Knowledge Ontario Celebrates Minister of Culture $5 Million Investment in Library Digital Resources

Toronto, Ontario –(Jan. 29, 2009) – Students researching school assignments; people planning or changing careers, or repairing their car; advice on health and wellness or the latest consumer products. The suite of electronic databases just negotiated by Knowledge Ontario has something to improve the lives of all Ontarians. Timely, reliable information at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.These authoritative, online databases, made available through library websites, build a foundation of knowledge for all of Ontario. “Without Knowledge Ontario’s leadership, most Ontario communities and many smaller school boards would be without these critical learning resources,” says Lisa Radha Weaver, President of the Ontario School Libraries Association. This two year initiative of Knowledge Ontario was made possible through a $5 million investment from the Ministry of Culture, Government of Ontario.

Ontario sees the value in making this wealth of information accessible to all Ontarians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll made the connection in announcing the databases on January 29: “Through this initiative, Ontarians will be able to access a variety of electronic resources to meet their research and learning needs. Bridging the digital divide in our public and First Nations libraries helps make our communities stronger and more vibrant.”

Since 2007, when the initial two year initiative was launched, the databases have been accessed more than 70 million times. The new additions – among them career cruising, teen health and wellness, auto repair and expanded francophone resources – complement the scholarly journals, kids info, newspapers and magazine archives that have been so popular.

“With the depth and breadth of resources available, the Knowledge Ontario library partners continue to extend the foundation of knowledge needed to succeed in the knowledge economy,” states Peter Rogers, chair of the Knowledge Ontario Board. “These databases are available from anywhere in Ontario to anyone with a library or student card and internet access.”

For a full list of databases: http://resourceontario.pbwiki.com/FrontPage

For information and to arrange interviews with library sector representatives,

Louise Slobodian, communications, 416-875-7612 (cell)

– Public libraries: Jane Horrocks, CEO, Richmond Hill Public Library

– University libraries: Faye Abrams, Ontario Council of University Libraries

– College libraries: Eva McDonald, The Bibliocentre

– School libraries: Lisa Radha Weaver, President of the Ontario School Libraries Association

For more information, please contact

For comment: Knowledge Ontario
Peter Rogers
Chair
Cell (647) 281-4267

or
Knowledge Ontario
David Thornley
Executive Director
Cell (647) 801-2476
Website: www.knowledgeontario.ca

or
Resource Ontario
Gerda Molson, Project Manger
(selecting and negotiating the databases)
Cell (289) 257-8075