Libraries and Justice

“Trusted” or “key” intermediaries are the “go-to” people who help find and use information and services. They are known in their communities as “credible sources of help”.

Library staff in Ontario are ideally placed to serve as key intermediaries in distributing legal information and referrals to library patrons. Public libraries, law libraries and courthouse libraries host dozens or hundreds of people a day, many of whom might be dealing with legal problems.

Libraries and justice partnerships have helped improve access to legal information and services in Ontario and other jurisdictions. To learn more about how libraries and justice organizations can work together, visit our Libraries and Justice Partnerships page.

CLEO has also created a webinar for library staff who want to learn about helping their patrons find good legal information. To view the webinar or learn how to book an in person training at your library, visit our Training for Library Staff page.

Interested in learning more about libraries and justice partnerships? Check out these links:

• information about CLEO’s past and present work with libraries
• a report about a libraries and justice partnership project in Eastern Ontario

And, check out CLEO’s online scan of libraries and justice partnerships in Ontario and other jurisdictions.