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’.

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 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.

Jamaica Library Service gets grant for ICT resources

Title: Jamaica Library Service gets grant to boost ICT resources
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Saturday, December 21, 2013
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaica-Library-Service-gets-grant-to-boost-ICT-resources

Abstract:
The article announces the funding of US$2 million to the Jamaica Library Services (JLS) for
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and projects in Jamaican public libraries. The article also reports comments from both Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites and Paul Lalor, Chairman of the Board of the JLS, expressing appreciation for the award of the grant and indicating the implications of what the funding will allow the JLS to accomplish in Jamaica's public libraries.


Excerpt:
KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) received a grant of US$2 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation based in Seattle, United States of America, which will, along with co-funding of US$1.1 million from the Jamaican Government, help the JLS to boost Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources in public libraries.

The funds will also enable JLS to provide additional training for staff and users, enhance programmes and services and support a comprehensive advocacy and marketing campaign.


In July the foundation advised the JLS of the granting of the award for the charitable purpose to enrich lives and ultimately contribute to the achievement of the country’s Vision 2030, Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

Regional Libraries Going Digital

Title: Regional Libraries Expected to be Fully Digital in Five Years

Date: Saturday, June 07, 2008

Source: MONTEGO BAY (Jamaica Information Service)

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/information/html/20080607T130000-0500_15551_JIS_REGIONAL_LIBRARIES_EXPECTED_TO_BE_FULLY_DIGITAL_IN_FIVE_YEARS.asp

Abstract:

A report on the Association of Caribbean University Research and Institutional Libraries
Conference in Montego Bay, based on interviews with the local organisers of the conference. The report covers the theme of the conference and the expectations of the impact of the conference on regional library services.

Extract from the Source:
"Libraries in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean region are expected to be fully digital and automated in another five years, making them more user-friendly and information more accessible to students in the global e-environment."

Evaluation:
A number of spelling errors plague the article. Also there is no signed author (so no one to hold responsible for the spelling errors and inaccuracies in the article). Despite these, the primary sources referred to in the article are reliable. In addition, the article is produced by the state runned news agency.

A Site for Caribbean ICT trends

Below is a site that focuses on the Caribbean modern information communication technology trends. The site while not being academic, but more commercial based must be viewed with caution. Nevertheless, it provides useful information about the trends in the Information and communication technology industry in the region, from a consumer perspective.


Title: Siliconecaribe.com

Author/Founder: Ingrid Riley

Copyright Date: 2007

URL: http://www.siliconcaribe.com/

Website powered by: Revolution WordPress (c) 2008

Abstract (taken from the About page of the site):

"Silicon Caribe- We’re the first two words on technology and the Caribbean. It’s the Caribbean Guide to Your World Online. The site for Caribbean tech news, trends, lifestyle and information. We cover the people,places, products and companies that are defining our dotcom and telecom worlds.

We have a large and influential readership of curious and interested consumers, bloggers,industry professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and media people. It has a fast growing reputation of being first to break news, providing useful information, meaningful trend analysis and success stories that inspire. SiliconCaribe.com was officially launched on September 7, 2007 as a reinvention of the two year old TechWatchCaribbean.com, by Ingrid Riley, award-winning investigative journalist and publisher turned Caribbean blogger and tech evangelist, Internet marketing consultant and entrepreneur."