National Library of Jamaica acquires DVD series of 2008 to 2012 Powerful Men and Women concert series

Title: Powerful Men and Women make legal deposit
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: April 16, 2013
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Powerful-Men-and-Women-make-legal-deposit-_14077472

Abstract:
This newspaper article reports on the National Library of Jamaica's acquisition of DVD video recordings of a Jamaican charity concert series featuring prominent and popular public officials and personalities. The board director and fund-raising chairman of the concert series, Thyra Heaven, is named as the person depositing the DVDs in keeping with the Legal Deposit Act. A brief statement is given explaining the Legal deposit act. The article also purports that the National Library views this particular deposit as being a primary research resource for researchers studying charity organisations in early 21st-century Jamaica.


Excerpt:

THE collection of Jamaica's recorded culture and heritage at the National Library of Jamaica was increased recently with the handing over of video recordings of the concert series, Powerful Men and Woment [sic] in Concert. 

While preparing for this year's concert, set for June 2, Thyra Heaven stopped by the National Library of Jamaica last Wednesday to make her legal deposit of DVDs of the 2008 to 2012 concerts.

Jamaica to switch to RDA 's new digital cataloguing system for libraries

Title: New digital cataloguing system for library network
Date published: Friday, April 12, 2013
Source: Jamaican Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/New-digital-cataloguing-system-for-library-network_14044061

Abstract:

This article reports on plans for Jamaican library networks to move from Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2) to the newer international digital cataloguing system of the Resource Description and Access (RDA). It also reports on a seminar being planned in Kingston to create a national awareness of the imminent introduction and implementation of the RDA and also attempt to educate and inform members of the Jamaica Library and Information Network (JAMLIN) community about RDA.

The report also discusses an event by Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, that gathered library professionals to discuss this new plan. Quoted is the president of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica and Librarian at the Jamaica Tourist Board Matthew Blake who supports the move. Also quoted is Maxine Jones, a cataloguer at the National Library of Jamaica, about the need for developing and implementing a National Bibliographical database to facilitate access to all the information within the various libraries islandwide. The views of librarian/documentalist at the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Viviene Kerr-Williams, is also reported. Kerr-Williams opines that the move fulfils some national goals set out in the national development plan, Vision 2030, in making Jamaica a first world country by 2030.


Excerpt:

 

JAMAICA'S public library network will soon boast a new international digital cataloguing system, which is expected to help persons doing research or requesting information from library archives.

The system, called the Resource Description and Access (RDA), is the new international cataloguing standard, designed for the digital environment, and is intended to replace the current Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2) before year end.

Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched

Title [of Press Rease]: Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched at Landmark Conference
Alternative title: 11 Caribbean Countries Meet to Discuss Freedom of Information Laws in the Region
Date published: March 22, 2013
Source: World Resources Institute

URL: http://www.wri.org/press/2013/03/release-caribbean-freedom-information-network-launched-landmark-conference


Abstract:
This article or press release announces the outcome and decision of an event (a two-day conference) held in Kingston, Jamaica where 11 Caribbean countries met to discuss matters relating to freedom of information legislation in the region. Commonwealth Caribbean nations with legislation pending, plus those with legislation implemented are noted.

The press release also reportedly quotes from the persons of Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Danielle Andrade, Legal Director of the Jamaica Environment Trust, stating why such legislation is important, useful and beneficial to citizens. Also reported are the sponsors behind the funding and staging of the conference, as well as participants.


Excerpt:

For the first time, Caribbean governments and civil society have come together to discuss access to information, public participation in governance, and access to justice at a landmark conference held in Kingston, Jamaica. Representatives from 11 Caribbean countries attended the “Regional Conference on Freedom of Information in the Caribbean: Improving Management for the Environment.”

At the close of the two-day conference on March 21, 2013, governments, civil society, and media announced the decision to launch a Caribbean network on freedom of information to support processes to improve standards for access to information in the region.

Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said, “freedom of information is the most powerful tool for ordinary citizens to arm themselves with the information they need to change their lives. Launching this freedom of information network will build opportunities for collaboration, learning and capacity building among information commissioners, civil society and media across the region.”