Evolution-revolution-devolution: a short history of the provision of knowledge-based information services to Manitoba’s health professionals

Since 1993, the University of Manitoba (UM), Winnipeg area hospitals, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), and the Manitoba Health Department have engaged in a series of agreements that have changed access to knowledge-based information for health professionals. These agreements gradually transferred the management and delivery of library service from hospital libraries to the UM Libraries. This paper describes the historical evolution in health information access in Winnipeg, subsequent revolutionary changes that resulted in the Health Sciences Libraries Service Model, and the devolution of the model following serious challenges. Its rebirth as the WRHA Virtual Library is discussed with factors that may impact the new service model.