NCB donates books to Alpha Academy school library

Title: A time for reading
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, January 23, 2011
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356

Abstract:
Photograph with a brief caption showing the assistant branch manager for NCB Duke Street reading a copy of Souldance by Jean Lowrie Chin with Alpha Academy students, as NCB donated copies of the book and copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58 to the school's library.


Excerpt:
The NCB Foundation donated copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58, as well as Jean Lowrie-Chin's Souldance to the school's library.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356#ixzz1BuXpZnCM

University of West Indies Mona library installs new library security system

Author: LUKE DOUGLAS Career & Education writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com
Title: US$90,000 UWI library security system could save millions
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, January 23, 2011


URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/US-90-000-UWI-library-security-system-could-save-millions_8307297


Abstract:
Article reports on the security system recently installed at the University of the West Indies' (UWI's) main library. The purpose of the system and a brief overview of how it works is also reported. The article also gives a report on the company behind the library security system, 3M.

Excerpt:
A state-of-the-art security system recently installed at the University of the West Indies' (UWI's) main library is expected to prevent millions of dollars in losses while preserving the institution's rare and important scholarly works.

A feature of the new system is that the library's doors are automatically locked if an attempt is made to take a book out of the facility without it being properly checked out.

Jamaica to host international conference for school librarians

Title: Jamaica to host international librarian conference this year
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Sunday, January 16, 2011

URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110116/arts/arts4.html

Abstract:
Article announces the International Association of School Librarianship conference to be held in Jamaica.


Excerpt:

Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) will host the 40th Anniversary Conference of the International Association of School Librarians (IASL), at the University of the West Indies, Mona, from the 7th to 11th August 2011, under the theme: 'School Libraries: Empowering the 21st Century Learner.'

IASL, which was founded in Kingston, Jamaica, in August 1971, approved the contract in Padua, Italy in 2009 for Jamaica to host the 2011 Conference.

UWI, Mona Main Library Implements New Security System

Title: UWI, Mona Main Library To Implement New Security System
Source: The University of the West Indies, Mona, Public Relations Office Press Release
Date Posted: January 18, 2011
URL: http://myspot.mona.uwi.edu/proffice/newsroom/entry/4067

Abstract:
The press release announces the ceremonial launch of the new 3M Library Security System implemented by University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Proposed benefits of the system is also discussed. plus a brief announcement the scholarship to be made available for a student to pursue studies at the Department of Library and Information Studies in the campus.


Excerpt:

The 3M Library Security System will offer an improved experience to the UWI, Mona student population and other users. The System will secure the Main Library’s valuable and significant collections and paves the way for the introduction of self check machines which will allow users to check items out themselves at their own pace thereby transforming the Library’s operations.

Jamaica offers records management outsourcing services

Title: Ja could become regional hub for document storage, retrieval

Author: By Alicia Roache roachea@jamaicaobserver.com

Date published: Friday, January 07, 2011

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Jamaica-could-become-regional-hub-for-document-storage--retrieval_8262476#ixzz1ANF8Dq3F

Abstract:

Article reports on a Jamaican company established to outsource the storage and management of company records. The strengths of the nation as it relates to the industry of outsource record management is also discussed.

Excerpt:

Archway Caribbean, located in Reading, St James is a full-service document storage and retrieval company launched three years ago with the goal of offering a complete outsourced records and document management solution to the Jamaican and overseas business marketplace. In addition to information management, storage, retrieval and shredding, Archway also offers email management consultations, scanning, server backup and storage and disaster recovery solutions, David Holland, managing director, told the Caribbean Business Report (CBR).

"Today more than ever a company has to properly manage its information as it reduces operational and real estate costs, it improves efficiency and increases security, promotes business continuity and legal compliance," reasoned Holland. He said Archway could reduce operational costs for companies that are paper-intensive such as those in the financial and insurance sectors, retail, legal and the public sector."

"Our facility has been designed to international safety and security standards," Holland said. "We employ private security, CCTV and fire-suppressant systems to ensure the information is safe. Our buildings are also hurricane resistant, earthquake resistant and are above a flood zone,"

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Jamaica-could-become-regional-hub-for-document-storage--retrieval_8262476#ixzz1ANEEGPAd

Former Jamaican Librarian and champion of national literacy dies

Title: Dr Leila Thomas, lady of the literacy lamp, has died

Author: BY DESMOND ALLEN Executive Editor — Operations allend [at]jamaicaobserver.com

Date Published: Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Source: Jamaica Observer

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Dr-Leila-Thomas--lady-of-the-literacy-lamp--has-died_8270525

Abstract:
Article reports on the passing of an icon in the development of Jamaica's public library services and also a national advocate for the development and advancement of literacy in Jamaica. The article feature mentions of other important Jamaican librarians, the career of Dr. Robinson, the circumstances of her death and some of her legacy in the development of the nation both as a librarian and as the head of the national organisation that promoted literacy in Jamaica.

Excerpt:

Thomas, one of the women most responsible for the growth in the literacy movement in Jamaica, was a former head of the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) and the Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) Foundation.

Her impressive career in adult and literacy education in Jamaica spanned almost 70 years -- 25 of which were devoted primarily to librarianship, including seven years heading the Jamaica Library Service from 1975 to 1982.

She was part of a formidable quartet of women, led by Dr Joyce Robinson, who in the late 1950s established the foundation for the modern Jamaica Library Service which she joined as an untrained librarian and rose to become its head. The others were Dr Hazel Bennett and Gloria Salmon.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Dr-Leila-Thomas--lady-of-the-literacy-lamp--has-died_8270525#ixzz1AB39e3Z5

IASL 2011 Conference to be held in Kingston, Jamaica

This year the Caribbean will be hosting the major international librarianship forum and conference for school librarians (provided that weather/climate permits and there are no incidents or accidents; in other words, pray that there will be no hurricanes or extraditions that will result in national unrest).


Event: 40th Annual Conference incorporating the 15th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship

Theme: School Libraries: Empowering the 21st Century Learner

Venue: The University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica

IASL/IFLA Pre-Conference Satellite Meeting- August 5, 2011

Pre-Conference Workshops - August 7, 2011

URL: http://www.iasl-online.org/events/conf/2011/

ACURIL 2011 conference

The region's flagship conference is back, but this time it will be held outside of the Caribbean sea, in the United States.

Event: ACURIL 41st Conference

Location: Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.

Date: May 30th- June 3rd, 2011,

Theme: The role of libraries and archives in disaster preparedness, response and research.

URL: http://guides.lib.usf.edu/ACURIL_2011

OR

http://guides.lib.usf.edu/content.php?pid=165192&sid=1393320

"This year, the conference is hosted in the United States for the first time in 14 years."

Anniversary reflections and goals for 2011

Each year the editor and primary contributor of Carib LIN takes the time to reflect on its existence. This year, I am a bit late for this blog's anniversary, but since the new year 2011 is a time for resolutions and to make up for what was not done in the previous year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on CaribLIN in 2010 and propose the direction for 2011.

For 2010, it was a challenging year for blogging for Carib LIN. In 2007 when I began, I started as an expectant dad. In 2010, I became a father of a young family. In addition work responsibilities have increased that has made it difficult for me to monitor the Caribbean news of the region and to summarise it for the blog.


I realise from this blogging experience why some blogs and even periodicals fold. Without a group of committed volunteers, one man's volunteer effort to publish information with no reward whatsoever will be challenged by job and family obligations. Leisure time also has become increasingly scarce and to spend it blogging or attempting to keep this blog in existence is one of those difficult decisions and commitment to be made.

For 2011, the objectives for Carib LIN are to:

• maintain the blog entries on the English-speaking Caribbean library and information environment to at least 3 entries per month.
• maintain grammatically and error free entries, while ensuring that this blog is accurate, trustworthy and reliable.

Ultimately, CaribLIN's 2011's purpose or mission is the same as 2010. The aim is to:

• provide a voice in the blogosphere for issues in Caribbean library and information service environment
• and to report developments that are of interest to and affect librarians and information professionals who have an interest in the region.

For this month, starting a fresh, at least two additional entries will be made. Let us see how the year will go.

Mark-Shane Scale
Blog Editor and Chief Contributor