UG libraries moving to full automation by year end - Stabroek News - Guyana

Title: UG libraries moving to full automation by year end
Source: Stabroek News
Date published: Thursday, May 19, 2011
URL: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2011/news/stories/05/19/ug-libraries-moving-to-full-automation-by-year-end/

ABSTRACT:
The article reports on plans for the University of Guyana to automate its library facilities.

EXCERPT:
The Department of Software Services of the University of Guyana is working to have the library facilities at the university’s two campuses fully automated by the end of this year.
Works have already been undertaken in this regard with the recent unveiling of the library automation system KOHA at the Tain Campus in Berbice. The move would see students accessing the library facilities via the internet which means they would not have to physically check the library for books they require.

Dominica Library and Information Service Observes 2011 Library Week

Title: Dominica Library and Information Service Observes 2011 Library Week
Source: The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica's Official Website (dominica.gov.dm)
Date published: May 03, 2011
URL: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/?q=node%2F1385


Abstract:
Article announces the Dominica Library and Information Service 2011 Library Week. Planned and scheduled activities for the week are announced included the venue of where these activities will be taking place. Among the activities planned are sessions of interest to promote library services, centres and collections, including information skills training.


EXCERPT:

Library week will be celebrated from May 9 – 14, 2011 with the theme, "Discover the Possibilities @ Your Library."
Libraries are places of opportunity and the Library and Information Service will engage in a number of activities during the week to promote the services and holdings and reach out to the community.

National Library Service of Barbados seeking to 'book' the unborn

Author: BY CARLOS ATWELL
Title: Booking unborn
Date Published: TUE, APRIL 12, 2011 - 12:02 AM
Source: Barbados Nation News
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/booking-unborn

Abstract:
Article reports on the National Library Service of Barbados's strategic direction, their strengths and gaps. The article notes that the library was, despite the growth of e-readers, still popular with children, adults and senior citizens. Nevertheless, the article also reports that library personnel are embarking on a strategy of promoting reading from the “baby stage” in order to get children accustomed to hearing a voice reading from as early as pregnancy. Disclosure is made of a team at the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic speaking to pregnant mothers, introducing the library service's Leap Into Reading Programme for children from one to five years old.

Mention is also made of the acquisitions of  e-books by the libray, where the Director Annette Smith indicates that the Library Service had began the development of a collection of e-books to keep relevant with new technology. The view is however expressed that new sources like the Kindle and e-books are still incapable of competing with reading in the library or even reading the printed book.

Appeal is also made for donations in acquiring new books as well as volunteers to read to children.The Director also expresses the view that the library needs a bus to provide extended services to various communities during school summer holidays.

Mention is also made of the US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Brent Hardt presenting a list of books to the library as part of the National Library Week celebration in the United States.


Excerpt:

The National Library Service is not daunted by technology like the Kindle, but it is taking the fight for literacy to another level.

The service is seeking to reach Barbadians even before birth by promoting reading to unborn children through interacting with expectant mums at the polyclinics.

Yesterday, after a donation of 22 Notable Books by the United States Embassy, acting senior librarian at the Bridgetown branch, Grace Haynes, explained that although the library was still a popular place for children, adults and even senior citizens, library personnel felt the need to promote reading from the “baby stage”.