Caribbean Library and Information News (CARIB LIN)

Promised Jamaican Youth Information Centre Delayed

2009-12-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Author: CHARLES BROWN
Title: St Thomas youth still waiting (Letter to the Editor)
Date Published: Friday | December 18, 2009
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091218/letters/letters2.html

Abstract:
Article reveals a citizens remarks on the delay in the establishment of a youth information centre in their parish. The citizen/author publicly reminds the Editor and the authorities of some of the facts reported regarding the establishment of the youth centre.

Excerpt:

"On Saturday, March 23, 2008, this newspaper published an article titled 'Youth information centre for St Thomas by year-end'.

Dania Beckford, youth infor-mation specialist at the National Centre for Youth Development, was responding to a letter by Charlie Brown published on May 19, 2008, titled 'St Thomas youth need help'. The information specialist stated that the parish of St Thomas was next to benefit from this imperative resource (a youth information centre) for youth development.

She further stated that, to date, two locations had been identified to host the youth information centre: one at the now-closed Goodyear tyre factory, and the other on land adjoining the Social Development Commission's office, both located on the Springfield main road. Site visits had been conducted and proper protocol arrangements are already under way to formalise the agreement to set up a well-designed reconfiguration of four containers in the allocated space of approximately 467 square metres at the latter location. The project is funded by UNICEF and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009 calendar year."

National Library of Guyana launches commemorative stamp

2009-12-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

Author: Michelle Gonsalves

Title: National Library launches commemorative stamp

Source: Guyana Chronicle

Date: December 16, 2009

URL: http://www.guyanachronicle.com/ARCHIVES/archive%2016-12-09.html#Anchor-----------------47912

Abstract:
Article reports on the launch of a special commemorative stamp by the National Library of Guyana as part of its centennial celebrations. It is done in collaboration with the the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). A description of the stamp is given, and the purpose for the launch of this stamp is expressed.

Essentially, the launch is a public relations or marketing exercise for National library. The hopes and aspirations for the stamp is to serve a means of stimulating people to know and want to know more about the institution.

The article also provides insight into the mission of the National Library of Guyana. Chairman of the National Library Committee Mr. Petamber Persaud, also recounts in brief, a part of the history and origin of the library.

Excerpt:

"The National Library continued its centennial celebrations with the launching of a special commemorative stamp yesterday, at its Church and Main Street, Georgetown, location.

Commemorative Stamp on display yesterday at the National Library.

Addressing attendees at the event, Post Master General Mr. Henry Dundas stated, “Documentation of such information on a stamp no doubt translates into informing persons throughout the world of our National Library and the fact that it has been in existence for a century now”.

Other attendees at the special occasion included Chairman of the National Library Committee Mr. Petamber Persaud, Chief Librarian Ms. Gillian Thompson, and Governor of the Bank of Guyana Mr. Lawrence Williams."

Guyana plans to establish a Peace Resource centre with library

2009-12-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

Title: Olympic-sized pool, squash court on stream next year

Source: The Guyana Chronicle Online

Date: December 20, 2009

URL: http://www.guyanachronicle.com/news.html

Abstract:
The article reports on the plans of the Guyanese Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports to expand its infrastructure in 2010. Among the new facilities included in the plan are an Olympic-sized pool, two Squash Courts and a Peace Resource Centre with conferences facilities and a library.

Funding for the establishment of the resource centre and its library will come from the United Nations Development Fund. The article also mentions that library materials have already been procured.

Relevant Excerpt:
"In addition, plans are afoot to set up a Peace Resource Centre with funding from the United Nations Development Fund.

The building will house a cafeteria that will service the entire complex and two conferencing facilities along with an extensive library. Some of the materials for the library have already been procured."

Evaluation:
The article only briefly reports on the establishment of the library in two sentences. This is perhaps indicative of the low value that Caribbean media places on libraries versus sporting facilities, which gets predominant coverage in the article.

No word is mention about staffing in terms of employing a librarian. Materials have been procured, but one wonders who procured them, and what collection development policy was set up for this library. One also wonders if this library was planned any at all, with consideration of the would be users of the the facility or service.

Jamaica's Agricultural Marketing Information System

2009-12-20T02:35:00.000-08:00

Title: JAMIS Will Only be Beneficial if Utilized - Dr. Tufton

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Date Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MinAgriFish/html/20091217T150000-0500_22285_JIS_JAMIS_WILL_ONLY_BE_BENEFICIAL_IF_UTILIZED___DR__TUFTON.asp

Abstract:

The article reports the goals that the Minister of Agriculture hopes to achieve from the launching of the website for the Jamaican Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS). One of the goals is to spur a more competitive sector, by providing customers with the market intelligence to know where to shop for produce for cheaper rates, as well as for suppliers to have a guide for pricing their produce.

Excerpt:

"JAMIS will post notice boards in main municipal markets to display weekly prices for farmers, higglers, and middlemen. Prices will also be posted at Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) parish offices. Additionally, text message services detailing prices, will soon be circulated to stakeholders to allow then to make strategic decisions, and to increase transparency in the marketplace."

Jamaica launches Web-based Agricultural Marketing Information System

2009-12-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Title: JAMIS Website Launched to Assist Stakeholders in Agricultural Sector

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Date Published: Monday, December 14, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MinAgriFish/html/20091214T140000-0500_22249_JIS_JAMIS_WEBSITE_LAUNCHED_TO_ASSIST__STAKEHOLDERS_IN_AGRICULTURAL__SECTOR.asp

Abstract:

The article reports on the launch of new Website that will serve the information needs of Jamaican suppliers and buyers of farm produce. This new website is the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to serve the information needs of the Jamaican market place for farm produce for prices of produce, as well as where to purchase the produce. The article also mentions two of the funding agencies behind the project, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and CDS Development Solutions. The URL of the website is also provided.

Evaluation:
In terms of funding agencies, there is a discrepancy between what is reported on the article and what is available on the Website. In the article CDS Development Solutions is reported. On the website, it is CDC Development Solutions and App Venture.

Excerpt:

All stakeholders in the agricultural industry are now able to equip themselves with vital pricing information, which will enable them to make better decisions about the sale and purchase of produce.

This has been made possible through the Jamaica Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS) website, which was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, today (December 14), at its Hope Gardens headquarters, in Kingston.

The web portal is part of the Ministry's ongoing thrust to modernise the sector through the application of technology. Its primary role is to collect, compile and disseminate agricultural data, which will aid producers, purchasers, consumers and distributors.

New school "library" to receive local Jamaica Information Service materials

2009-12-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Title: Three Schools in St. Catherine Benefit from JIS Donation
Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date published: Sunday, November 29, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/officepm/html/20091129t190000-0500_22082_jis_three_schools_in_st__catherine_benefit_from_jis_donation__.asp

Abstract:
A number of Jamaican schools received donations of local materials from Jamaica Information Service. One such school is a primary school recently upgraded from an all-age school. In this report, the principal of that school, Hazel Bradford expressed her gratitude for the materials and indicates how the materials will be used. The principal also mentions how the institution converted classrooms to a library in order to faciltate the upgrade.

Excerpt:

"At Seafield Primary and Infant, Principal, Hazel Bradford, also stated her delight with the JIS donations.

She explained that the school recently converted two classrooms into a library following a change from all-age to primary status.

"With the JIS contribution, our students will be very knowledgeable about their heritage," she stated, while informing that the materials will be added to the library's collections."

Jamaican MP wants to construct library

2009-11-03T12:02:00.001-08:00

Author: Ingrid Borwn
Title: Smith laments absence of bauxite levy funds
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date Published: Monday, November 02, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20091101T190000-0500_162955_OBS_SMITH_LAMENTS_ABSENCE_OF_BAUXITE_LEVY_FUNDS.asp

Abstract
After a long discussion about what he sees as the problems in his constituency. Member of Parliament, Ernest Smith, mentions his plans to construct a new library in St. Ann South West, Jamaica.

Excerpt

Other plans high on the agenda, according to the MP, are for the construction of a public library in Alexandria and a new post office in Gibraltar.

"Within the next 12 months, I am hoping St Ann South Western will be on the verge of becoming a model constituency because I know I will get the library, the post office, the housing scheme, the hospital, the market, and the high school," he said.

National Commercial Bank Foundation Upgrades Jamaican High School library

2009-11-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

Title: Upgraded computer centre for Titchfield High School
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Monday, November 2, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091102/news/news3.html

Abstract
The article reports on the results of the work done by a principal, school board, school librarian and other staff, in writing a proposal for an improved library and electronic resource facility. Their efforts lead to the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation sponsoring the upgrade of their facilities. Now due to their pursuit of their dream and vision to address the dissatisfaction with their library facility, they now have a well equipped library with "air conditioning, soft, comfortable chairs and Internet-ready computers".

Excerpt

Titchfield High School recently opened the doors to its newly upgraded computer and library centre in the presence of students, teachers, past students and members of the Port Antonio, Portland, community.

The project, which was funded by the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation, began in 2007 and will benefit the school's population of 1,900 students. The new upgrades to the centre include an additional 12 computers, chairs, tables and bookshelves.

"For many years, not many persons were satisfied with the facility we had as a library," said Richard Thompson, principal of Titchfield High School. "One such dissatisfied person was Mrs Ivy McKenzie, our late principal. She spoke glowingly of a comfortable, spacious environment for her students to do research, with information available at their fingertips."

Jamaican Minister of Education calls for libraries to emphasize reading as a family activity

2009-11-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Author: Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness
Title:HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION'S PARENT MONTH MESSAGE NOVEMBER 2009
Source Jamaica Information Service
Date: Monday, November 02, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/MinSpeeches/html/20091102T110000-0500_21728_JIS_HON__MINISTER_OF_EDUCATION_S_PARENT_MONTH_MESSAGE_NOVEMBER_2009.asp

Abstract
The Jamaican Minister of Education this month calls for libraries and schools to emphasize reading as a family activity. The Minister of Education in his Parent Month's message for November invites libraries and schools to find innovative ways of getting families to read or work on developing literacy skills in their children. The Minister of Education also outlines some of the plans for the month, including the Jamaica Library Service hosting a National Reading Fair. The emphasis or the aim for this Parent month is to encourage parents to assist schools and libraries in the literacy development of their children.

Excerpt
During this Parent Month, being staged under the theme - Parent the Right Way - Read with Your Child Every Day - we are asking all of our schools, libraries, churches and civic organizations to stress the importance of family literacy. We encourage you to stage family literacy events inviting parents to sit with their children and explore a book together.

We are asking you to encourage families to join the Library Service and make visits to the local library a regular family event. We are asking you to find creative ways to increase the amount of print material available at school and in the community - maybe do a project where inspirational words are printed on walkways. Model reading in school, ensure that parents model reading at home. Create word trees by writing vocabulary words from stories on card paper and hanging them from trees in your yard. At school create class books where each child makes up a line of a story and illustrates their words. Have students read their stories to the other classes. Dedicate a specific time each day or each week to have all members of school staff "drop everything and read." Most importantly share creative reading ideas with parents so that they too can make reading fun for their children at home.

During this month, let us seize the opportunity to bring our parents into the fold and encourage them to make reading a priority in their homes. On Saturday November 28th, 2009, the Jamaica Library Service will hold its annual Reading Fair, we are encouraging Jamaican families to help us make that the National Family Reading Day by making a concerted effort to read with their children.

Not enough staff for Barbados library system

2009-10-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Author: Yvette Best
Title: Not enough staff for library needs
Source:
Date Published: 10/24/2009.
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/COMMUNITY-library-staff-shortage-copy-for-web

Abstract:
Article reports on how staff shortage is curtailing the library's service to the community and society.

Information is also given about how the use of the library has changed especially with the advent of computers.

The article also outlines some of the programmes and services that the Barbados public library system offers, thereby revealing one area of the library system's strength. However the article also outlines that diversification of the services and programmes is also curtailed by the shortage of staff.

Excerpt:

A SHORTAGE OF STAFF is preventing the Barbados Library Service from fully completing its mandate.

Acting director of the Barbados Library Service, Avonda Callender, said the current complement of 37 was insufficient for the eight branch libraries.

"There is a problem . . . Government has to provide the staffing. So we are trying to introduce new services with the limited staff. We cannot provide half the services that we really would like to do," she said.

Branch library workers go door to door in Barbados

2009-10-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Author: (YB)[Yvette Best?]
Title: Branch workers going door to door
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: October 24, 2009
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/COMMUNITY-library-canvas-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article outlines the new marketing strategy for the Barbados Public branch library to increase the use of its library services. This involves canvassing the community like politicians.

The librarian outlines how this strategy will be undertaken, and the rationale behind it. One of the obstacles to the use of the new library facility is also articulated. The acting library directory also indicates a plan to overcome that obstacle.

The article also gives the age of the Barbados Public library service and reports on its current expansion and improvement in infrastructure.

Excerpt:

STAFF OF the Barbados Library Service are preparing to hit the road.

Acting Director of the Barbados Library Service, Avonda Callender, said she and her staff would be canvassing the districts in St Joseph to get people to use the new facilities at Tamarind Hall in the Eric Holder Jr. Complex.

"We're going out there, foot to foot. This is the first time the library will do it. It's a new marketing strategy we're introducing and we are going to do it in St Joseph.

Trinidad and Tobago's Carnegie Library — a proud legacy

2009-10-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Author: Aruna Harbaran
Title: Carnegie Library — a proud legacy
Date Published: 23 October 2009
URL: http://guardian.co.tt/commentary/letters/2009/10/23/carnegie-library-proud-legacy

Abstract:

A letter sent to the paper by a librarian discussing the age of the Carnegie library, its mission, and how it has been serving the society.

Excerpt:

Carnegie Free Library is 90 years old (1919-2009) and still going strong. What an incredible achievement! During this time it has served to fill more than the information needs of the southern community.

US Embassy gives to a Jamaican School Library

2009-10-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Title: US Embassy gives Mona High Library a boost
Source: Jamaica Observer's Teenage
Date Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/TeenAge/html/20091012T200000-0500_161659_OBS_US_EMBASSY_GIVES_MONA_HIGH_LIBRARY_A_BOOST.asp

Abstract:
This article reports on donations that the United States Embassy in Kingston made to a Jamaican high school. Included in the reported are some examples of the resources that were donated.

The article also reports on the embassy's Information Resource Centre (IRC) and the type of serivces and information it provides.

Excerpt:

The US Embassy in Kingston gave the Mona High School a boost last Wednesday, when the embassy presented the school with a brand new desktop computer and laser printer, as well as over 120 books.

The gifts earmarked for the school's library, includes titles from the Scholastic Secondary Ambassador collection among other books.

Barbados library service needs more personnel

2009-10-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Author: Khalil Goodman
Title: Island’s library service needs more personnel
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date Published: October 22, 2009
URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=6863

Abstract:
This article outlines the plight and plans for personnel to staff the Barbados National Library Service. The Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service outlines that the need for more personnel is required to aid the Library service in its expansion of services to nation.

Information is also divulged about the Tamarind Hall Branch Library, and the services that it expected to deliver to the community.

The Minister of Community Development and Culture is also cited as outlining his vision for the National Library service in its upgrading of its services. The Minister also agrees with the need for emphasis on meeting the manpower and human resource need to the library's success in offering new services. He highlights several human resource development plans for the Barbados National Library Service towards achieving this.

Excerpt:

The Barbados Library Service has continued to expand its range of services to meet the Barbadian public’s needs in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the service needs more staff so that these services can be provided consistently.

“Presently we have 38 posts and we need additional staff to help provide services more efficiently,” said Evonda Callendar, Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service.
She spoke to the Barbados Advocate after the opening of the Tamarind Hall Branch Library in St. Joseph, at the Eric Holder Municipal Complex. This branch brings the number of libraries of the service to eight.

Jamaica's CHASE fund funds a school library project

2009-10-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

Title: CHASE Fund to Contribute $1 Million to Glenmuir High
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaican Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Friday, October 02, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/finance_planning/html/20091002T140000-0500_21357_JIS_CHASE_FUND_TO_CONTRIBUTE__1_MILLION_TO_GLENMUIR_HIGH.asp

Abstract:

The article reports on the speech by the Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE fund, Billy Heaven, about plans to fund the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon with one million dollars. Heaven declares also the number of school libraries that have benefited from the fund.

Background information is also given about the CHASE fund and the typical projects that it supports, in addition to its sources of income.

The article also briefly mentions how the funding from CHASE fund will be used for the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre.

Excerpt:

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, will be contributing $1 million to the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Billy Heaven, at the school, on September 30.

"We have already committed the funds; it is a question of the drawdown as soon as the library is up and running. They are constructing a new building and therefore we will be equipping that building," he told JIS News.

The library and resource centre will be equipped with a multi media projector and screen, printer and a speaker system which, according to Principal of Glenmuir High, Mr. Clement Radcliff, will be especially beneficial to students studying Spanish.

Youth Information Centre for Manchester, Jamaica

2009-10-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

Title: Youth Information Centre for Manchester
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Thursday, October 01, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MYSC/html/20091001T010000-0500_21337_JIS_YOUTH_INFORMATION_CENTRE_FOR_MANCHESTER.asp

Abstract:
Article outlines the construction of a building for the Youth Information Centre for Manchester on lands owned by the Parish Council.

Articulated is the vision for the centre and how it is expected to impact the youth in the community.

Details about the completion date and what it is expected to accommodate is provided. The funding agency behind the construction is also named.

Excerpt:

Ground was broken Wednesday (September 30) for a prototype Youth Information Centre (YIC) for Manchester, on lands donated by the Parish Council.

"This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to have one full capacity YIC in each parish, and is part of our ongoing effort to create youth empowerment, through the use of information. We intend to build, at least, one satellite youth information centre in each constituency that falls within the parish, over a five-year period," Senator Newby stated.

He told the gathering that the Centre is "a social asset" which must be protected, in order to make a shift in the lives of future generations.

Construction is slated to be completed in 12 months. The completed Centre will accommodate over 1,500 each month, and will be staffed with two youth empowerment officers and other personnel.

Funding for the project is provided by the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA)."

More Jamaicans urged to access government information

2009-10-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Author: Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

Title: Access to information needs to be more public

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Date Published: Friday, October 2, 2009

URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091002/news/news3.html

Abstract:

Article highlights the situation following the implementation of the Access to Information Act in Jamaica, in 2002. The views of Damian Cox, director of the Access to Information Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister are revealed. He suggests that there is need for more publicity on the Act among the ordinary Jamaicans, and highlights that currently, mostly professionals and academics are making use of the provisions and the rights afforded by the act.

The article also discusses the high school essay competition to promote the knowledge and importance of the Act among students.

Excerpt:

Damian Cox, director of the Access to Information Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, says more people need to take advantage of the Access to Information Act.

"I think we need more Jamaicans to use the law, I don't think even in this time when we are going into a review of the act everybody feels like we need to get more persons, ordinary Jamaicans using the law because the system
is in place," he told The Gleaner at the launch of the Access to Information National High School Essay
Competition, yesterday.

US classic film series at a Jamaican public library

2009-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Title: US classic film series begins

Date Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009

URL:http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090916/ent/ent1.html

Abstract:

Article reveals the plan to show a series of American films in the Kingston and St. Andrew Public Library between September and October. The series will include films such as Lilies of the Field, The Wizard of Oz , Gone with the Wind and A Patch of Blue. Brief information about some of the films in the series are given.

Excerpt:

The United States Embassy in Jamaica and the Jamaica Library Service began its classic film series yesterday with a screening of To Kill a Mockingbird.

The films, which are free to the public, will be shown every Tuesday from September 15 to October 13, at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library starting at 6 p.m.

‘Let’s play chess’ at the National Library

2009-09-16T14:32:00.001-07:00

Title: ‘Let’s play chess’ at the National Library

Source: Trinidad and Tobago's NewsDay

Date Published: Thursday, September 10 2009

URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,107071.html

Abstract:
National Library of Trinidad and Tobago accommodates the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation chess training programme. The President of the Foundation outlines the potential benefits of the programme.

Excerpt:

THE Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation has launched their training programme, “Let’s Play Chess”, in Port-of-Spain. The eight-week training programme is staged on on Sundays from 10 am to noon starting at the National Library.

The programme offers adults and young people from the age of seven years, the opportunity to benefit from training in the sport. Commenting on the programme, Edison Raphael, President of the Chess Foundation, said, “Chess is a game which focusses [sic] on the development of critical thinking skills and cognitive ability.”

Barbados Minister defends Barbados Literacy record

2009-09-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Author: (YB)

Title: "Our literacy rating in Top 5"

Source: Barbados Nation News

Date Published: September 9, 2009.

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/jones-on-literacy-copy-for-web

Abstract:
Barbados Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Ronald Jones, boasts that Barbados have the fourth highest literacy rate in the world at a Literacy fair. His comments come despite criticism from various sectors that the literacy rate is falling. In this article, the Minister is quoted speaking of the investment that the Government has been taking in education.

However,the minister makes mention of several areas that he believes could improve literacy in the nation, including transformation of the way reading and writing is taught in schools, as well as the involvement of parents in building the early foundation for literacy.

Excerpt:

BARBADOS has the fourth highest literacy rate in the world.

Mere days after deputy principal of the Erdiston Teachers' Training College, Dr Patricia Saul, suggested the touted 98 per cent literacy rate was a myth, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Ronald Jones said the country was ranked among the highest in the world.

"In a world where there are still some 776 million adults who are illiterate, and some 75 million children who are out of school, we are proud to say that we have free education from the nursery to tertiary level and our literacy rate is still among the highest in the world - fourth in the world, and that is exceptionally high," Jones said.

Speaking at yesterday's Literacy Fair in Queen's Park, Jones said teachers, principals, parents, students and all those involved in the process needed to be applauded for "keeping us on that edge"

Barbados National Library's 2009 Literacy Fun Day and Summer Programme

2009-09-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Author: (DB)

Title: Creative writers in the making

Source: Barbados Nation News

Date Published: September 6, 2009

http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/National-Library-Service-Literacy-Fun-Day-copy-for-web

Abstract:

Article highlights the Barbados first National Library's Literacy Fun Day event as well as the library's summer programmes held across the island. These events featured activities for children that encourage the development of children writers and their literacy development and skills. The events allowed for children to produce 31 books and share their original creative writings through the reading of their work to the public. The Literacy Fun day also saw a puppet show to entertain those who attended.

The article also contains comments by the children service librarian, Jennifer Yarde, regarding the rationale behind the library's events and activities.

Excerpt:

"YOUNG WRITERS came out to show off their creativity and skill at the National Library Service's first ever Literacy Fun Day at Queen's Park, St Michael, yesterday.

Under the theme Literacy Beyond The Vision, librarians from all the departments came out to lend their support to the future writers of Barbados, some of whom were as young as seven years old.

"At the Library we encourage children to read and write, so that they can improve their literacy skills," children's librarian Jennifer Yarde said.

The youthful scribes came out to share their stories and books which they had written at the recently concluded summer programme held at the various libraries across the island."

A Jamaican Home for Children gets "upgraded library"

2009-09-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

Title: Hanbury Home Gets Upgraded Library
Source: Jamaica Informaiton Service(JIS): MANDEVILLE
Date Published: Tuesday, September 01, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/officePM/html/20090901T000000-0500_20973_JIS_HANBURY_HOME_GETS_UPGRADED_LIBRARY.asp

Abstract:

Two Howard university students acquired funding for a project to equip the Hanbury Home for Children in Manchester with upgraded library resources including computers and educational software. The funds were acquired from the Davis Projects for Peace, a United States-based foundation.

The upgraded library resources was made possible through a recommendation made by Jamaican born academic at Howard University, Dr. Grace Virtue, who encouraged two of her students to seek funding from the foundation to do a project at the Home, as part of their studies. It also involved partnership with the Rotary Club of Mandeville.

The article also outlines the visions for how the resources will be utilised and benefit the Home. Plans for the long-term sustainability of the project are outlined.

Also provided in the article is some background information about the funding body, Davis Projects for Peace.

Excerpt:

"The Hanbury Home for Children in Manchester has received an upgraded library, with computers and other educational items, from the Davis Projects for Peace, a United States-based foundation.

The updated $900,000 (US$10,000) facility was made possible through a recommendation made by Jamaican born academic at Howard University..."

Amendments coming to Jamaica's Copyright Act

2009-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Title: Copyright Act to Incorporate Internet Treaties
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS): KINGSTON
Date Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/commerce_science/html/20090826T190000-0500_20916_JIS_COPYRIGHT_ACT_TO_INCORPORATE_INTERNET_TREATIES.asp
Abstract:

The article outlines proposed amendments to Jamaica's Copyright Act. The proposed amendments will include newer regulations for Internet treaties. The concerns of several stakeholders are also highligthed, in particular, those from the library sector and those in the music industry. The findings of a World Intellectual Property Organisation study of the contribution of intellectual property to Jamaica's economy is also mentioned.

Brief background information on the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) is offered in the latter paragraphs of the article.

Excerpt:

The Copyright Act is to be amended, to incorporate provisions of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) 'Internet Treaties'.

This was disclosed by Manager, Copyrights and Related Rights Directorate at the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Miss Philippa Davies, during a seminar on Copyrights... at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), on Half Way Tree Road.

"For example, the libraries have put forward a proposal that there be exemptions for the visually impaired to make copies of work without having to get permission from the author or without having to pay high royalties. That means converting a printed work into braille," Miss Davies said.

Jamaica to establish Parent Information Centres

2009-08-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

Title: Education Ministry Partnering with JLS in Parenting Initiative
Source: Jamaica Information Service (KINGSTON)
Date Published: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/education/html/20090825T180000-0500_20900_JIS_EDUCATION_MINISTRY_PARTNERING_WITH_JLS_IN_PARENTING_INITIATIVE.asp

Abstract:
The article reports on the plans of the Ministry of Education to work with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), in establishing parent information centres in the parish libraries all over the island.

According to the spokesperson, Senior Adviser/Consultant to the Minister of Education, Dr. Rebecca Tortello, these parenting information network/satellite information centres will collate parenting material locally, and international in the parish libraries. These materials will be linked and accessible via Internet accessible electronic databases as well as a hard copy database. The librarians will be trained in locating these materials in order to assist parents in finding the materials they need.

Dr. Tortello was speaking in an interview with JIS News and explained the initiative would also seek to find out what materials are available in Jamaica that are effective in training parents at different socio-economic levels, so as to effectively disseminate the message of effective parenting. The vision is that the initiative will include parenting materials not only in print, but in videos and DVDs, spreading the effective parenting messages in more than one ways including film, television, the sides of buses, and on cell phones.

Excerpt:

The Ministry of Education is working in conjunction with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), to establish a number of satellite centres on parenting in the parish libraries islandwide.

This was announced by Senior Adviser/Consultant to the Minister of Education, Dr. Rebecca Tortello, in an interview with JIS News on August 24.

"The Library Service is going to work with us to create information network/satellite information centres on parenting, so that we will gather parenting material locally, and international best practices. The parish libraries are linked and they have internet access, so we can have an electronic database as well as a hardcopy database and the librarians will be trained to know where the material is, so parents can come in and find material if they need it," she informed.

National Library of Guyana's readers competition finals

2009-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Author: Vanessa Narine

Title: 62 in National Library’s readers competition finals

Source: Guyana Chronicle Online

Date Published: Monday, 10 August 2009

URL: http://guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4568:62-in-national-librarys-readers-competition-finals&catid=2:news&Itemid=3#Scene_1

Abstract:

The article reports on the National Library of Guyana's reading competition. According to the article, a total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition. Some of these participants speak about their experiences in the competition and the personal gains that resulted from competing in the programme. Among the gains of participation in the competition is the new exposure that it gave participants to books and the world of literature.

The perspective of the judges is also represented, giving another perspective as to expected or intended outcomes of the competition. Also captured is background information about the event, including the theme of the competition, the dates of the competition, its prizes and the age range of competitors.

The library's perspective is also covered, as more than one library personnel suggest goals of the programme. One of the primary goals that Ms. Jillian Thompson (the Chief librarian) pointed out is that the competition aims to promote literacy in Guyana. Other goals are also stated.

Excerpt:

A total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition, Friday, an experience they lauded as one that helped them to look with new eyes at books and the world of literature.

The competition is one of the many events of the National Library’s centenary celebrations, held under the theme ‘Empowering the Nation through literacy’.

Chief Librarian Ms. Jillian Thompson pointed out that the promotion of literacy in Guyana was primary in the list of objectives that the competition sought to achieve.

Among the other objectives of the Champion Readers’ Competition was the need to:

* Encourage reading as a stimulating past-time among children and young adults;

* Stimulate a thirst for information through the printed medium;

* Nurture a lifelong love for reading; and

* Develop reading and comprehension skills of participants.