Innisfil Public Library introduces Knowledge Ontario
by Michelle Minnoch

Mandy Pethick gave a demonstration of Knowledge Ontario. photo by Michelle Minnoch

The Lakeshore Branch of the Innisfil Public Library held a kick off to their new resource based service, Knowledge Ontario on Wednesday, February 14th.

"We are used to the people coming into the library," said Chief Librarian Susan Downs. "This is a resource that can be used at the library or at home, and can be used by people of all ages."

Knowledge Ontario is a group of collected resources in which people can access millions of articles from sources including newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, reference books, and so much more.

Librarian Mandy Pethick, who outlined the program, said all people have to do is go onto the Innisfil Public Library website (www.innisfil. library.on.ca) and click on the Knowledge Ontario tab.

"People will have access to millions of articles they would otherwise not have access to," she said. "It's all in a database and it's easy for people to use."

Those who are in the Knowledge Ontario section of the website can use a basic word search to find the materials they are looking for. There is also a section for more search options, where complete articles can be viewed.

Articles can be printed, downloaded or emailed.

Knowledge Ontario will give students access to millions of pieces of information.

"This is a great tool for students working on a project," said Pethick, saying high school and students in grades 6 - 8 will benefit from the service.

For the younger students, in grades 1 - 5, Knowledge Ontario has a section called Kids Info Bits. This area displays topics, as well as pictures, in order for younger students to find information at their level. In this section, children can look at reference material, magazines, n e w s p a p e r s , m a p s / f l a g s / s e a l s , charts/graphs, and images.

Downs said the biggest change is that the library is now expanding their resources. "This is very exciting for Innisfil," she said. "Staff is here to help people find a way through this, and we also have the Ask a Librarian online feature." Downs said having municipal barriers when it comes to libraries is very difficult, and Knowledge Ontario side steps those issues.

People who have been set up with an Innisfil Library card also have been given a password. The password is needed to enter into Knowledge Ontario. Those who do not remember their password can go to or call their local library for the information.

This is the first step of many for the Innisfil Public Library system in regards to this project; Our Ontario, History Ontario, Video Ontario, Teach Ontario, and more will be coming as the next phase of the project.

"This is a tremendous asset for us," acknowledged Downs. "We are putting the emphasis on resources, and certainly this will be a huge benefit to our residents."

Some of the available online resources through Knowledge Ontario include Canadian Periodicals, Info Trac Students, Kids Info Bits, National Newspaper Index, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Academic One File, Health and Wellness Resource Centre, and General Reference Centre.

For more information, visit or call your local branch of the Innisfil Public Library.