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 (JLS) to purchase 400 computers

Author: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker
Title: Cabinet Approves 400 Computers for JLS
Date Published: FRIDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 10:55
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/31802

Abstract:
The article reports on the approval of a contract by the Jamaican Government that will supply Jamaica Library Service (JLS) with computers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units and application software. The announcement is reportedly made by the Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer at a press briefing following the Cabinet's decision. Also mentioned is the concern by Government of the need to reduce the costs associated with such information technology upgrades and acquisitions as well as decisions about possible explorations to achieve this.


Excerpt:

The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) is set to receive some 400 computers, UPS units and application software, in an effort to improve the efficiency of its information technology systems.
Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer said Cabinet has approved a contract for  Management Service Systems to supply 400 computer systems, 400 licences of Microsoft Office 2012, 400 licences of Norton Anti-virus, and 400 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units to the JLS.

UWI Cave Hill students protest reduced library hours

Title: Students protest library hours

Author: ES/MM
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date: Sat, October 15, 2011

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/students-protest-library-hours/

Summary:

The article reports on a protest staged by students at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). It indicates the protest comes as a result of a decision to close the main library at 6 p.m. on Fridays instead of 11 p.m as a 'cost cutting measure' for the university administration. The article mentions the president of the Students Guild, Odwin Trenton, as the organiser of the protest. Trenton reports that the university’s administrators did not involve the student body in talks regarding the reduced hours, but assumed low library usage on weekends.

Excerpt:

DOZENS OF STUDENTS staged a protest at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) yesterday because of a decision to close the main library at 6 p.m. on Fridays instead of 11 p.m.
The early closure is a cost cutting measure because of the institution’s “dire financial situation,” a press release from the university’s office of Public Information said yesterday.

Jamaica's Bustamante Museum treasures at risk

Author: Hunter, Nadisha
Title: Busta Museum treasures at risk
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Monday, May 25, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090525/lead/lead3.html

Abstract:
The article reports on the plight of a local museum, which lacks the funding necessary to insure its collection and complete facilities to serve the public. Also raised is the effect of the economic downturn on the local museum, as funding and the museum's budget is threatened. In the article, some of the items in the Bustamante Museum's collection are revealed or mentioned. Its situation is also compared with another local museum.

Excerpt:

The recently opened Bustamante Museum, which houses a multimillion-dollar collection of memorabilia of National Hero and former Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante, is not insured, The Gleaner has learnt.

Nora Strudwick, project manager at the Bustamante Museum, has revealed that the historic collection - which includes letters, photographs, regalia and other items, some on display for the first time - is at risk.

Lack of funding has also stymied adequate fire-prevention and security plans. There's only a single caretaker on the property.