October 6, 2011

Kootenay Library Conference October 4, 2013

Connecting the Unconnected: Library assistance for those who need it most

Janet Freeman, LawMatters Program

Overview

CLBC Programs for the public: LawStartBC

CLBC website and legal reference help

Legal information resources to help low income people:

LawMatters referral tools for librarians

Legal Help for British Columbians

Websites Clicklaw and PovNet

A website featuring plain language legal information and education for the public in BC.

A search tool to find someone in your community who can help with legal problems.

A program that helps public libraries in BC in provide current legal information.

A non-profit that works to enhance access to legal information & assistance for the legal community and the public in BC.

30 courthouse branches in BC

in-depth law books & free use of legal databases on public access computers

assistance from law librarians (in Vancouver and 6 regional libraries or 1.800.665.2570)

website courthouselibrary.ca features legal information aimed at legal community

Or email: librarian@courthouselibrary.ca

Since 2008, LawMatters has provided grants, recommended titles for purchase, and training on how to do legal reference.

35,000-40,000 questions with a legal dimension asked in public libraries every year (LawMatters Evaluation and Survey Report, 2010)

bclawmatters.ca and

bclawmatters.blogspot.ca

Forums have been held in Chilliwack, Squamish, Nanaimo, Duncan, Courtenay, Coquitlam, and Prince George.

Forum goal is “to provide an opportunity for local legal information providers to meet, update information and discuss local legal information issues,

Community forums

LawMatters handout #1: toll-free numbers

LawMatters handout #2: Legal Advice and Representation on a Budget (excerpt)

Legal Help for British Columbians: A guide to help non-legal professionals make legal referrals for their clients

40 common legal problems of low income clients

Describes first steps and further resources

Directory of 60 legal resources

Online version updated frequently:

wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca

Download as PDF or EPUB

Available In print format at public libraries

Legal Help for British Columbians online currency

Wiki pages can be updated immediately to reflect changes to the law.

The bottom of each page indicates currency.

Clicklaw (at clicklaw.bc.ca)

A website that is trustworthy point of entry to information on a range of websites…

…is freely available and aimed at the public in BC (and those assisting them)…

…connecting people with plain language legal information and places to go for law-related help

Public legal information includes:

what are my legal rights and

responsibilities?

how do I ask for what I'm entitled to?

how do I avoid or solve a legal

problem?

how can I use the justice system in an

effective way?

Clicklaw common questions

If I don’t get welfare this month I’ll lose my housing

My landlord hasn’t carried out repairs. Can I stop paying rent?

I want information about subsidized housing for seniors

What does the judge consider in sentencing an Aboriginal person?

I know a family who has just immigrated. What information would help them?

PovNet (at povnet.org)

Some answers using Clicklaw and toll-free list: Q #1

Some answers using Clicklaw and toll-free list: Q #2

Some answers using Clicklaw and toll-free list: Q #3