THE EDITOR, Sir:THE ASSOCIATION of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL), recently concluded their 34th annual conference in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The theme of the Conference was: Electrical Information Resources in the Caribbean: Trends and Issues. It was an overall educational and enlightening experience in an atmosphere of not only academic, but social camaraderie.
Librarians from all over the Caribbean met to exchange and expound ideas; share and compare experiences; present research papers, and participate in various workshops. The hospitality of our Trinibagonian neighbours must be acknowledged and commended. The red carpets were rolled out for us conference participants from the reception held in our honour at the Prime Minister's residence, to the welcoming families that volunteered to host us on Hospitality Night,
This is indeed a country with a high regard for its repositories of information. Their National library, housed in a recently erected building, stands out in the bustling landscape of downtown Port of Spain. This state-of-the art facility is a librarian's dream. This library literally caters to citizens from the babe on the breast (there is a section designated for nursing mothers, also with baby-changing tables) to the visually impaired and those with special needs. Millions of dollars have been pumped into this facility and it is obvious that the Government has a vision which places the National Library in a position pivotal to national development.
My one disappointment with the conference however was my observation of the absence of school librarians from Jamaica. As a teacher/librarian, I view conferences such as these opportunities to not only network with colleagues but as a forum for professional development. They are invaluable means of firsthand knowledge of what is happening outside of Jamaica. I wish to use this medium to encourage my colleagues working as information specialists in our nation's schools to let our voices be heard in international arenas such as provided by ACURIL .
Research papers are needed on school libraries, challenges they face and how these challenges are being overcome. Next year's conference will be in Martinique. I therefore encourage my colleagues to start digging up those books on French/English translations, start on those research papers and inform their principals of their upcoming travel plans. My hope is that at next year's conference there will be a contingent of school librarians from Jamaica so I won't again feel like the lone voice in the wilderness.
I am, etc.,
YVONNE STEWART
Library Media Specialist
stew99peas@yahoo.com
