Heritage public library restoration commences in Trinidad and Tobago

Author: Rachael Espinet
Title: Old Public Library to be restored

Date published: Saturday, August 3 2013

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,181677.html

 

Abstract:

This article reports on announcements made at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS). Lucia Phillip, Executive Director of  NALIS, is reported as giving some historical background and significance to the Knox Street Library. The article provides further information about the historical background of the library, including when it was opened and when it declined due to poor structural building conditions.

 

The article however positively reports on the heritage restoration plans for the building. Jennifer Joseph, Vice-Chair of NALIS Board and the Chair of the Restoration Committee is reported as stating what the new library building after restoration will look like and the types of services that it will provide. Plans for the restored library include making hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders and for it to become both a research library and a heritage museum.

The reporter also reports on the donations received by the library from various Prime Ministers and presidents of Trinidad and Tobago,  as well pending donations of  photographs, audiovisual memorabilia, documents relating to speeches and government business and other general artifacts. Information is also given about the architectural style of the building. The architect responsible for the restoration, Rudylyn Roberts, is also named and the work done so far and expected due date of completion is highlighted.

The Education Minister, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, is also reported as affirming the Government's commitment towards allocating the necessary funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the building.

Professor Brinsley Samaroo, historian and a member of the Restoration Committee, is also mentioned as calling for donations of artifacts like letters, spectacles, books, journals, or any item belonging to a leader of Trinidad and Tobago for the library's collection.

  

Excerpt:

The old Trinidad Public Library on Knox Street, Port-of-Spain, will be fully restored and filled with a collection of historical artifacts from past and present presidents and prime ministers.

This was announced yesterday at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS).

The restored library will hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders so that it will become both a state of the art research facility and a heritage museum.

 

ACURIL 2011 conference

The region's flagship conference is back, but this time it will be held outside of the Caribbean sea, in the United States.

Event: ACURIL 41st Conference

Location: Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.

Date: May 30th- June 3rd, 2011,

Theme: The role of libraries and archives in disaster preparedness, response and research.

URL: http://guides.lib.usf.edu/ACURIL_2011

OR

http://guides.lib.usf.edu/content.php?pid=165192&sid=1393320

"This year, the conference is hosted in the United States for the first time in 14 years."

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.

Educators say that Internet makes Jamaican students lazy

Author: NADINE WILSON Career & Education staff reporter wilsonn AT jamaicaobserver.com

Title: 'Internet making students lazy': Educators say better monitoring of use required

Date Published: Sunday, April 12, 2009

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Career/html/20090411T220000-0500_149225_OBS__INTERNET_MAKING_STUDENTS_LAZY__.asp


Excerpt:

FOR many of Jamaica's students, the Internet is easily accessible and convenient, allowing them the opportunity, at the click of a mouse, to get their hands on the answers to an abundance of homework questions. And that is precisely the problem that educators are having with the technology.

Teachers complain that while the existence of the Internet has its advantages, it also helps to promote laziness among students, which manifests itself in their poor academic performance at exam time and in their school-based assessments (SBAs).

Abstract:

Article reports on the observations of educators about the impact of the Web on student academic work, abilities and achievement. The report chronicle negative observations made by educators about the quality of the work of students and their lack of critical thinking and analytical skills, which they attribute to the increased access to the Web.

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.

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.