Jamaican public library director shares her career story

Author: By KIMBERLEY HIBBERT

Title: A leaf out of Karen Barton's book
Date published: Monday, June 22, 2015
Source: ALL WOMAN, Jamaica Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/A-leaf-out-of-Karen-Barton-s-book_19151716

Abstract:
Article features Karen Barton's career story about how she entered into librarianship, her offered career advice and mentions her hobbies and achievements.


Excerpt:

SHE says she would never trade her job for anything, and if afforded the chance to live again, she would choose the same career path.

Born and raised in Lionel Town, Clarendon, Karen Barton, the director general of the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) tells All Woman that after leaving Glenmuir High School, she sought employment before pursuing her tertiary education. She was employed as a library assistant at the Clarendon Parish Library, a job that would seal her fate in the industry.

"At that time I wasn't considering librarianship as a career. I just thought this was a job on my way to going into the diplomatic service," she shares.

"I had dreams of doing Spanish, different languages and everything it would take to go into the diplomatic field. I went into the library that summer but I never thought of it as a career."

But on meeting the now deceased senior librarian Gloria Baker, she fell in love with the discipline.

The Caribbean Genealogy Library on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Author: Gerald Singer
Title: Caribbean Genealogy Library
Date published: October 21, 2013
Source: Life on St. John USVI/ St. John Life
URL: http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/life-on-st-john/caribbean-genealogy-library/

Abstract:
This article or post reports on the Caribbean Genealogy Library, a library in the US Virgin Islands. The post also declares its location and outlines the scope of its collection.

Excerpt:

The Caribbean Genealogy Library is a little known library on St.Thomas that is a veritable treasure trove of information for those interested in genealogical studies as well as Caribbean history. The Library is located at Al Cohens Plaza, next to Mango Tango Art Gallery, across from Randys Restaurant, on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Just a 10 minute ride by taxi from the WICO cruise ship dock.

The library features rare books, maps, newspapers, & magazines, Danish West Indies/US Virgin, Islands census records, Virgin Islands Church Records, US National Archives M1883 & M1884 microfilms, Virgin Islands Funeral Booklets, Ancestry.com, Family History Library affiliate library, Caribbean Jewish family genealogies and a St. Thomas Graphics publications collection.

Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched

Title [of Press Rease]: Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched at Landmark Conference
Alternative title: 11 Caribbean Countries Meet to Discuss Freedom of Information Laws in the Region
Date published: March 22, 2013
Source: World Resources Institute

URL: http://www.wri.org/press/2013/03/release-caribbean-freedom-information-network-launched-landmark-conference


Abstract:
This article or press release announces the outcome and decision of an event (a two-day conference) held in Kingston, Jamaica where 11 Caribbean countries met to discuss matters relating to freedom of information legislation in the region. Commonwealth Caribbean nations with legislation pending, plus those with legislation implemented are noted.

The press release also reportedly quotes from the persons of Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Danielle Andrade, Legal Director of the Jamaica Environment Trust, stating why such legislation is important, useful and beneficial to citizens. Also reported are the sponsors behind the funding and staging of the conference, as well as participants.


Excerpt:

For the first time, Caribbean governments and civil society have come together to discuss access to information, public participation in governance, and access to justice at a landmark conference held in Kingston, Jamaica. Representatives from 11 Caribbean countries attended the “Regional Conference on Freedom of Information in the Caribbean: Improving Management for the Environment.”

At the close of the two-day conference on March 21, 2013, governments, civil society, and media announced the decision to launch a Caribbean network on freedom of information to support processes to improve standards for access to information in the region.

Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said, “freedom of information is the most powerful tool for ordinary citizens to arm themselves with the information they need to change their lives. Launching this freedom of information network will build opportunities for collaboration, learning and capacity building among information commissioners, civil society and media across the region.”

Caribbean Library Journal's (CLJ) call for submissions for 2013 publication

TITLE: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
SOURCE:  Caribbean Library Journal (CLJ): A publication of The University of the West Indies, University Libraries
 URL: http://www.mainlib.uwi.tt/clj/CLJ_call.htm



Abstract:
Caribbean Library Journal (CLJ) announces its call for submissions for online publication in its April 2013 issue. Information is provided about the journal and its scope. Types of research and submissions accepted are also outlined.

Excerpt:

Caribbean Library Journal (CLJ) welcomes the submission of manuscripts for the publication of its inaugural issue in April 2013. CLJ is an open access peer-reviewed online journal which focuses on the practice and research of Caribbean librarianship and the information management of Caribbean resources globally. It publishes original research written by Caribbean librarians, information scientists and library school faculty and students, as well as by information professionals from outside the Caribbean region who work with, or conduct research on Caribbean materials. Currently, CLJ is only able to accept publications in English.

The CLJ team will work with new authors and persons with innovative ways of presenting scholarship in the Web 2.0 environment. A section of the journal is assigned to pushing the boundaries of Caribbean scholarship and publications. CLJ will accept visual essays, video presentations, technical coding with explanations on library and information, illustrated guides on how to solve library and archival issues.

Deadline for abstracts of no more than 400 words: 15th October 2012
See here for details.

UWI Mona DLIS 40th Anniversary Conference & Gathering of Graduates

Conference Name:  The University of the West Indies, Mona  Department of Library and Information Studies 40th Anniversary  Conference & Gathering of Graduates


Sponsoring Institution:

The University of the West Indies, Mona
Department of Library and Information Studies


Title: "From Search to Discovery: Reimagining the Library and Information Landscape"


Location: Mona Visitors’ Lodge & Conference Centre, 
UWI, Mona Campus, Kingston 7

Date: October 4-6, 2012 


URL: http://myspot.mona.uwi.edu/dlis/sites/drupal-dev.uwimona.edu.jm.dlis/files/uploads/CALL%20FOR%20PAPER%20&%20POSTER%20PROPOSALS[1].pdf

Abstract:
The University of the West Indies, Mona Department of Library and Information Studies puts on its 40th anniversary conference and gathering of the graduates. The call for papers and poster presentations is out and the deadline closes July 31, 2012. The conference calls for presentations on the library and information landscape but also asks for researchers to relate the topic to the Caribbean.


Excerpt:

"The theme asks participants to envision how the changing information
environment is impacting the role and functions of libraries, librarians, as
well as library and information science education and research and
information users. Further, persons are asked to relate this change to the
current situation in the Caribbean."

UWI Press launches e-books for Kindle readers

Author: The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Title: The UWI Press launches five e-books for Kindle customers
Date:  FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Source: The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago Campus News
URL: http://sta.uwi.edu/news/releases/release.asp?id=907


Abstract:

This news release from the University of the West Indies Press highlights one of the main Caribbean scholarly book publisher launching e-books for Kindle readers. Background information on the publisher is also provided and the titles that will be available in e-book format are announced. In addition, the publisher's goal of publishing more than 60 more titles in e-book format is also stated.


Excerpt:

January 2012 marked a new beginning for the UWI Press in the global book industry as it launches five e-books for its Kindle customers.

According to Linda Speth, the Director of the UWI Press: “Our goal is to provide superb Caribbean scholarship in a variety of formats.  During the next year, we will make more than 60 books available in electronic forms for a variety of tablets, readers and devices.  Our customers want a choice in how they gain access to our content and these and other initiatives will allow our customers greater access to and usability of our peer-reviewed books.”

The five e-books being launched are Cascade by Barbara Lalla, Inna di Dance Hall: Popular Culture and the Politics of Identity in Jamaica by Donna P. Hope, In Miserable Slavery: Thomas Thistlewood in Jamaica, 1750-86 by Douglas Hall,Jamaican Folk Medicine: A Source of Healing by Arvilla Payne-Jackson and Mervyn Alleyne and Abandoning Dead Metaphors: The Caribbean Phase of Derek Walcott’s Poetry by the late Patricia Ismond.

January 2012 conference for Caribbean information professionals

A relevant conference for Caribbean library and information professionals is to be held in January 2012.

Organisers: /SlashRoots and Mona School of Business, The University of the West Indies
Conference: Developing the Caribbean
Date: 26th January 2012
Venue: Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
Cost: $1000 for regular attendee, but $500 for student
















Topics:

• Cataloguing National Data Resources: Finding the  right balance between Freedom of Information, Access and Privacy
• Open Data
• FOSS: Adoption in the public sector
• A Presentation of the Edward Seaga Database Collection

Caribbean Law librarians praised, urged to speak out

Author: SC [Shawn Cumberbatch]
Title: Law librarians praised, urged to speak out
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date: 23 June, 2009

URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4430

Abstract:

The article reports on the Attorney-General of Barbados, Freundel Stuart's commendation of the profession of law librarians at the opening of 24th annual general meeting and seminar of the Caribbean Association of Law Libraries. The meeting was held at the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Stuart on this occasion contrasts the poor image that law librarians have with the important role and work that they play in the legal field. The Attorney-General also called on law librarians to be more vocal and active in improving their image.

In this article, a definition of "law librarian" is also articulated. In addition, it provides a brief description of some of the activities that law librarians do on a daily basis to provide information for their clients.

Excerpt:

GOVERNMENT’S chief legal spokesman wants law librarians to speak out on matters affecting their profession.

Attorney-General (AG) Freundel Stuart said with law librarians often taken for granted by their clients, they need to let their voices by heard more.

Barbados Court library compromised

Author: Shawn Cumberbatch
Title: Court library compromised
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date: 23 June, 2009

URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4433

Abstract:

This article reports on the need for the training of librarians in book preservation. This issue came up out during the official opening of the 24th Annual General Meeting and seminar of the Caribbean Association of Law Librarians. The meeting took place at the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

The issues were higlighted by both Chief Justice Sir David Simmons and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart of Barbados. The two raised the issue that the premier law library of the island is suffering the destruction of library materials due to hostile environmental conditions. The article stresses the conclusion drawn that there is need for funding and training in preservation and conservation issues. In addition, Cumberbatch reports that the solution that the authorities will be pursuing to address the problem is to to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank for the project of library and library material restoration.



Excerpt:

ENVIRONMENTAL problems, including mould and fungus, have cost Barbados’ highest domestic court a “substantial” amount of its library material.

Chief Justice (CJ) Sir David Simmons disclosed yesterday that authorities were now looking to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, as part of its Justice Improvement Programme with the island, to significantly restore the large volume of legal books and other important reading material housed in the 278-year-old Supreme Court library.

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."

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."

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