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.

Jamaica's Ministry of Labour and Social Security launches Records Management Competition

Author: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker
Title: Labour Ministry Launches Records Management Competition
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published:  December 19, 2013
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/labour-ministry-launches-records-management-competition/


Abstract:
The article reports on the launch of a  Records Management Competition hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It outlines the eligible participants and the reason for the competition's initiative, to encourage efficient and effective records and information management in the Ministry. Reported speech from the launch comes from Portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier; Registrar, Documentation, Information and Access Services Unit (DIAS), Winston Walker; and Records Manager, University of the West Indies, Sonia Black.


Excerpt:
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched its Records Management Competition 2014, under the theme ‘Keep or Toss’.

The contest, which is open to MLSS records staff in all 14 parishes, is meant as an incentive to officers, while highlighting their significant role in maintaining efficient and effective records and information management in the Ministry.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, while speaking at Wednesday’s (December 18) launch, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive records management programme, pointing out that it can enable an organisation to fulfill its mission and contribute to nation-building, while saving in terms of finance and human resources.

Caribbean librarian honoured for contribution to literacy

Title: Library recognises literacy and financial contributors
Date published: Thursday, 21 November 2013
Source: The Daily Herald
URL: http://thedailyherald.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44251:library-recognises-literacy-and-financial-contributors-&catid=1:islands-news&Itemid=54

Abstract:
The article reports on what appears to be Philipsburg Jubilee Library's 90th anniversary celebrations awards ceremony. At this event, retired Caribbean librarian, Blanca Hodge, was honoured for her leadership at Philipsburg Jubilee Library and contribution to literacy. Others awarded at the event included supporters and regular users of the library including St. Maarten Museum Director Elsje Bosch.

Library Director, Monique Alberts is reported as providing attendees at the awards ceremony with a brief history of the library from its opening on November 23, 1923 to the present. The article also reports the name of other important invitees in attendance.

Excerpt:

PHILIPSBURG--Retired Philipsburg Jubilee Library head Blanca Hodge, who made the library's slogan "Reading is FUNdemental" popular, has proven that literacy is a family concern. She and her grandson Yshmael Marcelle were honoured by the library on Thursday evening for their commitment to literacy.

They were among several awardees at the recognition ceremony that kicked started the library's 90th anniversary celebrations.

Hodge, represented by her daughter Moira Marcelle-Hodge, received the 2013 President's Award. She was selected by Library President Chantal Schaminee-Ringeling for her "unflinching commitment to literacy" in St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean. Hodge made the library more than a place to read books and helped to develop the library from its humble beginnings on Back Street to the larger building it occupies now, Schaminee-Ringeling said.