National Library of Jamaica wins award to save historical documents

Title: National Library wins award to save historical documents

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Date Published: Sunday, August 23, 2009

URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090823/arts/arts4.html

Abstract:

The article reports on the success of the National Library of Jamaica, a division of the Institute of Jamaica, in acquiring international funding for a conservation project. The amount awarded is also mentioned, which according to the report is
just under $3 million. The funding body is the 2009 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).

The purpose for which the money was requested is also mentioned. According to the report, the National Library put forward the project proposal to acquire the funding necessary for the conservation of the Enos Nuttall Manuscripts - "documents dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century, and records significant milestones in Jamaica's history".

Brief information about the fund and the funding agency , AFCP, is also given, including its purpose of assisting "less-developed countries in preserving museum collections, ancient and historic sites, and traditional forms of expression,...[demonstrating] the United States' respect for other cultures.

Background information on the Enos Nuttall manuscripts is also reported, including the scope of it contents in the coverage of Jamaican historical events.

Brief background information about the National Library of Jamaica is also provided.


Excerpt:

The National Library of Jamaica has been awarded just under $3 million through the 2009 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The money will be used for the conservation of the Enos Nuttall Manuscripts - documents dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century, and records significant milestones in Jamaica's history.

The AFCP, created by US Congress in 2001, aims to assist less-developed countries in preserving museum collections, ancient and historic sites, and traditional forms of expression, and was developed to demonstrate the United States' respect for other cultures. The fund is administered by the US Embassy through the US State Department.

Barbados Court library compromised

Author: Shawn Cumberbatch
Title: Court library compromised
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date: 23 June, 2009

URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4433

Abstract:

This article reports on the need for the training of librarians in book preservation. This issue came up out during the official opening of the 24th Annual General Meeting and seminar of the Caribbean Association of Law Librarians. The meeting took place at the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

The issues were higlighted by both Chief Justice Sir David Simmons and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart of Barbados. The two raised the issue that the premier law library of the island is suffering the destruction of library materials due to hostile environmental conditions. The article stresses the conclusion drawn that there is need for funding and training in preservation and conservation issues. In addition, Cumberbatch reports that the solution that the authorities will be pursuing to address the problem is to to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank for the project of library and library material restoration.



Excerpt:

ENVIRONMENTAL problems, including mould and fungus, have cost Barbados’ highest domestic court a “substantial” amount of its library material.

Chief Justice (CJ) Sir David Simmons disclosed yesterday that authorities were now looking to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, as part of its Justice Improvement Programme with the island, to significantly restore the large volume of legal books and other important reading material housed in the 278-year-old Supreme Court library.