The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) has again been recognised for its work in providing equitable access to electronic content.  At the 2024 Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL) conference held in Guyana, NALIS received the EBSCO Acurilean Award for Leadership in the Use of Technologies to Expand and Facilitate Access to Electronic Content. This award was also won by NALIS in 2022.

EBSCO Information Services, headquartered in the United States, provides various types of products and services to libraries around the world.  In presenting the award recently, Donna Daley, EBSCO’s regional sales manager for the English speaking Caribbean, recounted NALIS’ adoption of initiatives, consistent with best practice, and its journey with her company, which began in May 2009.

Back then, NALIS commenced the provision of database subscriptions, which gives access to proprietary information that is not freely available on the internet, and would otherwise be provided at an exorbitant cost to information seekers. In 2020, as the world was thrust into lockdown because of the pandemic, NALIS expanded its online offerings to include digital magazines via the Flipster portal, giving persons access to more e-resources. 

In an effort to streamline the provision of e-resources, in 2023, the Authority introduced the top rated OpenAthens (making remote access simple) and EBSCO Discovery Services, which provides users with a Google like interface which enables access all of the library’s resources including its print collection from one location.

Also in 2023, NALIS commenced the process to adopt FOLIO, a new Integrated Library Management System, provided by EBSCO. The expected date for full adoption is July 31, 2024. This new system will allow for the creation of processes and the manipulation of the library’s systems to suit the needs of users.  The Library of Congress, the National Library of Australia and about 200 other national libraries use FOLIO which is deemed a superior, flexible and affordable library services platform.

Other major awards received by NALIS include: the 2023 OCLC Award for Innovative Cooperation Initiatives in the Caribbean for the creation and promotion of co-located libraries along with a wide range of digital library services to underserved communities; the 2012 COSTAATT Partnership Award; the 2010 Ministry of Public Administration Excellence in Service Delivery Award, and the 2004 Prime Minister Innovating Award for Services Excellence to Persons who a Blind and Visually Impaired.

NALIS’ Director, Information Networks Division, Helen Johnson at the ACUIRL Conference in Guyana shows off the EBSCO Award 2024 won by NALIS