1) The UWI Library aims to play a more active role in Jamaica's national information network by strengthening its own university library network.
2) Key roles for the UWI Library include providing resources and expertise to other libraries, engaging in digital preservation projects, increasing resource sharing, and disseminating research outputs.
3) Areas for improvement in the national network include increasing resources, encouraging participation and buy-in from all libraries, and developing consistent standards for activities like cataloging.
1. Future Role of the UWI Library In
the National Information System
Presented by: Norma Amenu-Kpodo
UWI, Library
November 23, 2007
2. Introduction
Forecasting the future is a very
risky business to engage in, but I am
emboldened by the thought that
Libraries will continue to do what
they have done in the past,
collecting organizing, making
accessible and preserving
information for the benefit of society.
3. Introduction contd.
Advances in technology have put new
tools in our hands for doing what we do
with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
To the extent that we use the tools
sensibly, our various roles in the
network can only be enhanced,
providing of course, that commitment
levels remain high.
4. Background
The UWI is a regional institution with
campuses in Barbados, Trinidad and
Tobago and Jamaica. It how has an Open
Campus that serves the needs of 12 non-
campus territories and distance students,
many of which are in Jamaica. Despite its
regional base, specific provisions for the
UWI and its Library to participate in the
National Network have been made.
5. Library’s Mission Statement
To serve as the intellectual hub
of the University Mona Campus
and its wider community by
providing vital information in
support of Learning, Teaching,
Reflection and Research.
6. University’s Strategic Plan
2007 - 2012
Speaks to strengthening
national engagement processes
as the institution seeks to be more
visible in demonstrating its
relevance and impact in relation to
national needs and priorities
9. New Integrated System
• ALEPH 500 is a complete, integrated
system which streamlines the
management of library processes for
both staff and patrons.
• Modules include Web, Circulation,
Cataloging, Serials, Acquisitions, and
SDI
• Provides statistical analyses.
9
10. Databases (in-house)
• CARDIN (Caribbean Disaster Information
Network)
• CAREN (Caribbean Environment Net
Work)
• Medcarib
• Mona Online Research Database
• West Indiana
10
11. Databases (Commercial)
Biomed Central
• EbscoHostResearch Databases (including
EbscoHost Research Databases
(including Academic Search premier)
Academic Search premier)
Emerald Insight
•
First Search
First Search
•
JSTOR
HINARI
• Emerald Insight
STN International
• JSTOR
Proquest
• MathSciNet
Web of Science – Science Citation Index
• Medline
HINARI
Proquest
Web of Science – Science Citation Index
WestLaw 11
15. VISTAS
• Appropriate technology is used to aid
access to materials for the visually impaired
user.
• A Special Room for visually impaired users,
has been equipped with two computer
workstations loaded with JAWS and Kurzweil
software packages in the Main Library .
• The Caribbean Digital Audio Collection is
accessible from this room(CDAC).
15
16. Information Literacy
Is the ability to locate, evaluate and
use information effectively from a
variety of sources to meet an
information need. The University
serves not only its students but has
outreach activities in schools and is
presently involved in a UNESCO
project at the Guys Hill High School
16
17. Distance Students
A distance learner’s home page is accessible at:
http://mona.uwi.edu/library/distance_learne
rs.html
or
from a link on the Library’s homepage
available at: http://mona.uwi.edu/library/
17
18. Preservation and Conservation
• Acquisition of software (Content DM) for
digitising and indexing some of its
valuable collections.
• Receipt of a grant from CHASE to
purchase electronic equipment that
facilitates automation of the lettering
process in the Library Bindery.
18
19. Challenges for UWI
• Lack of adequate resources to :
-increase access to resources for a growing
student population.
-enrich collection resources with key
discipline- critical databases, e- journals, e-
books
-ensure continuity and sustainability of
relevant subscriptions
– develop and expand our digital programme
19
20. Areas Needing Improvements In
the National Network
• Some networks have been more zealous in
forging ahead, than others but all are under-
resourced and need assistance to move
forward faster to the next level.
• There is need to work at what is often referred
to as the ‘buy in’ where every librarian
believes that contributing to the National
Information System is a good thing, that it will
empower their nation, their institution, their
clientele and themselves
21. Areas Needing Improvement in
Challenges for UWI
the National Network contd.
contd.
• On going dissemination and implementation
of high professional standards areas like
cataloguing, indexing, serial management is
needed to provide a consistent framework for
maintaining quality throughout the network .
• Delivery of quality outputs will help to improve
access and promote a positive image of the
network, where people will tend to gravitate
towards network services.
22. Future Role of UWI Network 1
• The first priority will be to strengthen the
University Libraries network to better
position it for participation in a national
information network .
• The UWI will play a more active role in
ACNIS informing of changes that have
taken place in the UWI Library system and
sensitizing the Advisory body to those
from which the network could benefit
23. UWIUWI Network
Future Role of role contd contd. 2
• Provide short attachments in the UWI
Library system, to fill a particular
need as recommended by ACNIS
• Partner with network members in digital
projects that involve the preservation of
valuable Jamaican cultural records in
any medium.
24. Role of UWI Library contd
Future Role of UWI Network contd. 3
• Foster Electronic resource sharing or
access through consortium agreements
• Increase Interlibrary lending and
document delivery activities
• Make widely available the Research
output of UWI through MORD
25. UWI LIBRARIES Role contd
Future Role of UWI Network contd. 4
• Share professional expertise in areas
where the University Libraries have
strength e.g. Cataloguing, Information
Literacy, Serials Management, West
Indiana
• Collaborate with the National Library
and other networks in the development
of unique Jamaican collections
.
26. Other areas of cooperation are being explored and as
these come on stream, it is envisaged that the role of
the University libraries in the network will be
strengthened and expanded
Thank You !
END
