Jamaica Library Service receives computer software from Microsoft

Author: Douglas Mcintosh
Title: JLS Receives Computer Software Valued at $131.85 Million
Date published: June 20, 2015
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/jls-receives-computer-software-valued-131-85-million/

Abstract:
This article reports on the funding and donations received by the  Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) for its information and communications technology (ICT) project. How the funding and donations will be used is announced as well the purposes to which the newly acquired ICT resources will be applied.

The JLS Director General, Karen Barton, is reported expressing gratitude for the donations and funding. Microsoft Jamaica Country Manager, George Cobin, is also reported as praising the JLS for its ICT initiatives. Microsoft Jamaica’s Sector Manager for Education, Queenie Ko, is also cited as expressing happiness that  Microsoft could support JLS in using technology for empower individuals and community development in Jamaica.

Further information is provided on both JLS and the  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Excerpt:

The Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) information and communications technology (ICT) project, currently being developed, has been boosted with the provision of computer software, valued approximately $131.85 million (US$1.13 million), by Microsoft Jamaica.

The donation, which is the largest to date made by the technology solutions firm in the English-speaking Caribbean, entails Office 2013 Pro Plus applications, comprising: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, which are utilized by global enterprises and companies. These will be uploaded on the approximately 800 state-of-the-art computers slated to be installed within the next three months at all of the JLS’ 127 public libraries islandwide and some mobile facilities, under the project, titled: ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’.

New library facility in rural Jamaica

Author: Sharon Earle

Title: Over 600 Residents Benefitting From Skills Training
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date published: May 17, 2015
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/600-residents-benefitting-skills-training/

Abstract:
The article reports on the the official opening ceremony for the Clarks Town Branch Library in rural Jamaica. The cost of and the partnership behind the construction of the library is identified. The construction of the library is identified as being a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) that has been built under the Sugar Transformation Programme.

Reported is speech from the official opening ceremony by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier. Minister Kellier is reported as stating that rural libraries such as the Clarks Town Branch Library will prove useful to current and future community-based training programmes.


Also reported is speech from the Director General of the JLS, Karen Barton. She is reported as expressing appreciation for the joint efforts of all stakeholders in completing the library building. Background details regarding the accommodation for the Clarks Town Branch Library is provided, including the efforts of the Clarks Town Community Development Committee (CDC) to secure grant funding to build the new library on lands leased from the Sugar Company of Jamaica Holding limited (SCJ). Barton is further stated as identifying partnerships between the Clarks Town CDC, SCJ Holding Limited, the STU and JLS and commenting about how over the years such assisted partnerships have helped the Library Service in accomplishing its mission.

Excerpt:

The library which was constructed at a cost of $18 million through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) is among five libraries that have been built under the Sugar Transformation Programme.

...In addition, Minister Kellier said rural libraries such as the Clarks Town Branch Library will prove useful to current and future community-based training programmes.

Meanwhile, Director General of the JLS, Karen Barton expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of all stakeholders in getting the building for the library completed.

Jamaican rural community gets two new libraries

Author: [ST JAMES, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)]
Title: Two Trelawny communities get new libraries
Source: The Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, May 17, 2015

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Two-Trelawny-communities-get-new-libraries

Abstract:

The article announces the opening of the Falmouth Infant School Library and the Clarks Town Branch Library in rural Jamaica. The cost of and the source of funds responsible for establishing the facilities are reported. Also reported are facts about the newly constructed facilities including what they offer in terms of equipment.

Speeches are reported from the official opening by Minister Derrick Kellier and Minister of Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites. Minister Kellier is reported as arguing that public libraries have become even more relevant and possess a critical role to play in Jamaica's development by providing access to crucial information sources to foster proper and wise decision-making. Minister Thwaites is reported as urging residents to take care of and make full use of the library facilities and resources.

Excerpt:

The newly constructed Falmouth Infant School Library will serve 220 students and is equipped with reading and information material, new technologies including electronic games, interactive software, multimedia projector, and a television.

In Clarks Town, the multi-purpose facility features a research centre, computer room, meeting room, kitchenette, store room, an office, lunch room, staff and public bathrooms.

In addition to providing traditional library services, the centre will also offer free computer and Internet access, as well as adult literacy, computer training and the High School Equivalency Diploma programme.

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.

Jamaican public libraries to benefit from grant for ICT services

Author: Balford Henry, Observer Senior Staff Reporter

Title: Bill and Melinda Gates give J$226m to Jamaica’s ICT development
Date published: November 26, 2014
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Bill-and-Melinda-Gates-give-J-226m-to-Jamaica-s-ICT-development

Abstract:

The article reports on the Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, announcing to the House of Representatives in Parliament the details of a grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. According to the article, the donation is earmarked at providing US$2 million (approximately J$226 million) to finance increased access to ICT services for Jamaicans via the islandwide public library service. The reporter details the amount of the grant and the projected cost of the project as well as the expected beneficiaries. It is also mentioned that part of the grant will be spent on marketing public library services and promoting advocacy for the importance and value of the public library to Jamaica's national development.

Excerpt:

The project costs US$3.1 million (approximately J$350 million). The Jamaican government will donate the other US$1.1 million (approximately $123 million)
Thwaites said that beneficiaries will include users of public libraries islandwide, including marginalized groups, senior citizens, persons from rural and inner-city communities, the unemployed and persons with disabilities, including the visually impaired, and ordinary citizens seeking information about self-improvement.
“The marketing plan, which envisages a major campaign to make Jamaicans aware of the project and its deliverables, and will increase the number of library users, is being finalized for implementation commencing in November,” he said.

Jamaica Library Service Launches ICT-driven Initiatives

Author: Kadian Brown
Title: JLS Urged to Expand Provision of Information
Date: November 7, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/jls-urged-expand-provision-information/


Abstract:
This article reports excerpts from a speech from the Jamaican Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, speaking at the official launch of the Jamaican Library Service's Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven project. The project dubbed: ‘Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’, was launched on November 6 at the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library.


Background information is provided about the project including 

• the major sponsors and the amount they contributed (a US$2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries Initiative and from the Government, the amount of US$1.1 million), 
• how it will be implemented (the provision of additional ICT resources across 127 public libraries in Jamaica)
• additional project partners, namely: Microsoft, RJR Communication Group, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Universal Service Fund, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), the Gleaner Company and Jamaica Public Service Limited (JPS).

Several major objectives of the project are outlined:

• to provide Jamaicans with increased access to ICTs
• to enhance library programmes and services and training in ICT skills and other related areas for JLS staff and library users.

The Minister also outlines his vision for seeing the JLS:

• conceptualize activities, programmes and partnerships to get more persons to utilize library services
• facilitate after-school and weekend activities for young people 
• systemize homework centres in all the libraries
• consider initiatives to facilitate adult learning.
• enter into partnership with the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning in the roll-out of the alternate high school diploma for adults
• be stocked with all of the texts that are used in schools as well as the supplemental material that students who cannot afford to purchase these can gain access to them at the library.

Excerpt:
Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has challenged the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) to be a facilitator of information to various sectors of society, in order to enhance knowledge, technology and development.

“The library, through technology, must be an adjunct and a help to what goes on in the school system.  The library has to become the centre where young people or people of any age can come and get information as to how they can improve their business skills or confirm themselves in the task of earning an honest income,” the Minister said.

Rev. Thwaites was speaking at the official launch of the JLS’ ICT-driven project dubbed: ‘Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’, on November 6 at the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library.

Jamaica Library Service to benefit from special grant funding

Author: Latonya Linton
Title: Library Service Receives Boost from Gates Foundation
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published:  May 8, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/library-service-receives-boost-gates-foundation/


Abstract:
Article reports on news that the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) has received US$2 million in grant funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A synopsis is provided of how the funds will be used, namely to implement  the ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’ project. A synopsis of the project is provided. According to the author the project will boost public access to information resources mainly through the installation of hardware and software. The article indicates how many libraries are to benefit from the initiative, how many computer systems will be installed as well as the commencement date of the project.

This news was announced in the Minister of Education's, the Hon Rev Ronald Thwaites, address to the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate on May 7. During his address, the Minister is also reported as announcing that the Jamaica Library Service is to also benefit from grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme. The article also outlines that this grant funding is earmarked to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. Specifically, these projects include constructing and equipping new infant school libraries at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.
The Minister is also reported as informing the House of a planned upgrade to the Alexandria Branch Library in St. Ann through the assistance of the Government of Japan.

Excerpt:

Under this initiative, 127 public libraries will benefit from the Project; six mobile libraries will be provided; approximately 843 state-of-the-art computer systems will be installed; and senior citizens, persons from rural communities, the unemployed and persons with disabilities will be direct beneficiaries. The Project will be launched in November 2014.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Library Service is also the beneficiary of grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme totaling $58 million.

This will be used to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. The projects include the construction and equipping of new infant school libraries, at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.