Medical Databases Available Through Public Libraries

Finding accurate, up-to-date medical information is a mouse click away for Nova Scotians.

Public libraries now offer free access to the Cochrane Library, a collection of databases in medicine and other health-care specialties that summarize and interpret the results of high-quality medical research. The results of clinical trials, assessments in health-care technology and medical reviews are readily available in a plain-language format.

The Cochrane Library can be accessed at public libraries or remotely through library websites for those with a valid library card.

"I am pleased that our public libraries have been involved in bringing the Cochrane Library to Nova Scotians. This is just one example of the innovative services accessible through our public libraries," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "Nova Scotians can access reliable health-care information that is easily understood from the comfort and privacy of their homes."

Access to the Cochrane Library for all Nova Scotians is provided and licensed by the Atlantic Health Knowledge Partnership, an association between health and academic libraries and Nova Scotia's public libraries.

"The Cochrane Library is built on the partnership between health-care providers and their patients. We are delighted to expand access to the Cochrane Library to all Nova Scotians," said Patrick Ellis, chair of the Atlantic Health Knowledge Partnership.

The library's collection of databases was previously available only to health practitioners, but is now accessible to more than two billion people in 15 countries, including two other Canadian provinces and three territories. It is administered by the Cochrane Consortium, an independent, international not-for-profit organization.

More than one-third of Nova Scotians are active library users. Individuals who do not have a library card can apply for one at a local library or online. See the website at http://publiclibraries.ns.ca for branch information.