COLLEGE LIBRARIES INFORMATION NETWORK (COLINET)

1985 TO 2007 : A CASE STUDY

Background COLINET was established in

November 1985.

I it operated at two levels:

An Advisory Body Committee of Librarians

It comprises a mix of : Public and Private

tertiary institutions

What was COLINET set up to do?

Ensure speedy access to information. Promote the sharing of ideas and resources Encourage participation of the colleges in the National Information System.

College Defined

Tertiary institutions whose primary mission is either undergraduate in focus or vocational, professional or specialist training.

They normally award, either independently or in conjunction with others, certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, or master degrees which are accredited.

Focal Point and Nodes

One library was designated as focal point – CAST (Now UTech)

others were nodes for sub groups. Mico – Node for teachers colleges Jamaica Theological College-

Theological colleges Excelsior Community College –

Community Colleges CASE – Node Specialist Colleges NCU – Node for Universities

Guidelines and standards

Encouraged as a tool to build collections and develop facilities and other resources.

Physical Resources

COLINET makes recommendations and offers guidance in

Preparing architects briefs Providing reference material on buildings Catalogues on furniture and equipment

Collection and Services

All colleges are keen to improve their collections in order to satisfy accreditation requirements

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Technology

COLINET has encouraged units to

computerize their catalogues. Today all catalogues are online, most using WIN-ISIS.

Financing

Inadequate financial support for the libraries, in the public as well as private sector colleges is the area of greatest concern for the Network as it impacts every area of activity.

COLINET does not have a budget but UTech, through the Calvin McKain library, is committed to the successful functioning of the Network.

COLINET Librarians meet twice per annum but will hold special meetings if otherwise required.

Workshops and short courses are arranged to provide hands on

opportunities.

Meetings and Training

Meetings and Training Cont’d.

A symposium is held biennially to bring stakeholders together and focus on :

Trends and IssuesThe status of college libraries in

JamaicaChallenges that college librarians

face .

What of the future?

For the future three things will be undertaken:

-The focus on standards will be intensified

- Revival of COLINET Advisory Body

- Biennial Principals’ Forum

THE END

See you at COLINET - Soon!!