COLINET was established in 1985 as a network of college libraries in Jamaica to promote sharing of resources and ensure access to information among member institutions. It operated through an advisory body and committee of librarians from public and private tertiary colleges. One library was designated as the focal point to coordinate activities for the network, with other libraries serving as nodes for subgroups of members. COLINET provided guidance on building collections and facilities and encouraged computerization of catalogs. However, inadequate funding remained an ongoing challenge for the network and member libraries.

1. COLLEGE LIBRARIES
INFORMATION
NETWORK (COLINET)
1985 TO 2007 : A CASE STUDY

2. Background
COLINET was established in
November 1985.
I it operated at two levels:
 An Advisory Body
 Committee of Librarians
 It comprises a mix of :
 Public and Private
tertiary institutions

3. What was COLINET set up to do?
 Ensure speedy access to information.
 Promote the sharing of ideas and resources
 Encourage participation of the colleges in
the National Information System.

4. College Defined
 Tertiary institutions whose primary mission is
either undergraduate in focus or vocational,
professional or specialist training.
 They normally award, either independently or
in conjunction with others, certificates,
diplomas, bachelor’s, or master degrees which
are accredited.

5. Focal Point and Nodes
One library was designated as focal
point – CAST (Now UTech)
others were nodes for sub groups.
 Mico – Node for teachers colleges
 Jamaica Theological College-
Theological colleges
 Excelsior Community College –
Community Colleges
 CASE – Node Specialist Colleges
 NCU – Node for Universities

6. Guidelines and standards
Encouraged as a tool to build collections and
develop facilities and other resources.

7. Physical Resources
COLINET makes recommendations and offers
guidance in
 Preparing architects briefs
 Providing reference material on buildings
 Catalogues on furniture and equipment

8. Collection and Services
All colleges are keen to
improve their collections
in order to satisfy
accreditation
requirements
50000
45000
40000
35000
30000
25000 1981
20000 2005
15000
10000
5000
0
3000

9. Technology
COLINET has encouraged units to
computerize their catalogues. Today all
catalogues are online, most using WIN-ISIS.

10. Financing
Inadequate financial support for the
libraries, in the public as well as private
sector colleges is the area of greatest
concern for the Network as it impacts
every area of activity.
COLINET does not have a budget but
UTech, through the Calvin McKain
library, is committed to the successful
functioning of the Network.

11. Meetings and Training
COLINET Librarians meet twice
per annum but will hold special
meetings if otherwise required.
Workshops and short courses are
arranged to provide hands on
opportunities.

12. Meetings and Training Cont’d.
 A symposium is held biennially to
bring stakeholders together and
focus on :
 Trends and Issues
 The status of college libraries in
Jamaica
 Challenges that college librarians
face .

13. What of the future?
 For the future three things will be
undertaken:
-The focus on standards will be
intensified
- Revival of COLINET Advisory
Body
- Biennial Principals’ Forum

14. THE END
See you at COLINET - Soon!!