LiRN LiNK is an exciting initiative from the Legal Information and Resource Network (LiRN) intended to connect you to the law — anytime, anywhere.
This initiative will deliver centralized services and drive innovation projects that expand access to legal information across Ontario.
Core Programs
LiRN LiNK includes the following core programs:
- Centralized Research and Reference Services – Delivered through LibChat, this will offer real-time support to legal professionals across the province.
- e-LiRN Toolkits – Practice-specific toolkits that include access to e-LiRN resources, training, and links to additional resources. Remote access is provided where possible; in library access is available for all resources.
- Strategic Innovation Projects – Developing original tools and content in partnership with other organizations to enhance access to legal information. These projects will prioritize open-access solutions, interoperability, and user-centered design to ensure broad and equitable access to legal knowledge.
Welcome Jen!
We’re thrilled to share that law librarian Jennifer Walker has joined the Legal Information and Resource Network as our LiRN LiNK Law Librarian!
Please join us in welcoming veteran Ontario law librarian Jennifer Walker to LiRN! Jen will primarily be responsible for implementing our new centralized research and reference service, a core feature of our new LiRN LiNK initiative. Delivered through LibChat, this new service will provide real-time support to legal professionals across Ontario. You can read more about it here. About Jen
For 19 years, Jen worked at the County of Carleton Law Association’s Gordon F. Henderson Library, first as a Cataloguer and Reference Librarian and later as Head Librarian, a position she held for 17 years. In that role, she managed all aspects of the library and worked alongside her colleagues to deliver exceptional reference, research, and training services.
In addition to her work in the library, Jen has contributed to the profession through leadership roles including two terms as President of the National Capital Association of Law Libraries, Chair of the Ontario Courthouse Libraries Association, and Secretary and current Chair of the Scholarships and Awards Committee for the Canadian Association of Law Libraries.
Goals and Outcomes
LiRN LiNK will lead the delivery of centralized, innovative legal information services across Ontario. Its goals reflect LiRN’s commitment to advancing access to justice through collaboration, technology, and service excellence. This project will run from February 2026 to February 2027 with potential for renewal or expansion.
Our key goals include:
- Establish a Centralized, Remotely Accessible Reference and Research Service – Launch a province-wide virtual reference service, initially staffed by a dedicated LiRN law librarian and later supported by volunteers from the courthouse library network.
- e-LiRN Toolkits – Launch toolkits for Criminal and Family Law.
- Strategic Innovation Projects – Launch 2 – 3 projects.
Strategic Alignment
LiRN LiNK directly supports LiRN’s strategic priorities:
Meeting the Needs of Courthouse Library Users—Now and in the Future
Remote and increased access to legal information addresses evolving user needs and expands availability to both legal professionals and the public.
Supporting Libraries and Librarians
The centralized reference service will provide network library staff with professional support and training opportunities.
Collaborating for Excellent and Equitable Service
Partnerships with external organizations are central to LiRN LiNK, especially with respect to strategic innovation projects.
Making Evidence-Based Decisions
User feedback consistently highlights the demand for remote access—LiRN LiNK is designed to meet this need with scalable, data-informed solutions.
Downloadable version of this information:
Equity of Access to Legal Resources and Innovation Project (closed)