Cooperation between libraries and knowledge centers on the BES islands, Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten and Suriname took a huge step foreward thanks to the establishment of the Dutch Caribbean Library Association. During the 4th Dutch Caribbean Library seminar which took place between March 14h and March 16h in Paramaribo Suriname the library association was formally established. Philipsburg Jubilee Library was represented by Mrs. Monique Alberts and Mrs. Lucille Kolf during the seminar.
The association focuses on a broad spectrum of isssues. Not only the public and academic libraries of the Dutch Caribbean are involved but also information policy departments of different government entities as well as the law libraries of the courts of justice of the different countries.
The first board of the new association is composed of : Mrs. Monique Alberts, Director of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, St Maarten ( President), Mrs. Astrid Britten, Director of the National Library of Aruba) ( Secretary), Mrs. Jane Smith, Director of the Library of the Anton de Kom University , Suriname ( Vice president) , Mrs. Harely Martina, Information specialist at the Central Bureau of Statistics Curacao ( Treasurer) and Mrs. Leonie Peterson, Library coordinator of the University of Aruba ( boardmember)
The main objectives of the Dutch Caribbean Library Association are to facilitate development and use of libraries, archives and other information institutes and to preserve the written cultural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean.
During the three day seminar in Suriname presentations were given by Peter Hessels of the Royal Tropical Institute ( KIT) from Amsterdam, Mrs. Marian Koren representing the Dutch Library Platform FOBID and two representatives of “Loket aangepast lezen “from the Hague Netherlands which provides services for persons with reading disabilities.
Following these presentations the group of 60 librarians and other information professionals worked for three days on the strategic plan and other important policy documents for the new association. In the coming year the association will fortify her position by recruiting sponsors and new members. Persons and institutes interested in joining or supporting the association can contact DCLA President Monique Alberts by e-mail di******@st**************.org or phone 1721 542 2970