Arlene Ononaiwu

Jamaica Union Catalogue

November 22 – 23, 2007

Arlene Ononaiwu

Technical Information Manager, PIOJ

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

Introduction National Library Systems Union Catalogue Sectoral Sub-Networks SECIN Database Challenges Concerns Challenges

IntroductionIntroduction

A union catalogue is a catalogue of various departments of a library, or of a number of libraries indicating their locations.

Benefits to UsersBenefits to Users

The ability to search across multiple collections

Links to abstracts and electronic documents

High quality services in the area of content and reliability

Benefits to librariesBenefits to libraries

A platform for resource sharingPlatform for service co-operationEnhanced power in negotiation with

suppliers

National Library SystemNational Library System

Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD)

Legal NetworkSocial and Economic NetworkPhysical Planning NetworkCollege Libraries Network Science and Technology Network

NLJ New Sub-NetworksNLJ New Sub-Networks

Audio Visual Information Network (AVIN)Jamaica Agricultural Documentation and

Information Network (JADIN)

The Second Plan, Systems and The Second Plan, Systems and Union CatalogueUnion Catalogue

–The plan report reviewed the operations

of specific networks as they related to the

recommendations of that plan.

The National Library’s role in the The National Library’s role in the production of the Union Catalogueproduction of the Union Catalogue

National Bibliographic Database of Jamaican publications

UWI integrated library software from VTLS to ALEPH

National Library and its Sectorial National Library and its Sectorial Sub-networksSub-networks

COLINET AVIN JADIN LINET SECIN STIN

SECINSECIN

The Socio-Economic Information Network (SECIN)

First of the National Library Jamaica Sub-networks to start its Union Catalogue

Challenges Establishing a Challenges Establishing a Jamaica Bibliographic DatabaseJamaica Bibliographic Database

Human Resources Needs

Lack of Management Support

Security ConcernsSecurity Concerns

•Concerns were expressed regarding security of records. Despite assurances given that these records would be secure a few of these libraries have been unable to participate because of this reason.

Information Technology ExpertiseInformation Technology Expertise Not staffed by Librarians Slow contribution to the Union

Catalogue Limited Information Technology

Support Limited Financial Resources NLJ Support Critical Marketing Critical

ConclusionConclusion

“Clearly, progress in the development of a modern integrated information system in Jamaica has been substantial.”