Article on the Trinidadian Library Blogosphere published

A new book by Librarians presenting a bibliography of the library blogosphere is now published. The book reports on the library blogosphere of several countries. Of particular interest to this blog is the report on Trinidad's library blogosphere by Jennifer Papin-Ramcharan.

Below is the basic bibliographic information. Also enclosed is URL for getting more information on the book.

Title: Library Blogging Worldwide

Editors: Christian Hauschke, Sarah Lohre and Nadine Ullmann

Publication Information: Dortmund - Düsseldorf – Hannover
Publisher: Infobib.de
YEAR: 2008

Copyright: © 2008 Infobib.de Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0

Language: English

URL: http://www.lulu.com/content/5307801


Abstract from Source:

On April, 23rd 2007 a series of postings started on Infobib.de, where guest authors from all over the world introduced the library and library related blogs of their own country. This book is a collection of 30 revised LibWorld articles, accompanied by a foreword by Walt Crawford. Included are articles about the blogosphere of: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malawi, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, USA.

Barbados main branch of the public library reopens

Author: ANMARIE BAILEY-BLAKE
Title: Library doors open
Date: December 03, 2008
Source: Nation News

Abstract from Source:
AFTER CLOSURE for two years, the lending section of the main branch of the National Public Library opened its doors to the public yesterday morning at its new location.

Abstract:
The article provides details about the opening of the main branch of Barbados Public Library. It indicates what sections of the library have not yet opened to the public and on the opening hours. It also features an interview with the Acting Director and a report on what users can expect from the library in its new location.

The reopening of Barbados Public Library

Author: ABB [ANMARIE BAILEY-BLAKE]
Title: Public Library reopening tomorrow
Source: Nation News
Date: December 1, 2008

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/298188432628196.php

Abstract:

This is a report on the reopening of the main branch of the Barbados National Public Library. The Minister responsible in the report gives information on the details regarding the readiness of the library and about the official reopening that is scheduled from 2009.

Jamaica Library Service Honours Cecil Charlton

Title: Jamaica Library Service Honours Cecil Charlton
Source: Mandeville, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date: Wednesday, December 06, 2006

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20061205T110000-0500_10791_JIS_JAMAICA_LIBRARY_SERVICE_HONOURS_CECIL_CHARLTON.asp

Abstract from Source:

In this article, a report is given on the service honouring Cecil C. Charlton. In the service, Cecil Charlton is honoured for his contribution to the Jamaica Library Service and the Manchester Parish Library network. Some historical information is given about this individuals contribution to the development of the public library in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica.

National Library Stages Open Day

Title: National Library Stages Open Day on November 3
SOURCE: Jamaica Information Service (JIS), KINGSTON
Publication Date: Friday, October 27, 2006

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/indus_tourism/html/20061026t140000-0500_10409_jis_national_library_stages_open_day_on_november_3.asp


Abstract:

This article reads as a press release informing persons about the National Library of Jamaica staging an open day. The article also contains information about some of the collections and services that the National Library has to offer, as well as the library's mission and mandate.

Call for papers in the Jamaica Library Service 2009 conference

TITLE: Call for papers in the Jamaica Library Service 6oth Anniversary international conference

The Jamaica Library Service, in celebration of its 60th anniversary is having a call for papers for its conference in February 2009.

Check out the link for the details:
http://www.jamlib.org.jm/60th_Anniversary/Conference/JLS%20International%20Conference%20Call%20for%20Papers%20-%20extended.pdf

Latin America and the Caribbean increase their contribution to the Memory of the World Programme

TITLE: Latin America and the Caribbean increase their contribution to the Memory of the World Programme

SOURCE: Communication and Information Sector's news service (UNESCO) from Nassau
DATE: 22 October 2008
URL: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=27675&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

ABSTRACT:
Meeting of experts in documentary heritage for the at the ninth Annual Meeting of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme (MOW) Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean. At this meeting decisions were taken about what submissions could be included in the Memory of the World's register.

First Caribbean community library radio launched in Bahamas

TITLE: First Caribbean community library radio launched in Bahamas
SOURCE: Communication and Information Sector's news service (UNESCO)
DATE: 22 October 2008
URL: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=27676&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html


ABSTRACT FROM SOURCE:
The first Caribbean community library radio Infolight FM 108.0: The Power of the Information Literacy through Young Voices was officially launched by Carl Bethel, Minister of Education of the Bahamas, on 16 October 2008, at the Bahamas Library Service. This project is implemented in partnership with UNESCO.

ABSTRACT:
The article is about an initiative sponsored by UNESCO in association with the Bahamas Library Service. This initiative involves the establishment of a radio or broadcasting information service operated by library and information professionals. The initiative have a number of objectives, including recruiting future librarians and information professionals, as well as advancing and promoting literacy.

Outstanding Jamaican Library and Information Professional to be honoured

Title: Dr Joyce Robinson new Pineapple Ball honoree
Source: Gleaner
Date: Friday, September 26, 2008
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080926/social/social4.html


ABSTRACT:

The article covers briefly the employment history of the library and information professional, Dr. Joyce Robinson, while announcing the news about her selection for the Pineapple Ball award.

COMMENTS:
This is a remarkable library and information professional that has contributed a lot to the education and development of Jamaica's human resource potential.

She has played a role in Jamaica's public library service, Jamaica's state owned and first television station, the development of an organisation to advance literacy in Jamaica and finally, in the vocational training of those persons who, for one reason or another, do not pursue further academic studies and research.

So fully involve was this professional in advancing Jamaicans' access to information and opportunities for personal and professional development, that her example alone should inspire others in the profession of their calling.

National Library Establishes Online Album

TITLE: National Library Establishes Online Album
SOURCE: KINGSTON (Jamaica Information Service)
AUTHOR: DON DOBSON
DATE: Friday, August 29, 2008
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20080829t140000-0500_16491_jis_national_library_establishes_online_album.asp


ABSTRACT:
The article reports the National Library of Jamaica's new Online Picture Album showcasing digital images from all the fourteen parishes of Jamaica. Goals and aspirations of the new initiative is also discussed. Information about the National Library is also presented.


ABSTRACT (from Source):

The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ), has established the country's first National Online Album titled 'Picture Dis: The National Online Album, of Jamaica', with pictures from as early as the 1800s.

"Picture Dis is the first national album of Jamaica. It is a digital image collection of outstanding people, memorable places and unique products that come from each parish in Jamaica..."

Government contemplating new draft copyright act by Year-end

Author: Richard Simon

Title: Government contemplating new draft copyright act by Year-end

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Source: Government of Grenada

URL: http://www.gov.gd/News/aug08/copyright-act-20-08-08.html

Abstract from Source:

The Grenada Government is moving ahead with plans to ensure that the work of cultural and other performing artistes, as well as literary and other practitioners, are fully protected.

Grenada moving ahead with Copyright Act

Title: Grenada moving ahead with Copyright Act
Date: August 21 2008
Source: Caribbean360.com
URL: http://www.caribbean360.com/News/Business/Stories/2008/08/21/NEWS0000006214.html

Abstract:
Discusses the attempts by the Grenadian government in reforming their copyright legislation in order to make it more relevant to the modern age.


Abstract from Author/Source:
"The Grenada government is moving ahead with plans to ensure that the work of cultural and other performing artistes, as well as literary and other practitioners, are fully protected..."


Evaluation:
No author signed. Despite this, names of specific persons in the Grenadian legislative body are given, therefore providing useful contacts or sources to verify the information.

New Goals Coming for Carib LIN

Dear readers,

Originally, when I created this blog, I had the intention of just experimenting with the technology.

In conducting the experiment and familiarization with the technology, I had also hoped to generate solid views and commentary about the movement of the region into an information driven and knowledge-based society and economy.

However, I have reviewed these objectives. I now see the potential of the site to be the place of choice to inform researchers about the developments in the region in librarianship and other news relevant to information scientists and librarians.

Currently, I have added a logo depicting a laptop and a book giving enlightenment. I have also created a customised search engine using Google's technology to provide access to websites that provide the news and information about the regional developments in librarianship and the utilisation of information for economic growth and social cultural development.

I am currently working with a plan to renew this blog and make it have a greater impact for research, documenting and disseminating sources to further develop the body of knowledge on the developments in the Caribbean as it relates to the library and non-profit information sector.

Justice Minister Highlights Critical Role of Law Librarians

TITLE: Justice Minister Highlights Critical Role of Law Librarians

DATE: Tuesday, July 08, 2008

SOURCE: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

ABSTRACT (From article):

"Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, has highlighted the critical role qualified law librarians play in providing information required in the legal profession. Speaking at the 21st annual conference of the Caribbean Association of Law Librarians (CARALL) today (July 7)...."

ABSTRACT:

The article contains excerpts of speeches from two important Jamaican officials from the legal and justice fraternity on the situation of law librarianship in the region, the importance of law librarians and a call for action towards improving the situation of law librarianship. The speeches were presented at the 21st annual conference of the Caribbean Association of Law Librarians (CARALL), held in Jamaica under the theme: 'Viable, Vital and Vibrant - Be Prepared to Succeed' from July 7 to 10, 2008.

Brief information is also given about the association and its history.

Trinidad & Tobago participates in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme

AUTHOR: Maharaj, Sateesh
TITLE: Keepers of the World
DATE: Wednesday, July 16, 2008

SOURCE: Trinidad & Tobago Express
URL: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161352690

ABSTRACT:

The article briefly introduces the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO's) Memory of the World Programme. The article then moves on to discuss how the Trinindad and Tobago's campus of the University of the West Indies became an early participant in this programme. Out of this participation, the campus has three collections that are registed in the programme:

• CLR James,
  
• Dr. Eric Williams and
  
• Derek Wlacott collection.
  

A brief description of each collection is given.

The information is taken mainly from a speech made by Professor Margaret Rouse-Jones. Additionally, there is a synopsis of the speech by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Trinidad and Tobago's Education Ministry, Marlene Felix , about the local benefits of the Memory of the World Programme to local citizens.

Regional Libraries Going Digital

Title: Regional Libraries Expected to be Fully Digital in Five Years

Date: Saturday, June 07, 2008

Source: MONTEGO BAY (Jamaica Information Service)

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/information/html/20080607T130000-0500_15551_JIS_REGIONAL_LIBRARIES_EXPECTED_TO_BE_FULLY_DIGITAL_IN_FIVE_YEARS.asp

Abstract:

A report on the Association of Caribbean University Research and Institutional Libraries
Conference in Montego Bay, based on interviews with the local organisers of the conference. The report covers the theme of the conference and the expectations of the impact of the conference on regional library services.

Extract from the Source:
"Libraries in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean region are expected to be fully digital and automated in another five years, making them more user-friendly and information more accessible to students in the global e-environment."

Evaluation:
A number of spelling errors plague the article. Also there is no signed author (so no one to hold responsible for the spelling errors and inaccuracies in the article). Despite these, the primary sources referred to in the article are reliable. In addition, the article is produced by the state runned news agency.

ACURIL Conference Papers out

Good news! Some of the ACURIL papers and presentations are now out!

See the below link for the conference proceedings.

http://www.nlj.org.jm/acuril/conference_papers.htm

Alexa Web Information

This site was also discovered recently by the blogger. It offers statistics on the most popularly trafficked websites, and can be viewed by country. As such it was thought that this source would be valuable in helping information professionals and librarians discover where users in their specific Caribbean country are going for information or spending their on-line time.

The information is from a commercial site and is also not an academic source for information. However it is still useful for evaluating and measuring in a general sense the Internet usage by Caribbean people.

Title: Top Sites by Country

Author/Publisher: Alexa Internet, Inc.

Affiliation: Amazon.com company

Publication Date: 1996-2008

URL: http://www.alexa.com/site/ds/top_500

Abstract:
Provides a listing of the 500 most trafficked websites for developers and a brief description of each site.



(Abstract from the source "About the Alexa Traffic Rankings" ) :

"A listing of all sites on the Web, sorted by traffic...Alexa computes traffic rankings by analyzing the Web usage of millions of Alexa Toolbar users and data obtained from other, diverse traffic data sources. The information is sorted, sifted, anonymized, counted, and computed, until, finally, we get the traffic rankings shown in the Alexa service. "

A Site for Caribbean ICT trends

Below is a site that focuses on the Caribbean modern information communication technology trends. The site while not being academic, but more commercial based must be viewed with caution. Nevertheless, it provides useful information about the trends in the Information and communication technology industry in the region, from a consumer perspective.


Title: Siliconecaribe.com

Author/Founder: Ingrid Riley

Copyright Date: 2007

URL: http://www.siliconcaribe.com/

Website powered by: Revolution WordPress (c) 2008

Abstract (taken from the About page of the site):

"Silicon Caribe- We’re the first two words on technology and the Caribbean. It’s the Caribbean Guide to Your World Online. The site for Caribbean tech news, trends, lifestyle and information. We cover the people,places, products and companies that are defining our dotcom and telecom worlds.

We have a large and influential readership of curious and interested consumers, bloggers,industry professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and media people. It has a fast growing reputation of being first to break news, providing useful information, meaningful trend analysis and success stories that inspire. SiliconCaribe.com was officially launched on September 7, 2007 as a reinvention of the two year old TechWatchCaribbean.com, by Ingrid Riley, award-winning investigative journalist and publisher turned Caribbean blogger and tech evangelist, Internet marketing consultant and entrepreneur."

Jamaica Library Service Making Use of ICT

Title: Jamaica Library Service Making Use of ICT

Author: DOUGLAS McINTOSH

Source: Jamaica Information Service,

Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2008

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20080506t110000-0500_15073_jis_jamaica_library_service_making_use_of_ict.asp

Abstract:

The Director General of the Jamaica Library Service discusses plans to make the islandwide public libraries community points for computer and internet access, so that persons can use these facilities free of cost.

GG Lauds Contribution of Special Libraries - Jamaica Information Service

Title: GG Lauds Contribution of Special Libraries - Jamaica Information Service

Source: Jamaica Information Service

Date: 11 April, 2008

Abstract: The Governor General's proclamation and message to the Special Libraries section of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica, which is celebrating Special Libraries week.

url: http://www.jis.gov.jm/ggpages/html/20080411T100000-0500_14799_JIS_GG_LAUDS_CONTRIBUTION_OF_SPECIAL_LIBRARIES.asp

Trends in Caribbean Librarianship

TITLE: The librarian's world...from paperbacks to electronic sources

AUTHOR: Luke Douglas

SOURCE: Jamaica Observer DATE: Sunday, March 23, 2008

ABSTRACT:

"THE traditional image of a librarian is that of a person (usually a woman) who is concerned with organising collections of books and related materials, usually in paper form, in libraries, and servicing users with these resources.

But with the coming of the information age, the career of library studies has evolved to include accessing materials from a range of electronic sources, such as CD roms, DVDs, and of course, that unfathomable frontier of information, the Internet.

Career & Education recently visited the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, where we learned of the new developments in this interesting career."

URL:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20080322T160000-0500_133754_OBS_THE_LIBRARIAN_S_WORLD____FROM_PAPERBACKS_TO_ELECTRONIC_SOURCES_.asp

The Digital Transformation of Broadcasting in the Caribbean

Title:Jamaica to Play Leading Role in Digital Switchover


Date of publication Wednesday, February 27, 2008


Source: KINGSTON (Jamaica Information Service) - Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/information/html/20080227T080000-0500_14364_JIS_JAMAICA_TO_PLAY_LEADING_ROLE_IN_DIGITAL_SWITCHOVER.asp



Pay particular attention to last statement made about the digital divide. I quote:

"Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Commission, Cordell Green said there was a need to bridge the digital divide. "I believe that it is something that we need to address our minds to in a significant way, as a significant issue is arising, which is, the more you are creating the content in digital, those who are not able to receive it might find themselves losing out on critical material that they need to access for development," he warned."

The University of the West Indies honours Library Professor

The University had a week long celebration in which Professor Emeritus Daphne Douglas, former professor and Head of the Department of Library and Information Studies was honoured.

Professor Emeritus Daphne Douglas is Jamaica's first female professor. She was also Head of Department for the Library and Information Studies School from 1976 -1980 and 1982 – 1993.

ACURIL 2008 call for papers now out!

Yes! Its out!

The ACURIL Call for papers for 2008 can be viewed on the link below.

http://www.nlj.org.jm/acuril/call_for_papers.pdf

Jamaica's audio-visual Records stolen

On January 5, 2008 a grievous discovery was made! A part of the nation's rich heritage was discovered missing. Thieves, Robbers, Burglars stripped the nation's most ancient producer of audio-visual heritage of a rich collection.


This newspaper article below captures the report:


Title Thieves strip Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation archives


Date of publication January 5, 2008


SourceGleaner

URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080105/lead/lead1.html

E-governance in the Caribbean

The region has taken on a serious approach to implementing E-governance! This is evident in the following website link. Use it to get to other resources on Caribbean e-government initiatives and to meet Caribbean professionals who are interested in e-governance.

Title: Caribbean Centre of Excellence for E-Governance

Corporate Author: SEE Source!

Source: Three organisations are responsible for this website! They are

Caribbean Center for Development Administration (CARICAD)

The University of the West Indies (UWI)

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Abstract:
This is the portal of the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for E-Governance (CCEEG).

Please use the navigation links to find out more about the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for E-Governance; about Caribbean regional, national and community initiatives in the use of ICT in governance; and other information about e-governance and civic engagement.

Please also add your own comments and content about e-governance and civic engagement to this portal. Note: only registered users can add comments and content - but registration is free.

URL link: http://cceeg.dec.uwi.edu/drupal/?q=home

Barbados and E-government initiatives

The news article that I am about to link you to is on a recent conference in Barbados. I have recorded some of the basic bibliographic data below:

Date: December 05, 2007

Title: Dame: Barbados a leader in ICT

Source:Nation News

Abstract:

Barbados has been in the forefront of the information and communications technology (ICT) revolution. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dame Billie Miller made this disclosure at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Regional Connect Workshop e-Business And e-Government In The Caribbean.

URL Link:http://bararchive.bits.baseview.com/archive_detail.php?archi
veFile=./pubfiles/bar/archive/2007/December/05/Business/4973
7.xml&start=0&numPer=20&keyword=e+commerce+gover
nment§ionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&endd
ate=12%2F31%2F2008&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&am
p;pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=1&IncludeImages
=1&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%
09%09


OR


http://preview.tinyurl.com/2qrvng

OR


http://tinyurl.com/2qrvng