Caribbean Libraries in the 21st Century: Changes, Challenges, and Choices

What

Collection of selected articles on/about Caribbean libraries.

25 chapters which:

“…documents the state of Caribbean libraries in the 21st century by examining the responses of these institutions to the changes, challenges, and choices in an increasingly electronic and virtual information environment”… Book Introduction

8 Parts/Sections:

Part 1 - Historical perspective

Part II - Management of the 21st Century Library: Collections, Staff and Services

Part III - Innovative Services

Part IV -Integration and Impact of Information Technology on Library Services

Part V -Library Cooperation and Resource Sharing in the 21st Century

Part VI - Education and Training of Library Users

Part VII – Distance Education

Part VIII - Caribbean Librarians

What

Who

Two editors:

Cheryl Peltier-Davis

Shamin Renwick

Cheryl’s writing experience

Collaborated with colleagues (which colleagues?

From where?) to write chapter on Caribbean Libraries for International Dictionary of Library Histories (2001).

Articles for refereed/non refereed journals

on: cataloging, national libraries, public libraries, calypso, and carnival.

3 short stories (unpublished).

Blog - Caribbean Librarian (in-process).

Shamin’s writing experience

Co-authored conference proceedings titled: Electronic Information Resources in the Caribbean: Trends and Issues – Proceedings of the ACURIL XXXIV Conference, May 23-29, 2004, Trinidad and Tobago.

Refereed journal articles on: Caribbean publishing, electronic information resources, information access in the Caribbean, agriculture and the Caribbean economy.

Webmaster (designed/maintained book’s

website).

Role of Editors

Collaborated in managing project (start to finish).

Wrote book proposal to publishers (Caribbean, UK, US)

Sent out Call for Articles with submission guidelines.

Reviewed I-2 page proposals from contributors (36 submissions).

Reviewed/edited 25 submitted chapters (approx. 4,000 words)

Wrote guidelines & created rating sheets for reviewers.

Crafted authors copyright agreement.

Wrote book introduction (10 p.) analytical summary of 25 chapters.

Read and edited publisher’s proof.

Wrote bio sketches (approx.100 words) for 42 contributors and 4 external reviewers.

Assisted in design of book cover, internal layout/format of content.

Liaised with publishers (from initial proposal to manuscript)

Assisted in promotion of book (book launched at ACURIL & ALA Conferences).

Who

4 External Reviewers assisted in selecting, reviewing and editing 25 chapters.

Stephney Ferguson (Jamaica) - past president LIAJA, COMLA, ACURIL; former University Librarian UWI Jamaica.

Margaret Rouse-Jones (Trinidad & Tobago) - currently University Librarian UWI.

Derek Law (UK) - Head of the Information Resources Directorate at University of Strathclyde.

Maurice Line (UK) - former director General Science Technology & Industry in British Library.

Who

42 contributors: Academic libraries Public libraries National libraries Special libraries School libraries Archives School of Library and

Information Science

Authors came from wide geographic area

Aruba BahamasBarbadosCanadaGuyanaJamaicaSurinameTrinidad and TobagoUnited States

Contributors

Who

Publishers: Information Today - autonomy in putting book together.

John Bryans (book proposal, legal aspects).

Amy Reeve (proof –read, responded to queries)

When - Timeline

April 2005 - Preliminary discussions

May 2005 - Proposals to Publishers

July 2005 - Positive response from Publishers

October 2005 - Authors deadline to submit 1 - 2 page proposal

November 2005 - Editors acceptance of proposal letters sent to authors

March 2006 - Submission deadline for completed article

April 2006 - Editors Requests for revisions

May 2006 - Submission of revised articles

June 30, 2006 Manuscript to publisher (extended to Sept. 2006)

March 2007 – Mail edited proof back to publisher

June 2007 - Book published by Information Today

June 2007 - Book Launch (ACURIL June 8 & ALA June 24)

Where

Mainly cyberspace

Editors reside in different countries. Collaboration online –

e-mail via yahoo account Yahoo chat

Occasional telephone calls. Snail mail (final manuscript). Three physical meetings ACURIL conference

(Martinique) & Trinidad and Tobago.

Why

Librarians established/aspiring writers willing to write about their concerns, efforts and experiences in addressing issues affecting libraries in the Caribbean region.

Fill void in literature on Caribbean Librarianship

A valuable research tool and provide practical lessons for target audience: librarians & other information professionals library science students anyone with an interest in learning more about libraries in the

Caribbean.

Passionate

Revenue (next Harry Potter ???)

How- Cheryl’s 10 Steps to Publishing a Book

1. Start with an idea. Write about: - what you are passionate about - Work experience - Original research

2. Start by publishing electronically, Blogs, social networks (Facebook, Myspace) Discussion Lists- AutoCat, RefCat

3. Find co-author/s (if work is collaborative).

4. Do your research on what has been published on your chosen topic.

5a. Find a publisher who has shown interest in your subject/topic area (self publishing Lulu).

5b.Write a proposal following (strictly) publishers guideline.

How - Cheryl’s 10 steps to publishing a book

6. Read (and reread) legal agreements before signing.

7. Start writing• Set deadlines• Proof read (you, colleagues, family)

8. Submit manuscript to publisher.

9. Edit proof/return to publisher. Contact Endorsers to write blurbs.

10. Book published. Be involved in promotion & marketing (book launches, book discussions, conferences, library associations mailing lists, blogs, other media).