Inaugural book fair for student teachers at a Jamaican college

Author: BRYAN MILLER

Title: Moneague College Stages First Book Fair
Date published: 16 SEPTEMBER 2013
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/component/content/article/100-education/35034-moneague-college-stages-first-book-fair

Abstract:

Article reports on the inaugural book fair on the campus of a Jamaican college for teachers, where reading  and educational materials were on display from nine providers. College librarians among others are quoted as indicating the benefit of the fair in exposing student teachers to [local] educational materials that can support their work as teachers in the delivery of the curriculum.

Excerpt:

Meanwhile, librarian at the St Joseph's Teachers College in Kingston, Jackie Morris, said the event was useful for the students "to actually see what each book store holds and what they have on display, and what material they can get to support their curriculum".

"I think it is a very interesting book fair and it is something that I would want to adopt also," she stated.

Librarian at the Moneague College, Theresa Reid, explained that the event was held to enable students to access material for their courses.

"As you would imagine, with the economic situation, the libraries are not necessarily able to provide all the resources that the students need, and so based on demand we would want to encourage our students to get their own resources for their classes," she stated. She said the aim was to make the book fair an annual event.

The art collection at The Mona Library at the University of the West Indies

Author: Amitabh Sharma

Title: UWI's Treasure Trove
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date published: September 8, 2013 1
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130908/arts/arts1.html

Abstract:
The article briefly introduces the art collection at The Mona Library at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus. Information is given about some of the items or works in the collection as well as to the collection development over the years. Frances Salmon, head, West Indies and Special Collection, is interviewed. Salmon in the interview discusses the range of art featured, how some of the items were acquired as well as the purpose for the collection.


Excerpt:

What would you call a space that houses more than 170 pieces of art? A gallery? A museum? Or an art aficionado's sprawling villa? The answer: none of the above. What if one said that these artefacts sit in a library?

Visitors would rarely notice - as they lug their journals, laptops and reading material to study or sift through catalogues and books to research - that a library is more than a book bank.
The Mona Library at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, is the abode of pieces of art that are both steeped in history and a convergence of cultures from across the world.

Heritage public library restoration commences in Trinidad and Tobago

Author: Rachael Espinet
Title: Old Public Library to be restored

Date published: Saturday, August 3 2013

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,181677.html

 

Abstract:

This article reports on announcements made at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS). Lucia Phillip, Executive Director of  NALIS, is reported as giving some historical background and significance to the Knox Street Library. The article provides further information about the historical background of the library, including when it was opened and when it declined due to poor structural building conditions.

 

The article however positively reports on the heritage restoration plans for the building. Jennifer Joseph, Vice-Chair of NALIS Board and the Chair of the Restoration Committee is reported as stating what the new library building after restoration will look like and the types of services that it will provide. Plans for the restored library include making hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders and for it to become both a research library and a heritage museum.

The reporter also reports on the donations received by the library from various Prime Ministers and presidents of Trinidad and Tobago,  as well pending donations of  photographs, audiovisual memorabilia, documents relating to speeches and government business and other general artifacts. Information is also given about the architectural style of the building. The architect responsible for the restoration, Rudylyn Roberts, is also named and the work done so far and expected due date of completion is highlighted.

The Education Minister, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, is also reported as affirming the Government's commitment towards allocating the necessary funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the building.

Professor Brinsley Samaroo, historian and a member of the Restoration Committee, is also mentioned as calling for donations of artifacts like letters, spectacles, books, journals, or any item belonging to a leader of Trinidad and Tobago for the library's collection.

  

Excerpt:

The old Trinidad Public Library on Knox Street, Port-of-Spain, will be fully restored and filled with a collection of historical artifacts from past and present presidents and prime ministers.

This was announced yesterday at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS).

The restored library will hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders so that it will become both a state of the art research facility and a heritage museum.