About the Network

• Overview
• Resources and Services
• Location and Hours
• How to Contact Us
• Funding for the Center
• Related Sites

Overview

The Consumer Health Information Network, located at the New Haven Free Public Library, provides medical books, databases, and reference services to members of the public free of charge. It is a collaborative project between the New Haven Free Public Library and the Cushing / Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, with funding provided by a grant from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.

The Network covers a wide range of topics and materials and assists those seeking health and wellness material (e.g., diet, fitness, exercise, etc.), information on hospitals and doctors, and medical information. A sampling of topics and resources is listed below.

Resources and Services

Reference Service

Reference librarians are available to assist patrons with medical questions. Questions may be asked in person, over the phone or through E-mail at refdesk@nhfpl.org (see How to Contact Us below).

Computers

The Network's computers provide access to health and medical information on the Internet, including licensed medical databases. Librarians are available to assist patrons with using the computers; call 946-7452 for more information about assitance. Two computers are available at the Main Library, and one computer is available at each of the branches.

Books and Other Material

Books on a variety of topics are available to consult and check out (see list of sample topics above). Journals, magazines, and videos are also included in the Network's collection. The majority of material is housed in the Main Library.

Location and Hours

Location:

Most of the Health Network's resources are located on the lower level of the Main Library, which is in downtown New Haven. While reference services are available at all locations, the Main Library has the majority of books, periodicals, and other material. Of the Network's five computers, two are available at the Main Library, and one at each of the three branches: Fair Haven, Mitchell, and Stetson.

Maps and directions:

• Main Library
• Branch Libraries

Hours:

The Network is open during the same hours as the Library:

• Library Hours

How to Contact the Health Network

For medical questions and questions about the Health Network:

Mail:

Reference Department
New Haven Free Public Library
133 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510

Phone and Fax:

Area Code: 203
Phone: 946-7452
Fax: 946-7451 or 946-8699 (c/o Health Information Network)

Email:

refdesk@nhfpl.org

Funding for the Network

The Cushing / Whitney Medical Library, Yale University and the New Haven Free Public Library received a grant from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine to establish a New Haven Health Information Center to address consumer health questions. The $43,885 grant will be used to bring medical information to the New Haven community through reference service, books and other material, Internet terminals and database subscriptions.

For more information on the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, visit their Web site at http://nnlm.gov/.

Related Sites

Cushing / Whitney Medical Library
Located in the Yale School of Medicine near Yale-New Haven Hospital, the Cushing / Whitney Medical Library is open to the public on a limited basis. In addition to books and journals geared for professionals, their collection includes consumer health books and, in their ready reference room, exam preparation books for those entering the health care field. Call (203) 737-4065 for more information.

Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Network
Like the Health Network, Healthnet assists members of the public who seek medical information. Librarians at Healthnet are specialists in finding medical information and can send material free of charge for consumers (nonprofessionals) that is geared for laypeople and/or professionals. If you have a medical question, you can call Healthnet, located at the University of Connecticut's Health Center library in Farmington, Connecticut, at 860-679-4055. More information is available on their site, including a list of recommended Internet resources to help you research your medical questions.