VALA2024 SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Wednesday 10th July 2024, 9.10 – 10.10am
Vickery Bowles
- City Librarian
- Toronto Public Library
Steve Till-Rogers
- Director of Digital Strategy and Chief Information Officer
- Toronto Public Library
ONLINE PRESENTATION!
Presentation
Abstract
In late October 2023, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) fell victim to a cyber-attack, joining a growing list of organizations worldwide facing such threats. This incident disrupted operations and many customer services for months, highlighting that even cultural institutions are not immune to cybercrime.
TPL staff responded swiftly, immediately working to remediate and recover technology services. While many online systems were unavailable, branches remained open, and staff continued to provide in-person services, demonstrating the library’s resilience.
Recovering from a cyber-attack is a complex and time-consuming process. The TPL team carefully and methodically restored services for patrons while simultaneously rebuilding trust in this beloved institution. Their approach balanced the need for thorough security measures with the importance of maintaining public confidence.
In today’s presentation, you’ll hear from TPL’s City Librarian and Director of Digital Strategy as they share their experience of:
- Responding to the initial cyber attack
- Navigating the recovery process
- Implementing enhanced security measures
- Rebuilding public trust and customer confidence
Learn how the Toronto Public Library emerged from this challenge stronger and more prepared than ever to serve its community while safeguarding against future cyber threats.
Biography
Vickery Bowles is the City Librarian at Toronto Public Library (TPL), which delivers services through a network of 100 branches and online channels. She believes passionately in the difference public libraries make in the lives of individuals, in communities and cities. Vickery has advanced TPL’s strategic plan to support opening up public spaces, digital access and inclusion, workforce development, democratic values and civic engagement and an innovative service culture, and is currently leading the development of a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. Vickery is a former Chair of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) based in Washington, D.C., a member of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and a Board member for the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL).
Steve Till-Rogers is the Director of Digital Strategy and Chief Information Officer with the Toronto Public Library. TPL is Canada’s largest public library with 100 branches located throughout Toronto. Steve leads delivery of TPL’s Digital Strategy to support IT service modernization, innovation and digital access. Prior to joining Toronto Public Library, Steve was the Director of Technology Services with Edmonton Public Library. During his time at EPL, Steve deployed new technologies and digital experiences within the library including The Wall, at the Stanley A. Milner Library. An experienced executive leader with expertise within public libraries and financial services. Steve has been acknowledged as a creative pioneer of emerging technologies, skilled in IT strategy, project management, and business process improvement.
This work is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International.