University youth implements the Read For Life Summer Programme in Barbados

Author: Natasha Beckles
Title: Nourishing a love for books
Source: Nation News
Date published: DECEMBER 02, 2012
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/nourishing-a-love-for-books/

Abstract:
The article reports on a summer reading programme for children in libraries across Barbados, the Read For Life Summer Programme. In this programme, participants as young as three years old are involved in activities to use their imaginations and creativity while discovering the fun of reading books. A brief biographical background about the founder of the programme, Gillian Rowe, is provided. Rowe  is a 22 year old history student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus.

The article discusses the outcomes and impact of the programme from Rowe's perspective. Read For Life according to Rowe, has helped to increase the usage of libraries especially during the summer, and has impacted children's personal development over the three years. Parents have also came forward seeking assistance to improve their children's reading.



How the programme was implemented is also documented. In the first year, volunteers went into the community to learn about the reading habits of children from their parents. In the second year, the children themselves were surveyed in order to find out what their favourite books were, who read to them, if they enjoyed reading and if they liked drawing pictures or imagining stories after reading a book. Based on these findings, the volunteers used the third year to locate more books that the children can relate to culturally.


Rowe make suggestions from her research about the development of children book publishing for the region. According to Rowe, children want to read about the stories and issues in their own lives of which they have questions about. Rowe is also reported as stating that there is a shortage of Barbadian and Caribbean children books, despite the quantity of teachers, writers and literary students graduating from the University of the West Indies. Rowe suggests that a publishing platform be established to to purposefully increase the quantity of regional books. Other suggestions are given in order to rectify the problem including using the submissions to the National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA) to discover new ideas for publication.

Rowe also discusses the partnerships that Read For Life has established including referrals of children who need extra assistance to the LITE Remedial Reading Centre. Future expansion in programming are announced, including a plan to launch the pilot phase of its Homework Helper programme which will include three schools and three branch libraries. A bit of information is provided about the homework helper program, where after school assistance will be provided to select students at the libraries who need help with their homework. This programme will be staffed with volunteers at three libraries that will provide one-on-one assistance.Rowe also announces plans for two additional end of year readings on December 22 and 29 at the Bridgetown Library, lasting for two hours, which will enable parents to have their children occupied while completing their shopping.







Excerpt: 

“We encourage children to come and use the resources in library branches for themselves, to help them with their schoolwork, to help them with general knowledge and to help them as they try to find a profession and way of life for themselves,” she said of the programme which caters to those up to the age of 18. 

The non-profit organization is staffed by a number of volunteers, many of whom are former teachers and principals and students who want to become teachers. 

However, anyone who is passionate about encouraging children and helping them to develop is welcome to volunteer since they are trained before being placed in the libraries.

Barbados Archives urged to digitize

Author: (JH)
Title: Digitise records
Date published: June 4, 2012
Source: The Barbados Advocate
URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=25110

Abstract:
This article reports on comments made by a historian, Dr. David Browne, who delivered a public lecture as part to celebrate Archives Awareness Month 2012. At that event, Dr. Browne makes a number of comments, remarks, observations and suggestions, some of which are documented by the reporter. One such suggestion was that the Barbados Depart ment of Archives needs digitize its records to keep up with modern technological advancements, despite unavailability of resources. Browne articulates that access and preservation of archive materials are important to researchers, and makes suggestion about businesses needing to practice good record keeping and that schools need to create School Archives in similar ways that they have school libraries.



Excerpt:

THE BARBADOS Department of Archives must reposition itself for the modern era and the technological advancement that comes with it.

This observation was made recently by Dr. David Browne, who was delivering a public lecture on the topic “Preserving Archives as Evidence” in the 3Ws Oval. The lecture was hosted by the Archives Department and the West Indies Federal Archives Centre in celebration of National Archives Awareness Month 2012.

Acknowledging the current challenges which exist and which have existed for quite some time, namely the unavailability of resources, he said that access and preservation of this material is critical, particularly as it relates to persons seeking to carry out research on a given topic.

“More and more, information and documents are [being] produced digitally and stored in this fashion. I understand that the Archives Department was looking at the digitisation of records [and] that is the way to go.”
His comments came as he also questioned the purpose of record-keeping, whether it is for the use of researchers or just for posterity, otherwise known as the community memory.

UWI Cave Hill students protest reduced library hours

Title: Students protest library hours

Author: ES/MM
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date: Sat, October 15, 2011

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/students-protest-library-hours/

Summary:

The article reports on a protest staged by students at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). It indicates the protest comes as a result of a decision to close the main library at 6 p.m. on Fridays instead of 11 p.m as a 'cost cutting measure' for the university administration. The article mentions the president of the Students Guild, Odwin Trenton, as the organiser of the protest. Trenton reports that the university’s administrators did not involve the student body in talks regarding the reduced hours, but assumed low library usage on weekends.

Excerpt:

DOZENS OF STUDENTS staged a protest at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) yesterday because of a decision to close the main library at 6 p.m. on Fridays instead of 11 p.m.
The early closure is a cost cutting measure because of the institution’s “dire financial situation,” a press release from the university’s office of Public Information said yesterday.

National Library Service of Barbados seeking to 'book' the unborn

Author: BY CARLOS ATWELL
Title: Booking unborn
Date Published: TUE, APRIL 12, 2011 - 12:02 AM
Source: Barbados Nation News
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/booking-unborn

Abstract:
Article reports on the National Library Service of Barbados's strategic direction, their strengths and gaps. The article notes that the library was, despite the growth of e-readers, still popular with children, adults and senior citizens. Nevertheless, the article also reports that library personnel are embarking on a strategy of promoting reading from the “baby stage” in order to get children accustomed to hearing a voice reading from as early as pregnancy. Disclosure is made of a team at the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic speaking to pregnant mothers, introducing the library service's Leap Into Reading Programme for children from one to five years old.

Mention is also made of the acquisitions of  e-books by the libray, where the Director Annette Smith indicates that the Library Service had began the development of a collection of e-books to keep relevant with new technology. The view is however expressed that new sources like the Kindle and e-books are still incapable of competing with reading in the library or even reading the printed book.

Appeal is also made for donations in acquiring new books as well as volunteers to read to children.The Director also expresses the view that the library needs a bus to provide extended services to various communities during school summer holidays.

Mention is also made of the US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Brent Hardt presenting a list of books to the library as part of the National Library Week celebration in the United States.


Excerpt:

The National Library Service is not daunted by technology like the Kindle, but it is taking the fight for literacy to another level.

The service is seeking to reach Barbadians even before birth by promoting reading to unborn children through interacting with expectant mums at the polyclinics.

Yesterday, after a donation of 22 Notable Books by the United States Embassy, acting senior librarian at the Bridgetown branch, Grace Haynes, explained that although the library was still a popular place for children, adults and even senior citizens, library personnel felt the need to promote reading from the “baby stage”. 

Barbados school library gets books from US embassy and BYAP

Author: CT
Title: US, BYAP boost St George’s library
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: Tue, January 25, 2011 - 12:00 AM
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/us-byap-boost-st-georges-library/

Abstract:
This article reports on the US embassy and the Barbados Youth Action Programme (BYAP)'s gift of books to a school library in Barbados. The quantity of the donation and the general subject matter of the books are mentioned.

Excerpt:

THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the Barbados Youth Action Programme (BYAP) yesterday teamed up to give a book boost to the St George Secondary School.

The school received 56 books, a donation that was coordinated by the BYAP and much appreciated by librarian of the school, Sonia Callender.

Barbados opens a Museum Gift shop

Author: (CH)
Title: Museum shop opens
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: March 21, 2010.
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/business/museum-shop-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article reports on the opening of a museum gift shop by the Barbados Museum & Historic Society to sell products that reflect Barbadian heritage. Funding behind the gift shop is also mentioned. Also new plans for the museum and its tours are highlighted by the marketing officer Christine Skeete.


Excerpt:

THE Barbados Museum & Historic Society officially threw open the doors of its spanking new gift shop at the Garrison...

"We will be adding more and more products as time goes on. Our intention is to work more closely with some of our artists to development products that will be customised for the museum [and] that will reflect Barbadian heritage and culture in a unique way. We are looking to make it a venue where both locals and visitors would feel they want to come back to get new and interesting products."

The impressive Mallalieu's Car museum in Barbados

Author: BARRY ALLEYNE
Title: Mallalieu's hot wheels
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published on: January 31, 2010
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/car-museum-feature-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article reports on a vintage car museum in Barbados. The article also entails information about how the museum began, its collection, the curator, and the types of visitors that are attracted to the museum.

Excerpt:

WHEN BILL MALLALIEU was a little boy, he loved playing with little toy cars.

Now that he's a big man, Mallalieu plays with big toy cars.

The result of his love affair with wheels, engines and motoring history is Barbados' lone old car museum.

But in fact, the Mallalieu Auto Collection is more than a place where locals, visitors, even primary school children can take a peek at some of the greatest vehicles ever assembled on the planet.

In the 40-foot car room at the collection's Pavilion Court, Hastings, Christ Church site there is also a sense of history that could blow even non-car-lovers away.

A Barbadian political party blamed for National library's neglect

Author: (TY)
Title: BLP blamed for library's neglect
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date Published on: February 3, 2010
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/HOUSE--Todd-knocks-Eastmond-copy-for-web


Abstract:
In a debate in Parliament over the Archives (Amendment) Bill 2010, the opposition's political party was criticised for its neglect of the National Library of Barbados, that lead to poor working conditions and the exposure of library materials and publications to harm ad possible devastation. The article also reports on the view expressed by a Member of Parliament about the value of the National Library to the nation.

Excerpt:

"I would hope that the original free library in Coleridge Street can be cleaned and put back to perfection because it is part of our culture.

"It brings nostalgia to a lot of us who used to go in there and we have to get the type of expertise that can restore that free library to its former glory."

Branch library workers go door to door in Barbados

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.

Not enough staff for Barbados library system

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.

Barbados library service needs more personnel

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.

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

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."

Barbadian Special Collection Destroyed by Fire: Millions of Rare materials vanish in smoke

Author: (MR)

Title: Wealth of information up in smoke

Source: Nation News

Date Published on: August 11, 2009.

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/MILLIONS-of---in-books-up-in-smoke-FRONT-PAGE-OTHER

Abstract:
Tragedy hits Barbados, when a special collection of books and research material donated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)to the Israel Lovell Foundation vanished in a fire. The materials produced by the BBC featured some research and publications on the nation and the Caribbean. The collection was intended to be organised into a public library for academic research to benefit the nation. The materials were not insured and the loss marks a major setback to the project.

Excerpt:
ABOUT $2.5 MILLION in books and research material donated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)to the Israel Lovell Foundation went up in smoke just after midnight yesterday.

A pensive Trevor Prescod, director of the foundation, told the DAILY NATION there was no way of replacing the collection of books which were stored in a block near the St Giles Nursery School compound, My Lord's Hill, St Michael. The books were not insured.

The entire block was ravaged by the fire.

The Barbados Archives Department's ‘We Island Story’ Exhibit

Author: J.H.
Title: Archives Department shares ‘We Island Story’
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date Published: May 14, 2009
URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=lifestyle&NewsID=3622
Abstract:

The article reports on the “We Island Story” exhibit and the objective of the exhibit. Among the objective is the showcasing of the Archives role and mission in the preservation of the nation's history and cultural heritage. Information is given about the work of the archives and its services.

Excerpt:

AS part of Archives Awareness Month 2009, an exhibition entitled "We Island Story" was officially launched at the Barbados Archives Department yesterday.

Fashion, Colour and Cotton for Museum’s 75th year

TITLE: Fashion, Colour and Cotton for Museum’s 75th year

Date Published: April 10, 2009

URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=business&NewsID=2960

This Easter weekend the Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS) celebrates it 75th anniversary with a gala evening of high fashion, colour, and the uniqueness of indigenous West Indian Sea Island Cotton.

It’s being called “April Breeze”, an event that brings the Museum together with Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean Inc. (ECCI) to present Barbadians with an enjoyable showcase combining historic and cultural exhibits with modern fashion for a holistic and memorable experience.

Abstract:
Article reports on an event to celebrate the Barbados Museum and Historical Society's 75th anniversary. The event features Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean Inc. (ECCI) hosting a fashion show, exhibits, musical entertainment and "a silent auction which is expected to raise some much needed funds for the Museum".

Cricket museum for Barbados tourism sector

Author: Tracy Moore
Title: Cricket museum a plus for tourism sector, says Sealy
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date: February 8, 2009.
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/herbert-house-soon-for-show-copy-for-web


Abstract:

A report capturing the comments of Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy about a museum to be set as a tourist attraction. This museum will focus on showcasing the game of cricket. Details about the target audience and how the museum will be marketed is also included in the report.

Barbados to establish National Research and Science Centre

Title: Barbados to establish National Research and Science Centre

Date Published: Saturday, March 14, 2009

Source: BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS): Caribbean Net News

URL: http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/barbados/barbados.php?news_id=14935&start=0&category_id=26

Abstract:

Barbados Government announces the plans to establish a research institution or centre to drive innovation and research for development in making Small and Medium Enterprises more competitive.

A report on B'dos Library's Black History Month's panel discussion on Black entrepreneurship

Author: ANMARIE BAILEY-BLAKE
Title: Blacks must 'grab bigger piece of business pie'
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date: February 07, 2009
URL: >http://www.nationnews.com/story/329839168447613.php.

Excerpt:
BLACKS CAN and need to do more to control a bigger piece of the local business market.

This was the consensus of a Black History Month panel discussion, Blacks In Business - The Way Forward, held at the main branch of the Barbados Library Service last Thursday.


Abstract:
The article provides a report on the Black History Month panel discussion, Blacks In Business - The Way Forward, held at the main branch of the Barbados Library Service.

B'dos Librarian calls for more local writing in sports

Title: Bajans told: Write more
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date: February 08, 2009

URL: http://tinyurl.com/c9q766

Excerpt from source:

THERE IS A NEED for more Barbadians to write on their experiences, especially in the area of sport.

This point was made by Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service, at a presentation of the book Called To Serve - Memoirs Of A Table Tennis Champion and written by Pat Quintyne Hildebrand, to the national library on Thursday.

Abstract:
Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service called for the nation to produce more indigenous writing in the area of sports. This article reports on her call for the need to enrich the social history of Barbados with the writings of locals.

Information is also given about the event in which the Librarian made her request, at a book deposit to the National Library in fulfillment of the requirements of the Legal Deposit Act.

Library's Black History Month Panel Discussion

Title: BLACK HISTORY MONTH PANEL DISCUSSION ON FEB 05

Source: Barbados Government Information Service

Date: February 02, 2009

URL: http://www.barbados.gov.bb/site_search.asp?id=2009227587.txt

Abstract:

The article gives information on a panel discussion put on by National Library Service to celebrate black history month. The panel discussion was scheduled to take place at the library’s new headquarters. The the purpose of the discussion as stated in the article "is to sensitise Barbadians about the dynamics of business, and the way forward to achieve successful business enterprises."