Jamaican librarians urged to facilitate discussion on logistics hub

Author: Alphea Saunders
Title: Libraries Urged to Facilitate Discussion on Logistics Hub
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published: January 31, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/libraries-urged-facilitate-discussion-logistics-hub/


Abstract:
The article reports on a speech delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elaine Foster Allen, given at the opening of the two-day Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)/Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) conference on January 30, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston. At that event, the Mrs. Foster Allen urged libraries to assume the role of being a place for Jamaicans to seek and hear discussion on the Jamaica logistics hub initiative. The Permanent Secretary also informed her audience about the Education Ministry's plan to re-establish an education broadcasting service. Mrs. Foster Allen also called on librarians to play a role in ensuring access to this planned service.

Some details are provided about this education broadcasting service including the use of available space for public broadcasting on cable television and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). Also mentioned is the use of the Jamaica Library Service, which is the largest single provider of free access to computers, the Internet and all the resources that are available.
Also reported is the remarks of the President of the LIAJA, Matthew Blake, about how the conference. Finally, mentioned also in brief is the theme of the conference and some of the topics for discussion.

Expert:

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elaine Foster Allen, has urged libraries to open up the public discussion on the Jamaica logistics hub initiative, as more Jamaicans seek information about this major development project.

She said because of their location in communities, libraries are ideally placed to be focal points for discussion, debates, discourse, and information on national development issues.

“I have heard lots of people talking about the logistics hub…the library is well positioned to point people in the direction of what they need to know,” she stated.

Mrs. Foster Allen was speaking at the opening of the two-day Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)/Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) conference on January 30, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.

Dr. Joyce Robinson remembered

Author: Desmond Allen
Title: Dr Joyce Robinson — 'a Rock of Gibraltar in times of emotional stress'
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Source: Jamaica Observer

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Dr-Joyce-Robinson----a-Rock-of-Gibraltar-in-times-of-emotional-stress-_14276620

Abstract:

This article reports on various tributes being offered to Dr. Joyce Robinson. In particular, remarks from the Opposition Leader and leader of the Jamaican Labour Party, Andrew Holness is reported. Also reported is remarks from the current President of  the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA), Matthew Blake and Dr Hazel Bennett, a close friend and retired senior lecture of the library school  at the University of the West Indies. From these tributes, the life and contribution of Dr. Joyce Robinson is reflected, especially her work as a librarian and her foundational work in developing libraries in Jamaica, including the establishment of the public library, the library association, national library system and  library school.

Excerpt:

Joyce Robinson was a founding member of the Jamaica Library Association, the forerunner of LIAJA, and served the Association in several capacities including that of president on two occasions — 1964 and 1973. In 1992 she was elected honorary member of the Association in recognition of her contribution to the growth and development of the profession and to the courageous leadership she gave in promoting the value of library services to national development.

"Joyce Robinson will be remembered specifically for her role in the development of the Jamaica Library Service from 1950-1973, the last 16 years as director and the first Jamaican to hold this position. Equally important was her role in advocating for the establishment of a library school on the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, as well as her role as a founding member of the National Council on Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services (NACOLADS). For this she served as the chairman from 1980-1990 and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Library of Jamaica, which she served as the first board chairman from 1979 to 1996.

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."