Governor General, His Excellency, The Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall (left) presents the Proclamation formally declaring April 13-19 as Special Libraries Week, to Chairperson, Special Libraries Section, Claudia Sutherland, following its reading at King’s House on Thursday (April 10). The Proclamation was read by Sir Kenneth.
Professor Hall was speaking at King’s House today (April 10), where he read the proclamation declaring April 13 to 19 Special Libraries Week.
He pointed to the need for persons to be aware of the information systems available to them, in order to make informed choices. “Information is recognized as an economic resource that increases efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness, and stimulates innovation,” he stated.
The Special Libraries Section of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJ) has celebrated Special Libraries Week for more than two decades to recognize the contribution made by information professionals, and highlight their critical role in the global information society. The LIAJ is comprised of information professionals who acquire, preserve, and disseminate information to the public.
The week, which is being observed under the theme: ‘E-Literacy: Managing, Protecting and Enhancing Access in a Digital World,’ will include a range of activities such as a visit to the National Children’s Home where six (6) computers and relevant software will be donated; a workshop on records management; publication of a supplement; and a social.
Claudia Sutherland, Chairperson of the Special Libraries Section of the LIAJ, said that through the planned week of activities, the organization hopes to create awareness about the concept of e-literacy and stimulate dialogue around this subject.
“It is our belief that similar to literacy, e-literacy should become a point of concern and should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” she stated.
Special libraries are facilities that provide specific service functions and subject specialties, for areas such as art, biology and medicine, geography, government, science and technology, and social science. These facilities vary in size but all provide specialized services to their clientele.