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.

 

Event to encourage donations for the National Library of Jamaica's sound collection

Title: Local Artistes Encouraged To Donate To Library
Date published: Thursday, October 25, 2012
Source: Jamaica Gleaner

URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20121025/ent/ent5.html

Abstract:
Article reports on efforts by the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) to host an event to encourage local artistes to donate to building the library's sound collection. Also mentioned is the Legal Deposit Act that came into existence and its influence in developing the library's CD collection.

Excerpt:

"The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) plans to present Legalise It, a collaborative effort with Teddy Laidley Productions on Friday. 

Legalise It seeks to encourage local artistes to build a sound collection at the National Library of Jamaica by making legal deposits to the library."

UWI St. Augustine library acquires Eastern Caribbean Folk Recordings

Author: DAVID CUFFY

Title: UWI receives Alan Lomax and JD Elder Collection
Date Published: Wednesday, June 20, 2012
URL: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-06-20/uwi-receives-alan-lomax-and-jd-elder-collection

Abstract:

The article records the acquisition of the Alan Lomax and Jacob D Elder Collection of Folk Recordings by the Alma Jordan Library of the University of the West Indies (UWI). The acquisition of these materials comes at the 50th anniversary of when the field recordings were made in 1962 by Alan Lomax, with assistance from JD Elder. The contents of the acquisitions are described and some background information on Lomax and Elder (the collectors) are provided.

Details of the ceremony celebrating the handover to the institution are described including the location of the event. Also mentioned is a concurrent event, the Caribbean and Latin America three-day 57th annual Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials  (SALALM) hosted by the UWI campus libraries, National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) and the Library Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT). A few details about the conference are provided including the mission of SALALM. 



Excerpt:

A symbolic handing over of The Alan Lomax and Jacob D Elder Collection of Folk Recordings to the Alma Jordan Library of the University of the West Indies (UWI) took place at Theatre 1, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain, on Monday evening.

The event, A Cultural Journey—An Evening of History, Music and Dance, was in honour of participants from the Caribbean and Latin America attending the three-day 57th annual Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials  (SALALM) hosted by the UWI campus libraries, National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) and the Library Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT), which began at Hilton Trinidad and Conference on June 17.

SALALM’s primary missions are the control and dissemination of bibliographic information about all types of Latin American publications, and the development of library collections of Latin America in support of educational research. This year is the 50th anniversary of the field recordings made in 1962 by Alan Lomax, with assistance from JD Elder and according to Dr Rosita Sands of the Lomax Archive, it is a sweeping survey of the music of 12 islands, inclusive of Grenada, Anguilla, St Lucia, St Kitts/Nevis, Carriacou, Dominica, Martinique, St Barthelemey, Guadeloupe and Trinidad and Tobago.

National Library of Jamaica unveils new logo

Title: More Jamaicans encouraged to visit the National Library
Date published: Thursday, March 15, 2012
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)/ Jamaica Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/More-Jamaicans-encouraged-to-visit-the-National-Library

Abstract:

The article reports on a speech by Jamaica's Minster of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, at the unveiling of the National Library of Jamaica's (NLJ)'s new logo at the library’s East Street office. Hannah's speech endorsed the work of the NLJ and mentions the value of its collection to Jamaica. Hannah also mentioned her wish for more Jamaicans to know about NLJ's collection and for greater private sector contributions to the NLJ.



Excerpt:

MINISTER of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, is encouraging more Jamaicans to visit and make use of the opportunities offered at the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ), to learn more about the country’s culture and history.

“The work that you are doing here is phenomenal and I would really appreciate if more Jamaicans come, see and learn about our history, the journey that we have made as a people, and even to see what we do with very small resources,” Hannah said.

She was speaking at the unveiling of the NLJ’s new logo yesterday at the library’s East Street office.

The minister also encouraged private sector persons who want to give back something to Jamaica, to do so through the National Library.

“I think the national library is one of those symbols that we can stand very proud on as Jamaicans. The rich history that you have sitting here and what you are able to collect is truly remarkable,” Hanna told the staff.

Belize National Library gets health science collection boost

Author/Reporter: Delahnie Bain
Title: PAHO and WHO add pages to the Library
Source: Channel5Belize
Date published: December 12, 2011
URL: http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/64371

Abstract:


New health science publications donated to the Belize National Library Service & Information System (BNLSIS) by two agencies of the United Nations. The report outlines the scope of the collection/publications donated and the response of the librarian/library regarding the resources. Part of the report also mentions the audience that would benefit from the new donated collection. Finally the article ends on a note about pending negotiations for BNLSIS to access further electronic resources available.


Excerpt:

Two organizations of the United Nations this morning donated a heap of books to the national library service. The publications will spruce up the library’s health collection on a wide range of issues from bio-medical to technical literature that have been published by PAHO and the WHO. News Five’s Delahnie Bain also found out that the collection of publications will be available at libraries across the country.

There is a new collection of publications at the National Library Service, which puts an abundance of health information at the fingertips of every Belizean. Today PAHO/WHO officially handed over its full collection of health science publications at the Leo Bradley Library.

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”. 

Artifacts being collected for Jamaican Music Museum; museum to open 2011?

Title: Artifacts being gathered for museum of Jamaican music

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP)/ Jamaica Observer

Date Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/music-museum_7469448

Abstract:
Article reports on plans to open the new Jamaican music museum in 2011. Yet the date is not official. Information is also given about the proposed scope of collection and some of the artifacts it will collect, preserve and showcase. The political/government agency responsible for the museum is also mentioned.


Excerpt:

Jamaica plans to open a music museum next year that officials say will feature rare pieces from the island's music history, such as the sole album that the late reggae star Bob Marley produced before he gained international fame.

Artifacts will include a cassette tape in which another reggae great, Peter Tosh, jams a blues song with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones....

The museum is requesting donations to help preserve Jamaica's vibrant music history. The island's music preservation took a major hit two years ago when officials discovered that a massive collection of 1970s music, including original recordings by Marley and Tosh, disappeared from the archives of the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC).

Jamaican Music Museum gets new collection; permanent home still forthcoming

Author: BASIL WALTERS Observer staff reporter
Title: Jamaica Journal — first edition on Jamaican music launched
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, March 07, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/JAMAICA-JOURNAL

Abstract:
The article reports on the launch of a special Jamaica Journal issued on the subject of Jamaican Music. At this event, the Minister of of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Babsy Grange highlights plans to establish a permanent home for the the museum of Jamaican Music, as well as a digitisation project aimed at digitising the music collection.

The article also reports on the handing over ceremony of a collection belonging to Dermott Hussey, a broadcaster, music historian and collector of Jamaican music for over 50 years, to the museum. Hussey's rationale behind donating the collection to the museum is also reported.

Excerpt:

Stressing that downtown Kingston is the future cultural mecca of Jamaica, Minister Grange announced that a permanent home for the museum of Jamaican music will soon be established there, if everything goes according to plan. She also stated that her ministry has recently received equipment to digitise the entire collection of the music. The minister with responsibility for entertainment said she is determined to have a joint relationship with all the cultural entities that have collections of the music. These include the JBC (Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation) archives, the National Library, the JCDC.

She congratulated Dermott Hussey on making his important collection available to the Music Museum. "This collection of records, films, and documents will be an invaluable part of the museum which is still in its embryonic stages," she declared.