Jamaica Library Service receives computer software from Microsoft

Author: Douglas Mcintosh
Title: JLS Receives Computer Software Valued at $131.85 Million
Date published: June 20, 2015
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/jls-receives-computer-software-valued-131-85-million/

Abstract:
This article reports on the funding and donations received by the  Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) for its information and communications technology (ICT) project. How the funding and donations will be used is announced as well the purposes to which the newly acquired ICT resources will be applied.

The JLS Director General, Karen Barton, is reported expressing gratitude for the donations and funding. Microsoft Jamaica Country Manager, George Cobin, is also reported as praising the JLS for its ICT initiatives. Microsoft Jamaica’s Sector Manager for Education, Queenie Ko, is also cited as expressing happiness that  Microsoft could support JLS in using technology for empower individuals and community development in Jamaica.

Further information is provided on both JLS and the  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Excerpt:

The Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) information and communications technology (ICT) project, currently being developed, has been boosted with the provision of computer software, valued approximately $131.85 million (US$1.13 million), by Microsoft Jamaica.

The donation, which is the largest to date made by the technology solutions firm in the English-speaking Caribbean, entails Office 2013 Pro Plus applications, comprising: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, which are utilized by global enterprises and companies. These will be uploaded on the approximately 800 state-of-the-art computers slated to be installed within the next three months at all of the JLS’ 127 public libraries islandwide and some mobile facilities, under the project, titled: ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’.

Jamaican $123 Million for ICT in public library project

Author: By Athaliah Baker
Title: Project to Increase Access to ICT Services Receives $123 Million
Date published: March 3, 2015
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/project-increase-access-ict-services-receives-123-million/

Abstract:
The article reports on the allotment of $123 million in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure by Jamaican Parliament to a project to increase access to information and communications technology (ICT) services. Part of this project involves increasing Jamaica's public library usage and installing computer and other technologies within public libraries. Other details of the project are mentioned including activities to be undertaken such as the completion of a needs assessment survey and baseline study, as well as the training of 45 staff members. Also mentioned is that the project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by the Ministry of Education.

Excerpt:

The Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development Project also aims to provide ICT and other training programmes to promote personal, organisational and national development; and provide new and enhanced programmes and services responsive to the needs of users, non-users and stakeholders.

It also seeks to promote programmes and services to existing and potential users to increase library usage; and create greater awareness of the value of public libraries in communities to build local and national support. 

For the new fiscal year, it is anticipated that computers and other technologies will be installed in all 128 libraries islandwide; training programmes for staff and users will be implemented; and marketing campaigns will be conducted.

Jamaica Library Service Launches ICT-driven Initiatives

Author: Kadian Brown
Title: JLS Urged to Expand Provision of Information
Date: November 7, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/jls-urged-expand-provision-information/


Abstract:
This article reports excerpts from a speech from the Jamaican Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, speaking at the official launch of the Jamaican Library Service's Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven project. The project dubbed: ‘Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’, was launched on November 6 at the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library.


Background information is provided about the project including 

• the major sponsors and the amount they contributed (a US$2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries Initiative and from the Government, the amount of US$1.1 million), 
• how it will be implemented (the provision of additional ICT resources across 127 public libraries in Jamaica)
• additional project partners, namely: Microsoft, RJR Communication Group, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Universal Service Fund, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), the Gleaner Company and Jamaica Public Service Limited (JPS).

Several major objectives of the project are outlined:

• to provide Jamaicans with increased access to ICTs
• to enhance library programmes and services and training in ICT skills and other related areas for JLS staff and library users.

The Minister also outlines his vision for seeing the JLS:

• conceptualize activities, programmes and partnerships to get more persons to utilize library services
• facilitate after-school and weekend activities for young people 
• systemize homework centres in all the libraries
• consider initiatives to facilitate adult learning.
• enter into partnership with the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning in the roll-out of the alternate high school diploma for adults
• be stocked with all of the texts that are used in schools as well as the supplemental material that students who cannot afford to purchase these can gain access to them at the library.

Excerpt:
Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has challenged the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) to be a facilitator of information to various sectors of society, in order to enhance knowledge, technology and development.

“The library, through technology, must be an adjunct and a help to what goes on in the school system.  The library has to become the centre where young people or people of any age can come and get information as to how they can improve their business skills or confirm themselves in the task of earning an honest income,” the Minister said.

Rev. Thwaites was speaking at the official launch of the JLS’ ICT-driven project dubbed: ‘Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’, on November 6 at the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library.

Trinidad and Tobago's Scarborough library due for completion by August 2014

Title: Scarborough Library due for completion shortly
Date published: Friday, June 6 2014
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,195828.html

Abstract:
The article reports on Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Councillor Gary Melville's announcement of a projected date for the completion of the Scarborough library building and other community projects. In his report, Melville promises that the facility will be modern and ready to support students for the new school year. Mention is made that:

• the library is currently undergoing a tendering process for the information and communication technology
• the shelving, furniture and books are already in place
• sprinkling and fire suppression systems are to be installed
• and that the Scarborough Beautification Committee will beautify the library surroundings and construct public washrooms

Excerpt:

THE MULTI-MILLION dollar Scarborough Library building will be completed by week-end, and external works should be completed by month-end, reported Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Councillor Gary Melville.

Speaking at the weekly post-Executive Council media briefing on Wednesday, he promised the island’s schoolchildren, the use of a modern Scarborough Library when their new term starts in September. 

He also reported that the National Maintenance and Security Company Limited (MTS), the project manager of the construction of the new library in Lower Scarborough, has been mandated to deliver it by the end of August. 

He said that tenders were being processed for the information and communication technology aspect of the project, which is a requirement in a modern-day library. He reported that the shelving, furniture and books are already in the building while sprinkling and fire suppression systems were still to be installed. Melville said his division, in conjunction with the Scarborough Beautification Committee, will beautify the surroundings of the building, and construct public washrooms.

Minister of Information declares role for Jamaican librarians in ICT

Title: Role for Librarians as Leaders in ICT Sector Development - Minister Falconer
Date: Monday, 06 February 2012
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/opm-news/29752-role-for-librarians-as-leaders-in-ict-sector-development-minister-falconer


Abstract:
Article reports on a speech by the Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, at the annual President’s Banquet of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA), in Kingston on Saturday, February 4. At the event, Senator Falconer outlines what she perceives as the role that librarians need to play in Jamaica's development. The response to the Minister from the President of LIAJA and Government Archivist, Claudette Thomas is also reported. Information is also present about the induction of three new honorary members to the association.

Excerpt:

Librarians will play a leadership role in developing government’s framework for the ICT sector said Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, at the annual President’s Banquet of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJ), in Kingston on Saturday, February 4.

Minister Falconer said, “Your organisation, the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA)) is poised to play a critical role in this process by providing leadership and development in the information field and to encourage learning and facilitating access to information. Your members are information professionals who possess the requisite skills and competencies that can be applied to a variety of work settings that will ensure the attainment of a knowledge society by 2030."

Visit to Trinidad and Tobago by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

Title: Visit to Trinidad and Tobago by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Source: Government Information Services of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Date Published: 8th January 2009
URL: http://www.news.gov.tt/index.php?news=888


Abstract:

A press release about the visit of a delegation from Singapore to Trinidad and Tobago surrounding bilateral arrangements to strengthen e-government and e-business initiatives between the two countries. However, specific focus will be placed on using knowledge from Singapore and ICTs to help transform Trinidad and Tobago's public sector.

A Site for Caribbean ICT trends

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


Title: Siliconecaribe.com

Author/Founder: Ingrid Riley

Copyright Date: 2007

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

Website powered by: Revolution WordPress (c) 2008

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

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

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

Jamaica Library Service Making Use of ICT

Title: Jamaica Library Service Making Use of ICT

Author: DOUGLAS McINTOSH

Source: Jamaica Information Service,

Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2008

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

Abstract:

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