What Is The . . . Community Information Database?

The Community Information Database (CID) is an online database of information of area organizations and agencies.  Previously, in 1987, the library established the Area Information & Referral Service (AIRS) database and directory which was available to users only in print form.  The CID can now be accessed from any Internet computer.

The types of organizations in the Community Information Database include both profit and non- profit health and human services organizations and agencies, education, employment, consumer, ethnic and government agencies, as well as clubs.  Each listing provides a description and contact information. The organizations and agencies must be located in or provide services to residents in counties in which at least one MORE consortium library is located.  Each MORE library is responsible for providing information on clubs, agencies and organizations from its area to the Community Information Database.

Great Rivers 2-1-1 (GR211) (located in La Crosse) provides a central and easy to remember access point to obtain complete and current information on over 4,000 community and human service programs.  Beginning in January, 2008, by dialing 2-1-1, residents of Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties can receive free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You may also access their web site at http://www.greatrivers211.org/web/fcfh/home.nsf.

How to access CID:

• Go to the library's web site at http://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/
• On the home page, click on Community Information listed under Common Questions near the bottom of the page.
• Typing a keyword in the search box such as "legal" results in over 20 entries with "legal" either in the name of the organization or somewhere in its description.
• Click on any of the entries in your results list and you will be given the name of the organization, contact information, the purpose and description, various subject headings which will link you to others with the same purpose, and often a link to the organization's web site.
• Click on Advanced Search to search in the Community Information Database by organization name, location, subject, or special access.

Although the Community Information Database will continue to provide access to many records and topics that GR211 does not cover, CID users will now find referrals to up-to-date information in the GR211 database.  When this occurs:

• Click on the link to GR211.
• Enter the city or the zip code for service(s) desired.
• Click on GO.
• If you know the name of the service provider you are looking for, click on the Shortcut link to the left of the page and then enter all or part of the name of the service provider you are searching for.

If you would like to add your agency or organization to CID, simply fill out a Community Information Submission Form.  If your agency or organization is already included in the CID, but there are changes such as new officers elected or changes in meeting days or times, you can update this information by using the same form to fill in your agency's name plus any fields with updated information. 

Questions?  Contact Information & Reference at 715-839-5004 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Updated: December 17, 2007