give youth a chance to connect with youth (Lacroix 32).
In recent years, there has been an obvious rise in the prevalence of the use of media in schools across the world. Although critics take issue with the way in which an acceptance of popular media in schools nurtures a consumerist identity, most support accompanying it with lessons in critical media literacy through which students learn to deconstruct commercial texts (Ferguson 138). This recent phenomenon, the use media in aspects of daily life, is aiding in the progression and popularity of the Toronto Reference Library. Due to the expression of the digital age – people spending a great deal of time doing social networking, people have an increased hunger for actual face-to-face human contact. Due to this factor, programs held at the Toronto Reference Library are often sold out very quickly (Medley).
Ontario public libraries contribute both directly and indirectly to the Ontario economy and have an important economic and job creation role; public libraries are offering important electronic access services to the public as we shift to a knowledge-based economy (Sawyer 25). Despite the usefulness of public libraries in Ontario, there is strife regarding the way which a library should be run. The Toronto Public Library Workers Union will be in a strike position on March 18 (Moloney). CUPE Local 79 and The Toronto Public Library Workers Union held a press conference to discuss the issues; the library union accused the board of trying to create part-time rather than full-time work, while Local 79 accused the city of trying to prevent part-time employees from selecting work hours based on seniority (Peat).
The Toronto Reference Library serves as a tool of information, education, recreation, and celebration. The prospects of this ever-changing facility are bright; its fresh innovations and rising popularity are sure to guarantee a long and fruitful future.
Works Cited
Beckman, Margaret, Stephen Langmead, and John Black. The Best Gift: A Record of the Carnegie Libraries in Ontario. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1984. Print.
Daniels, Wayne and Kathy Scardellato. “Past into future: capturing library expertise in a virtual library.” Library Hi Tech, Volume 17 – Number 2. Bradford, Ontario. MCB University Press, 1999. 181-188. Print.
Evans, Gwynneth and Rejean Savard. “Canadian Libraries on the Agenda: their accomplishments and directions.” IFLA Journal. Sage Publications Ltd., 2008. 127-159. Print.
Ferguson, Susan. “Classroom Contradictions: Popular media in Ontario schools’ literacy and citizenship education policies.” Education, Citizenship and Social Justice. Sage Publications Ltd., 2011.137-151. Print.
Harris, Michael H. History of Libraries in the Western World. 4th Ed. Lanham , Md., and London: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1995. Print.
Lacroix, Yvon-Andre, ed. Reaching Out: Innovation in Canadian Libraries. Quebec: Les Presses de l’Universite Laval, 2008. Print.
Laurent-G, Denis, ed. “Libraries and Librarianship in Canada.” IFLA Journal. Sage Publications Ltd., 1982. 11-41. Print.
Medley, Mark. “Library aims to attract the hip, bookish under-40 set.” National Post (2012): n.pag. news.nationalpost.com. Web. 10 Mar 2012.
Moloney, Paul. “Toronto Public Library relying more on part timers, CUPE says.” Star (2012): n.pag. thestar.com. Web. 10 Mar 2012.
Peat, Don. “City still on track for library strike.” Toronto Sun (2012): n.pag. torontosun.com. Web. 10 Mar 2012.
Sawyer, Rod. “The economic and job creation benefits of Ontario public libraries.” The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, Volume 9 – Number 4. Bradford, Ontario. MCB University Press, 1996. 14-26. Print.