Canadian Health Network

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ave you visited your public library lately? You might be surprised at what you'll find!

Every year during the third week in October, public libraries across Canada celebrate Public Library Week. The event recognizes the important contribution libraries make to the economic health and quality of life in our communities. Preserving and providing access to information in all its forms, Canada's public libraries exist to meet the information needs of Canadians.

			CHN and public libraries have a valued connection
			From its beginning, the Canadian Health Network has had strong ties to public libraries and recognized the valuable skills of information professionals. In addition to having Canada's two largest public library systems on board, -- the Vancouver and Toronto Public libraries -- there are approximately twenty five staff working for CHN from coast to coast who have training in library and information studies. These information professionals are trained to critically evaluate, organize, and increase accessibility to e-health information in English and French and have applied these skills in building and maintaining the high-quality CHN collection of bilingual resources. Librarians have been and continue to be, enthusiastic supporters of CHN. Libraries play a vital role in disseminating consumer health information and they are one of the first places people go to find information on their health. Librarians also understand the value of being able to turn to CHN as a trustworthy and reliable, high-quality source for online health information. CHN has worked together with public libraries from west to east in both large urban centres and small rural communities. Using a number of different approaches - giving training sessions, mailing promotional materials, -- including bookmarks! -- creating resource guides, participating in library conferences, and publishing in library newsletters and journals, CHN has enjoyed tremendous support from public librarians who have helped introduce CHN to the Canadian public. We look forward to continued collaboration!

• Public libraries are lifelong learning centres, promoting the desire to learn, read, share knowledge and explore ideas.
• Public libraries reach Canadians in every community, enhancing our lives by providing access to information and technology.
• Public libraries are readily accessible to Canadians of all ages, needs and levels of education.

• Public librarians are the ultimate 'search engines'.
• Public librarians are information resource experts, connecting people with quality information.
• Public librarians are trainers, researchers, storytellers, and caretakers of knowledge.

• Looking for a great bedtime story?
• Needing to trace your family history?
• Re-writing your resume?
• Help is as close as your nearest public library and reaching your public library has never been easier. From a telephone call to a "virtual visit," your question is always welcome.

• Public libraries across Canada deliver a wide variety of programming - from language learning, to job searching, to finding health information online.
• Public librarians offer instruction to all users on how to become self-sufficient information seekers, recommending authoritative print and electronic resources.
• No matter what your interest, your public library can deliver!

• From virtual reference to digitization, it's happening at your public library.
• Looking to see what's new with your public library? Find your library here.