"I can't afford a lawyer and I'm not eligible for legal aid; where else can I find legal help?"

Over the last few years, we've seen a steady rise at the library in reference questions from members of the public. In addition to pointing the way to information resources, one of the ways we try to help is to refer the public (where appropriate) to other agencies in the community that provide assistance. Making good referrals can be challenging: service levels change, locations or hours change, new agencies come on stream. Wouldn't it be great, we've often thought, if all this information was in one easily accessible place?

Now it is! This month we launched the Clicklaw HelpMap.

Clicklaw is a public-oriented website that features legal information and education. With the new HelpMap section, we've added services that provide law-related assistance. Integrated with Google Maps, the HelpMap assists the public in finding those who can provide free or low-cost assistance with legal problems in their community in BC. The HelpMap includes:

• pro bono clinics, community legal clinics, and legal aid offices
• courthouse libraries
• court registries and key government services
• Native Courtworkers and organizations with community legal advocates 
• victim services programs and dozens of other law-related helping services

Clicklaw has been developed in collaboration with over two dozen agencies that provide legal information, education & help to the public in BC. Courthouse Libraries BC has led the project, as part of our mission to improve access to legal information for the public as well as the legal community. We're continuing to add services and resources to the website. We invite you to check out the HelpMap, and let us know that you think.