The
Southwestern Ontario Health Libraries Information Network
(SOHLIN) is comprised of health libraries, their staff
and all persons interested in promoting and providing
access to health information and resources to health
professionals and communities in Southwestern Ontario.
In 2007, SOHLIN was formed out of the merger of two Southwestern Ontario health library associations - the Windsor area group known as SOHLIN and the London and Area Health Libraries Association (LAHLA).
WAHLA
When
the Windsor area association was formed in 1971, it was referred
to as the Windsor Hospitals Library Group and two years
later became Windsor Area Health Librarians Association
(WAHLA). In 1998, due to progressive growth and
expanded locations of its membership, the organization
was re-named Southwestern Ontario Health Libraries Information
Network (SOHLIN).
The organization's formation is credited to three Windsor
School of Nursing librarians who met at a library workshop
in Toronto over three decades ago. Today, there are
16 members representing health libraries in hospitals,
public health, academic and government environments
and non-profit organizations from a wide range of geographic
communities across Southwestern Ontario.
LAHLA
In September 1977 a meeting was held at the University of Western Ontario between the University's Health Sciences Library staff, under Larry Lewis, and the local hospital librarians to discuss the "delivery of service between Hospital Libraries and the Health Sciences Library." Shortly thereafter, on February 23, 1978 the first meeting of the London Hospital Librarians group was held at University Hospital with representatives from London Psychiatric Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, University Hospital, Victorial Hospital, Victoria School of Nursing, War Memorial Children's Hospital, and CPRI (and UWO Health Sciences Library).
In 1981, the London Hospital Librarians group drafted new terms of reference and invited "librarians from the surrounding London area to join our group and to name the association 'London Area Hospital Librarians'". The LAHL Committee became the London Hospital Libraries Association (LAHLA) in 1987 when it became an official chapter of CHLA/ABSC.
Over the years LAHLA endeavoured to facilitate communication and cooperation amongst the members, advance continuing education and professional development, and build and strengthen relationships with other groups including CHLA and OHLA. One of those groups was the Windsor group with which LAHLA joined forces in 2007 to form the current SOHLIN group.
SOHLIN
is proud of its distinction as the first official chapter
of the Canadian Health Libraries Association,
(CHLA/ABSC). Meetings are scheduled twice annually -
Spring and Fall. A business meeting, with an educational
component, in addition to guest speakers and topical
discussions, represent a typical meeting. Networking
and resource sharing are ongoing throughout the year.
Membership is open to all persons interested in the
provision of health library services. A Membership
Form (PDF), can be downloaded and sent with payment
to the Treasurer of SOHLIN.
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