DOMINICA PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICESCOUNTRY
REPORT ONIFLA/UNESCO SEMINAR ON "MANIFESTOS FOR PUBLIC AND SCHOOL
LIBRARIES" INTRODUCTION Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, is approximately 290 square miles and has a population of 71,500. The largest of the lesser Antilles, it lies between latitude 15.10 deg N, longitude 61.30 deg west. The highest point, Morne Diablotin is 4,747 feet. With few natural resources and with its tourist industry still in its infancy, Dominica is facing the challenge of reducing its reliance on bananas, its main export earner. Dominican bananas now face stiffer competition because the European Union was forced by the World Trade Organisation in 1999 to phase out preferential treatment for producers from former colonies. The National Library Services falls under the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. The Library’s mission is : “To ensure access to information for dissemination to all sectors in order to increase the knowledge base and contribute to the development of the country.” The National Library Service includes:
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The first attempt at setting up of a Public Library was made in 1832. Funds then raised, brought in a total revenue of £625. This money was utilized to set up a library for public use. This library was headed by Charles Augustus Fillian, the appointed secretary of the library. Throughout his lifetime, Fillian was to become a constant agitator for the setting up of a Public Library. It was towards this end that he constantly sought Government support. The library became known as the Dominica Circulating Library. It was first operated in Charlotte Ville, but in an effort to meet the convenience of the public, the library was later transferred to Turkey Lane in Roseau. The official hours for library transaction were between 7.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. twice a week on Tuesday and Friday mornings. However the library soon fell on hard times, and after the early enthusiasm of members had petered out, the library became practically non-functional. When this early effort in setting up of a Public Library failed, the Dominican people saw the emergence of various subscription libraries. These libraries were run either by literary bodies, influential civil servants, and on one occasion a Garrison Reading Room, when there was an attachment of the British army in the island. In 1872 a library was started again to cater to the public. However, it was run on a subscription basis. This meant that only the privileged could really utilize the services offered to the full. Membership was categorized into two groups, depending upon the amount of subscription paid. First class members contributed 4s monthly; and second class members paid 1s 6p monthly. First class subscribers could borrow books, periodicals and magazines. The second class subscribers could only borrow books. The general public was offered the services of the library also. However, limited this service might have been, it must be mentioned that the public was allowed to read on the library premises; although books could not be borrowed by non-subscribers. PRESENT SITUATION The Main Library opened its doors in its current location on May 11th 1907. The single storey wooden bungalow with a large verandah and a basement, was donated by the Carnegie Foundation of the U.S.A. through the efforts of the then governor Hesketh Bell. The Portsmouth Branch Library located in the north of the island is housed in a new building funded by the World Bank with a stock of mainly new books, new library furniture and equipment. The Grand Bay Branch Library which serves the southern part of the island is a just one large room separated by the shelving into adult and juvenile section and is manned by one person. Marigot Branch Library set in the north eastern village of Marigot has just over a year now been converted from a book center to a branch library. Although this branch is also manned by one person, the sections are quite distinct as the building is spacious and affords the individual working there more space to conduct outreach library activities. This library also serves a large population of students as there are two high schools in the area and two primary schools in close proximity. The Main Library which serves as a processing center and storage area for the entire service, the building remains in its original state except for some minor modifications to the basement . A growing West Indian and Dominican collection have long gone beyond the confines of the allocated space. The Public Library also serves as the National Library – it tries to protect and preserve the national imprint. All services to the capital city Roseau and surrounding areas which have no branch libraries are provided by the Main Library. Facilities at the Main Library are inadequate and at peak hours the library becomes cramped and congested. STOCK With a book stock of approximately fifty thousand volumes (50,000) and growing the Public Library Services strives to provide information to the entire public. With a limited annual budget and gifts from generous donors we able add new stock to all branches every year. Our biggest clients are high school/college students and children between the ages of five to twelve years old. The college students use the facilities mainly for research and support materials for college courses. When purchasing new material the Dominica and West Indian Collections are given priority with each branch library getting at least one copy of the document. COMPUTER SERVICE Internet service is provided free of charge to the general public. Presently there are four computers for use by the general public, two of them are on the Adult Section and the other two on the Juvenile Section. Two more computers will be made available soon for use on the Juvenile Section, this will allow children to access internet. Data processing by the public is not allowed in the libraries because of the limited number of computers available. STAFF There are three trained librarians in the service, at present two of them are posted outside the library services. This makes work very difficult to handle as many activities/tasks have to be done by other members of staff with constant supervision by the librarian. Training is been sought by some members of staff, funding poses an even bigger challenge as government is unable to give scholarships and agencies are not interested in funding first degrees. The goal of the Public Library Services in Dominica is to provide, information, leisure material and help in national development by supporting literacy and education programs. The national and global challenges seem overwhelming as the library services work hard to achieve its goal. HIGHLIGHTS/OUTREACH
CONCLUSION Despite the numerous challenges faced by the Library Services in Dominica, we are still of the opinion that we can make a difference. With limited resources both human and material we are forging ahead trying to give the most current, relevant and accurate information to our clients. DAVINA JONES |