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.

Jamaican rural community to get new library and computer facility

Author: Garfield Angus
Title: Accompong to Get Library and Computer Centre
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published: January 8, 2013
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/32680


Abstract:

The article reports on an event launching the construction for a library in a rural community in Jamaica. The  Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, in his reported speech at the ceremony, informs us about the investor or sponsor behind the project and the cost involved. Minister Thwaites also comments on the potential benefit of public and private partnership on the education of children. The time period of the construction and the exact location of the site is also announced.

The community library is to be built on the grounds of  Accompong Primary and Junior High School, and as such, the article also reports on the reaction of the school's principal, Garfield Rowe. Rowe reports in the speech the users that the facility will serve, which includes both the children and adults of the Accompong community.

Both the principal and Minister of Education are reported as praising the investor/sponsor of the project. The sponsor of project, Mystic Bowie, in turn is described by the article as a recording artiste and music producer, a resident of the area, who is living overseas. In his reported speech the sponsor states his personal vision for the the community and how he sees the project as fulfilling that vision by empowering the children of the community with needed educational resources.

Excerpt:

Work will get underway next month on the construction of a state-of-the-art library and computer centre in the community of Accompong in St. Elizabeth.

The project is being funded by recording artiste and music producer, Mystic Bowie, a resident of the area, who is living overseas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday (January 6), Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, said the project is significant for the Maroon community and lauded Mr. Bowie for investing more than $6 million (US$65,000) “in the building of education for his community”.

Event to encourage donations for the National Library of Jamaica's sound collection

Title: Local Artistes Encouraged To Donate To Library
Date published: Thursday, October 25, 2012
Source: Jamaica Gleaner

URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20121025/ent/ent5.html

Abstract:
Article reports on efforts by the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) to host an event to encourage local artistes to donate to building the library's sound collection. Also mentioned is the Legal Deposit Act that came into existence and its influence in developing the library's CD collection.

Excerpt:

"The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) plans to present Legalise It, a collaborative effort with Teddy Laidley Productions on Friday. 

Legalise It seeks to encourage local artistes to build a sound collection at the National Library of Jamaica by making legal deposits to the library."

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”. 

NALIS opens library at St Jude’s School for Girls

Author: By NEWSDAY REPORTER
Title: NALIS opens library at St Jude’s School for Girls
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Date Published: Thursday, July 29 2010
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,124849.html


Abstract:

The article reports on the official opening of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS) Library at the St Jude’s School for Girls in Belmont. It reports excerpts from the speech of the Director of NALIS, Annette Wallace, and Nela Khan, the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.

In this article, the Director of NALIS blames illiteracy for crime, while Nela Khan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, advocates the importance of youth accessing information in making them well-adjusted to society and economy, and to nation building.

Finally Wallace provides some comments about future expansion of NALIS services to the Women’s Prison at the Maximum Security Prison in Golden Grove Arouca and the St Michael’s School for Boys in Diego Martin.


Excerpt:

“Wallace revealed that in the next fiscal year NALIS plans to open two more libraries, the first at the Women’s Prison at the Maximum Security Prison in Golden Grove Arouca, and the next at the St Michael’s School for Boys in Diego Martin."

NCB donates books to Alpha Academy school library

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

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


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

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

University of West Indies Mona library installs new library security system

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


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


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

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

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

UWI, Mona Main Library Implements New Security System

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

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


Excerpt:

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

National Library of Guyana launches commemorative stamp

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

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.

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.

Call for a Jamaican museum or library to honour Norman Manley

Author: Garfield Myers
Title: Another appeal for Roxborough: Birthplace of National Hero Norman Manley still in disrepair
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Wednesday, July 08, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090707T210000-0500_154917_OBS_ANOTHER_APPEAL_FOR_ROXBOROUGH_.asp

Excerpt:

A brief note on Roxborough on the website of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, which has responsibility for official heritage sites, says in part: "It was proposed that the house be restored since it had fallen into disrepair, but in 1968 it was destroyed by fire. Currently only the foundation remains. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust proposes to restore the building."

Pressed by the Observer following Saturday's function, which incorporated tributes to Manley's life in speech and song, Ramsay argued that a library and/or museum suitably furnished with literature and memorabilia on Manley should be part of any upgrading.

Abstract:

The article reports on the annual July 4 celebration honouring one of Jamaica's National Hero, Norman Manley, at which calls were made for the upgrading of his home. At this function Mayor of Mandeville and chairman of the Manchester Parish Council, Brenda Ramsay, suggests that the nation should adequately honour Manley "the 'father' and chief architect of post-independent Jamaica" by upgrading his old house. Already designated as a heritage site, the suggestion was made to turn Manley's house into a museum or library. This suggested museum or library would serve as an historical attraction informing visitors about Manley and his contribution to Jamaica.

Institute of Ja head wants more visitors

Author: Oliver Clark
Title: Institute of Ja head wants more visitors
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday | May 2, 2009


URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090502/lead/lead5.html


Abstract:
The article introduces the problem of the low visits by Jamaican nationals to the Institute of Jamaica and the low usage or viewing of its resources, collections and services. The value of the services and collection are expressed, as well as the mission or mandate of the Institute.


Excerpt:

Vivian Crawford stands in a gallery full of exhibits but empty of visitors. As the executive director of the institute, it saddens him that there are not more people who come to experience what the institute has to offer.

The Seaga Collection Preview at UWI Mona

Author: Kimone Thompson
Title: The wait is still on for the tantalising Seaga collection
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, May 03, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090502T220000-0500_150667_OBS_THE_WAIT_IS_STILL_ON_FOR_THE_TANTALISING_SEAGA_COLLECTION_.asp
Abstract:

Article provides information about a special collection being established at the Main Library of the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). The collection will contain information about Jamaica's social and political history compiled by Seaga based on his experiences and involvement in Jamaica's politics and society. The article also makes mention of perceptions of several dignitaries of the contribution that Seaga has made to Jamaica, as one of the longest serving politician and public figure and their reaction to the preview of the collection.

Excerpt:

The University of the West Indies (UWI) which houses the collection, staged a whet-the-appetite launch last Thursday at the Main Library on the Mona Campus at which benefactors like Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Maurice Facey, and government ministers Mike Henry and Andrew Holness, among other dignitaries, came to give their blessing.

Already described as the "most extensive" collection of Jamaica's social and political history in one location, the body of works comprises a compilation of 27 speeches made by Seaga in the past four years titled Revelations: beyond Political Boundaries; a book titled The Grenada Intervention: the Inside Story; Seaga's autobiography in two volumes; a digitised collection of papers and recordings and a compilation of macroeconomic data from 1950 to 2007.

The collection - catalogued under the UWI's West Indian Collection, and undertaken with funds raised by the institution's development and endowment fund - was put together by Seaga who was made a Distinguished Fellow in the UWI School of Graduate Studies and Research in 2005.

Grandma Praises JIS Research Facilities

Author: Lotoya Pennant
Title: Grandma Praises JIS Research Facilities
Source: KINGSTON: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Saturday, April 18, 2009
URL http://www.jis.gov.jm/officepm/html/20090418t000000-0500_19253_jis_grandma_praises_jis_research_facilities.asp

Abstract:
The article reports on a satisfied patron of the Jamaica Information Service Research and Publications Department [library facility]. It also reports on the mission and history of the Department, its services, its mission, its objectives and goals.


Excerpt:

Mrs. Anderson praises the Government's information agency for continuously providing wholesome, educational programmes to uplift Jamaicans.

While the requests may vary, Mrs. Anderson says she is always able to find the information she needs at the JIS.

Manager of the Research and Publications Department, Celia Lindsay, notes that the information provided by the Department is specialised and focuses on areas such as Government policies and programmes, Jamaican history, culture, and heritage.

"As the government's information arm, the JIS is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information and first class service and our collection has books, pamphlets, periodicals and newspaper clippings, dating as far back as the early 1940s," she indicated.

Miss Lindsay notes that, despite the name change, the department remains a relevant and integral resource point for information on Jamaica. Now known as Research and Publications, the department continues to provide commendable archival and library support to a range of clients, mainly Government ministries and agencies, public servants, academics, tertiary and secondary school students, private sector entities and the general public.

Miss Lindsay says that the department has been working assiduously to reposition itself as a provider of up-to-date research/reference material on Government's programmes and policies, and is a comprehensive source of reference information about the history, people and culture.

"We hope to reaffirm the JIS as the first point of contact for government documents, such as Ministry Papers, reports, speeches of past Prime Ministers, Budget and Sectoral Speeches, Laws and Amendments and other information," Miss Lindsay states.

Rockhouse Foundation Donates $1.3 Million to Buy Books for Negril Library

Title: Rockhouse Foundation Donates $1.3 Million to Buy Books for Negril Library

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service(JIS):
Date: Friday, March 27, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/education/html/20090326t220000-0500_18984_jis_rockhouse_foundation_donates__1_3_million_to_buy_books_for_negril_library.asp

Excerpt

The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) today (March 26), received $1.3 million from the Rockhouse Foundation, to purchase books for the Negril Branch Library.

The presentation was made at a ceremony at the JLS office, Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston. The funds will assist the Foundation to fulfill its mandate of enabling national development through the creation and support of a knowledge-based society of culturally aware lifelong learners.

The foundation is also refurbishing the Negril Branch Library at a cost of $30 million. This will be completed by the end of May.

Abstract:
The article reports on a official ceremony held at Jamaica Library Service Headquarters to recognise and formally receive donations for the development of the Negril branch of Jamaica's public library system. In the article, gratitude and tribute is paid to the donors, Rockhouse Foundation, by the Director of Jamaica Library Service, Mrs. Patricia Roberts and the Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Bertel Moore.

Information is also relayed regarding the expectation of how the funds will be used as well as the Foundation's mandate and mission.

Specific mention is also made about the work the foundation is doing to refurbish the Negril Branch Library to the cost of $30 million. Mention is also made about the new children library spaces that are being designed.

Story book about the steel pan launched at NALIS Children’s Library

Author: Michelle Loubon
Title: Boy Boy makes magic at Children’s Library
Source: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Date Published: February 16th, 2009

URL: http://guardian.co.tt/features/entertainment/2009/02/17/boy-boy-makes-magic-children-s-library

Abstract:

The author reports on the book launch of the new children's story book "Boy Boy and The Magic Drum", written by soca superstar Machel Montano at Nalis Children’s Library.
.

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.

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."

Bajan yankee donates house for library

Title: Bajan yankee donates house for library
Source: Nation News
Date: February 18 2009

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/334975070136828.php

Abstract:
A news report or article on the philanthropic donation by a former resident of Orange Hill for the establishment of a library facility for the community of Orange Hill, Barbados.