C.A. librarians meet to implement new methods
We don’t tend to think of libraries as very dynamic places…but beneath their quiet relaxing exterior, ideas are always bubbling. And many of those are being discussed this week at a meeting of Central American librarians. Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
At least three years ago Belizean librarians were introduced to a concept called the Logical Framework Approach or L.F.A. The methodology allows national libraries from the region to work closely together to improve the weaknesses that exist in their respective institutions. The programme, which is part of the Central American Libraries Regional Project for 2002-2004, is administered by the Royal Library of the National Library of Sweden.
Britt-Marie Pelling, Natl. Library of Sweden
“I think it is very, very effective, because it’s obliged now to really think about what you want to do, because you have to specify, you have to put your objectives, you have to think of activities and how you are going to meet the indicators, if you have succeeded or not.”
This week, the librarians who have been involved in the programme are meeting in Belize to look at what various projects they have implemented under the L.F.A. and what other new areas need to be addressed. In Belize, Chief Librarian at the National Library Service, Joy Ysaguirre, says they have primarily used the new method to train their staff.
Joy Ysaguirre, Chief Librarian, National Library Service
“We seek to enable our staff to develop the capacities with which to address the problems identified. And, for example, if I look again at the national collection some of our training needs have been specifically geared to understanding the whole process of conservation and preservation of documents, the importance of collecting all these documents on a nationwide strategy.”
One new project Ysaguirre hopes will be developed for the next three years is a National Information Policy that she believes will address a specific problem area in Belize
Joy Ysaguirre
“Developing a National Information Policy, which I think particularly might be of great significance to Belize. We need to address the whole issue of functions. There are for example occasions, at least to my mind, and I would like to go down on record to my mind we have for example duplication in the function of the National Archives and that of the National library, that I feel that a National Information Policy would address.”
In his opening address, Francis Fonseca, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, thanked the Royal Library, National Library of Sweden for their support they have given to Central American libraries.
Francis Fonseca, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office
“This project has been beneficial to our regional library services as a region, it has enabled us to develop a standard public and national library models based on clear, precise, and transparent guidelines. It has allowed us to strengthen our capacity for collection development, for conservation of national information and the evaluation of our own library services..”
It’s the fourth time that the regional librarians have met since the L.F.A. was established in their country’s national library services. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
