Saint Lucian Librarians want an End to Dark Ages

[dropcap]V[/dropcap]ery early in my school life, I had access to a computer from my living room. The only evolving I witnessed was the transition of unlimited information from a bulky screen monitor to a device which could fit in my small hand. I was guiltily one of those children who did not need a public library; I had options right at home:  books, computers, Amazon Kindles and smart phones. It was only during a visit some time last year that I realized how much the Central Library in Castries had deteriorated: outdated books, archaic research equipment, charts curling off nasty-looking walls. Disappointing to behold.

The National Association of Librarians and Information Professionals (NALIP) is exploring ways to rescue the situation. NALIP’s annual Library and Information Week for 2018 was themed ‘Library and Information Centres: Collaboratively Engaging Communities’. At the opening ceremony on Monday, librarians and other information professionals, including media, met at the Cultural Development Foundation. Among tributes for the Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre were the introduction of the NALIP’s newly elected executive, and commemoration of recently retired librarians. Giovanni St. Omer delivered the feature address.

St. Omer, although not a librarian, has been involved in different genres of visual communication and is recognized regionally and internationally for his work in art and design. He also worked as a government of Saint Lucia communications officer for 29 years. As an artist, St. Omer was selected to be the Honorary Chair for the 2018 Library and Information Week in hopes of promoting innovative adapting for libraries.

At Monday’s ceremony he declared: “I’m sure many of you are surprised, or at least are wondering, why an artist was invited to address librarians. But there’s great logic in this selection; our world is moving at a pace requiring extreme measures in our quest for excellence.”

He went on to compare his years “practically growing up in the Castries Library” with the forcible teachings of European history in schools and the easy access to unlimited technology today. “Technology has created a new world order,” he said, “almost rendering going to the local library extinct. Societies were forced to evolve in businesses, entertainment and, in some cases, education. Yet one of the last elements of most communities to evolve was that of the library.”

He implied that in their attempts at trying to “emerge from the dark ages”, libraries tried to compromise with computers and free Internet access. However, he argued, “It’s not the answer.” The technology that libraries provide is still eons away from the upgrades available to kids at home.“This will draw them back and, if some of them do return, we don’t control what they access.”

St. Omer’s proposed solution is to recreate libraries in a visually stimulating manner to attract the country’s youth once again. He explained that in his travels he had discovered libraries being reformed with aquariums, life-size animal figures, and entertainment, among other innovations. They are ways to both lure children to the library and to educate them productively.

“Of course it sounds expensive,” St. Omer added, “but Rome was not built in a day. Our libraries need to evolve and there are cost-effective methods for creating more attractive, interactive spaces.” He discouraged depending on governments for aid. “There are so many external donors available,” he said, and vowed to use his own talents to help the libraries become what they ought to be.

President of NALIP, Daisy St. Rose explained briefly that defining which ministries local libraries fall under has always been a challenge. Outside entities have also been hesitant to assist with library ventures in the past but this year she is thankful for the unprecedented attendance of the media in Library and Information Week activities.

As for when the transformation of libraries will begin, both St. Rose and St. Omer said that Monday’s announcement was inaugural, but assured that it will happen in the near future.