About the Consumer Health Information Service (CHIS)
The Consumer Health Information Service (CHIS) supports people in gaining greater control over their own health through access to health information.
CHIS can help you access a wide range of health and medical information, but CHIS does not give medical advice or interpretation. Information provided by CHIS does not imply recommendation or endorsement. It is not a substitute for consultation with a health professional.
CHIS is located on the third floor of the Toronto Reference Library in downtown Toronto. In Toronto, you can reach us at 416-393-7056, or by fax at 416-393-7181.
CHIS is accessible remotely providing access for all Ontarians to health information. You can reach us through the Toronto Public Library web site or by telephone at 1-800-667-1999 (outside local calling area only).
CHIS is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and serves the people of Ontario. CHIS is part of the Ontario Health Promotion Resource System (OHPRS), a coordinated, well-understood and easily accessed system that effectively supports health promoters.
Our collections and reference services
For residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Walk in: Residents in Toronto and environs can visit the Consumer Health Information Service and use the collection directly. Materials cannot be borrowed, but a photocopier is available.
We are open to the public at the following times:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from noon to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m.
Telephone: For those unable to visit our collection, brief telephone reference service is available at 416-393-7056 during the hours listed above. We do not give drug information over the phone.
Referrals: Staff will suggest referrals to other agencies, organizations and collections when appropriate.
Resources you can use:
- An up-to-date periodical collection of consumer health books, pamphets, magazines, newsletters and professional journals.
- Electronic databases, such as Health and Wellness Resource Center and Alt-HealthWatch.
- Information files on specific health topics including selected newspaper clippings, pamphlets, reading lists, popular magazine articles, review articles from professional journals and other materials
- Lists of consumer health books, magazines and other materials that would be useful to public libraries, health libraries, health agencies and health care providers across the province (available online)
- Lists of self-help groups, community and provincial health organizations and agencies and other health-related agencies and associations.
For Ontarians residing outside the GTA
Toll-free 1-800-667-1999 (Ontario only)
Upon request, information packages can be prepared for those living outside the local calling area. We will send you free, confidential health information relating to your specific health concern.
This service is available Monday to Thursday mornings (10 a.m. to 12 noon) and Wednesday afternoons (2 p.m. and 4 p.m.).
Additional services
Research guides
We produce a number of brief research guides on specific health topics. These Health Navigators list a selection of books, magazine articles, and self-help groups to help you find information on specific topics.
User education
Locating reliable health information on the Internet: In this hands-on course you will learn to find health information you can trust and understand using the Internet, the Virtual Reference Library, and TPL's health databases. The following page pertains to this hands-on course: Locating reliable health information on the Internet
Comment trouver des renseignements santé fiables sur l'Internet : Cet atelier pratique vous aidera à trouver des renseignements santé fiables sur l'Internet, dans la bibliothèque de référence virtuelle et dans les bases de données commerciales offertes par plusieurs bibliothèques. La page suivante a trait à cet atelier : Comment trouver des renseignements santé fiables sur l'Internet
You and your health: We also run a series of health talks, where a knowledgeable speaker addresses a health topic of interest to the general community.
Excellence in consumer health information
CHIS is fortunate to be under the leadership of Susan Murray, considered one of the foremost consumer health librarians in the country:
- article by Dean Giustini
- Health librarians' wiki article