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Incorporating ICT into a New Vision for Caribbean Libraries

Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by Caribbean libraries, focusing on incorporating ICT to enhance services. Findings reveal inadequate budgets, dated collections, and minimal technology use. Positive signs include eagerness for dialogue and a thirst for training among librarians. Discover the potential benefits of ICT integration, such as improved services, enhanced resource sharing, and strengthened regional integration. Can LITA assist with technical expertise and training? Join the movement to revolutionize Caribbean libraries with ICT.

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Incorporating ICT into a New Vision for Caribbean Libraries

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  1. Incorporating ICT into a New Vision for Caribbean Libraries Gracelyn Cassell Head The University of the West Indies Open Campus – Montserrat West Indies gracelyn.cassell@open.uwi.edu

  2. Map of the Caribbean

  3. 2007 Survey of Libraries in 15 Caribbean Countries • Looked at library and information support for distance education • Explored potential for collaboration with other information services in each country

  4. Findings • Woefully inadequate budgets • Limited physical facilities • Small and dated collections • Poor use of technology • Staff in need of training or up-dating • Minimal library services (little interlibrary loans, not too many digital collections; small non-book collections; not many libraries offering extended opening hours)

  5. Some images of Caribbean libraries

  6. Positive Indications • Libraries eager for dialogue • Willingness to listen to suggestions • Strong interest in training • Librarians craving refresher courses

  7. UWI Initiative • Regional integration • Other regional library initiatives developed by UWI eg. MEDCARIB and CARDIN • Capacity for training • Teleconferencing and Videoconferencing infrastructure

  8. Vision of ICT being harnessed for following: • Delivery of training and refresher courses • Provision of a space for continuing discussions of library issues in the region • Development of a Caribbean Union Catalogue • Joint procurement of materials, equipment and information services for Caribbean libraries to obtain optimal benefits from efficient use of scarce resources • More use of Open Source Software to maximize on the use of scarce resources • Development of an inter-island courier service to expedite interlibrary loan and resource sharing

  9. Can LITA help? • Is it possible for teams from the US to visit the Caribbean (during winter) to provide technical assistance? • Install Open Source Software (OSS) • Provide training in the use of OSS • Sustain the discourse on developments relevant to the delivery of library and information services

  10. Potential Benefits • Improved library services throughout the region • Improved interlibrary loan services • Resource discovery (Main Libraries at UWI have some difficulty acquiring local publications) • Improved information services for distance education students • Facilitation of social and economic development in the region • Strengthened regional integration movement

  11. End • Thank you. • Suggestions?

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