The document discusses the objectives and background of the Jamaica Union Catalogue project. It outlines the benefits of a union catalogue for both users and libraries, including the ability to search across multiple collections and enhanced negotiating power with suppliers. It then describes Jamaica's national library system and some of the sectoral sub-networks, challenges in establishing a national bibliographic database, and security concerns expressed by some libraries in participating.

1. Jamaica Union Catalogue
Arlene Ononaiwu
Technical Information Manager,
PIOJ
November 22 – 23, 2007

2. OBJECTIVES
 Introduction
 National Library Systems
 Union Catalogue
 Sectoral Sub-Networks
 SECIN
 Database Challenges
 Concerns
 Challenges

3. Introduction
A union catalogue is a catalogue of
various departments of a library, or
of a number of libraries indicating
their locations.

4. Benefits to Users
 The ability to search
across multiple
collections
 Links to abstracts and
electronic documents
 High quality services
in the area of content
and reliability

5. Benefits to libraries
 A platform for resource sharing
 Platform for service co-operation
 Enhanced power in negotiation with
suppliers

6. National Library System
 Jamaica Archives and Records
Department (JARD)
 Legal Network
 Social and Economic Network
 Physical Planning Network
 College Libraries Network
 Science and Technology Network

7. NLJ New Sub-Networks
 Audio Visual Information Network (AVIN)
 Jamaica Agricultural Documentation and
Information Network (JADIN)

8. The Second Plan, Systems and
Union Catalogue
–The plan report reviewed the operations
of specific networks as they related to the
recommendations of that plan.

9. The National Library’s role in the
production of the Union Catalogue
 National Bibliographic Database
of Jamaican publications
 UWI integrated library software
from VTLS to ALEPH

10. National Library and its Sectorial
Sub-networks
 COLINET
 AVIN
 JADIN
 LINET
 SECIN
 STIN

11. SECIN
 The Socio-Economic Information Network
(SECIN)
 First of the National Library Jamaica Sub-
networks to start its Union Catalogue

12. Challenges Establishing a
Jamaica Bibliographic Database
 Human Resources
Needs
 Lack of Management
Support

13. Security Concerns
•Concerns were expressed regarding
security of records. Despite assurances
given that these records would be secure a
few of these libraries have been unable to
participate because of this reason.

14. Information Technology Expertise
 Not staffed by Librarians
 Slow contribution to the Union
Catalogue
 Limited Information Technology
Support
 Limited Financial Resources
 NLJ Support Critical
 Marketing Critical

15. Conclusion
 “Clearly, progress in the development of
a modern integrated information system
in Jamaica has been substantial.”