|
Home | People | Places | Education | Health | Government | Agriculture | Sport | Culture | Libraries | Socio-Economic Issues |
|
Opening Hours Monday-Friday Saturdays *****************
What's NewThe Nalis ActHeritage LibraryPublic LibrariesEducational Library ServicesSpecial LibrariesDigital LibraryVirtual
Health
|
The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) manages all libraries in the public sector, including public, special and school libraries. The National Library building, which is located at the corner of Hart and Abercromby Streets in Port of Spain, is the administrative seat and focal point of the National Library and Information System 's (NALIS) libraries and information service centres in Trinidad and Tobago. The building is located next to a historic landmark - the Old Fire Brigade Station - which has been restored and incorporated into the new complex. The building also stands in juxtaposition to two other landmarks - the Red House and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The National Library building houses the Administrative offices, Human Resources Department, Public Relations and Marketing Department, Educational Services Division, Information Networks Division, Technical Services, and the Heritage, Adult, Young Adult and Children's Libraries. This is the core of the National Library. DepartmentsThe Children's Library is located in the East Wing of the ground floor, and can be accessed through the entrance on Abercromby Street. The Young Adult library is located in the North Wing of the ground floor, and can be accessed through the entrance on Abercromby Street. The Adult library, which includes Reference material, is located on the first floor. The Heritage library is located on the second floor. The Information Networks Division and the Educational Services Division are located on the third floor. The Administrative offices are located on the fourth floor. Technical Services Department is located in the basement. ServicesPatrons can access information via traditional print media such as books, journals, and pamphlets. However, in addition to the "traditional" sources of information, the National Library also provides new and enhanced services, using state-of-the-art technology. Subscriptions to full-text databases in general, business and educational areas expands online access to a great number of valuable resources. Multi-media is available from designated workstations. The collection is varied. For example, patrons can listen to recordings of indigeneous music and storytelling, or look at videorecordings. The National Library provides easy access to the physically challenged. There are ramps at the street level, and elevator access from the ground floor for wheelchair accessibility. Water coolers and restroom facilities were also designed for wheelchair accessibility. There are also specially designed workstations for the mobility-impaired. Dragon Naturally Speaking software is available for patrons who are unable to use a mouse or manipulate a keyboard. The assistive technology software, JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is used to assist visually impaired persons. This software is used in conjunction with Microsoft programmes such as Word and Excel. Basically, a computer-generated voice synthesizer reads back to the user whatever he/she has typed. The JAWS facility is located both in the Children's library on the ground, and the Adult library on the first floor. Books in large-print, braille, and audio format are also available for the visually impaired. For the hearing-impaired, the National Library utilises Next Talk software. This software enables hearing impaired persons to use the telephone to communicate with library staff. The National Library continues to make Internet access available. Patrons will now use the Smart Access Card system to borrow material, instead of the library card or pockets. They can also use the Smart Access Card for accessing the Library's computers, as well as for payment for photocopies and other materials. There is also a Self-Checkout system for patrons who do not have the time to stand in line at the checkout desk. Patrons will be restricted from bringing bags and packages into the library. For this reason, storage lockers have been provided for patrons' use. Patrons are required to check all personal belongings into the lockers which are located on the ground and first floors. An information kiosk is available outside the entrance of the Young Adult library. This kiosk will provide information about the National Library's activities. In addition to all the services discussed above, the National Library also has a cinema with seating for 100 persons. This cinema is available, for a fee, to persons/organisations wishing to show films of an educational nature. There is an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 300, for use by members of the performing arts. Lecture/seminar rooms are also available for a fee, to persons/organisations wishing to host a seminar or workshop. Videoconferencing facilities are also planned. A bookshop is located on the ground floor of the main building. A cafeteria will be housed in the former Fire Brigade Station, which has been restored on the site, and is part of the complex. RegistrationTo register as a user of the Adult library, a valid official form of identification such as ID card, driver's licence or passport, is needed, along with a utility bill dated within the last 3 months, which provides proof of address. To register as a user of the Young Adult library, an official identification such as ID card or passport or parent's or guardian's signature is required. To register as a user of the Children's library, a parent's or guardian's signature is required. Present Board Members of NALISMr. Ulric Warner
- Chairman Former Board Members of NALIS 2002-2005Professor Bridget
Brereton - Chairperson (Education) |
|
|
Home
| People | Places
| Education | Health
| Government | Agriculture
| Sport | Culture
| Libraries | Socio-Economic
Issues | ©
2003 National Library and Information System Authority |
||