1. IFLA Satellite Conference on Global statistics August 18 th and 19 th 2008 Concordia University Montreal Trinidad and Tobagos Response to UNESCOs Survey on Global Statistics Diane Simeon

2. INTRODUCTION NALIS has adopted the IFLA Public Library Manifesto1994 because it is committed to ensuring that its practices are in keeping with international standards. NALIS is therefore mandated to bench mark the operations of the public libraries using the guidelines as outlined by IFLA.

3. INTRODUCTION NALIS co-operates with relevant partners, in this case the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in any exercise to improve the way in which the information field conducts business.

4. INPUT/OUTPUT MEASURES The traditional areas of collection: OUTPUT Circulation Bookstock Overdues Computer/Internet

5. INPUT/OUTPUT MEASURES Queries Internet training INPUT MEASURES Staffing Financial Resources

6. ABOUT NALIS NALISS MANDATE Act No. 18 of 1998 mandates the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) to: Provide a national library and information service, easily accessible to members of the public in order to facilitate cultural, economic, educational, political and social development of the people of Trinidad and Tobago…

7. ABOUT NALIS NALISS VISION To become a dynamic network, innovative, business-like, customer-focused and community-oriented, offering information services to the nation and the world.

8. ABOUT NALIS NALISS MISSION To provide an international standard of service that delivers equitable access to information in all formats through highly capable and motivated staff, utilizing state-of–the-art technologies and facilities to support the development and recreational needs of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

9. ABOUT NALIS GOALS NALIS has clearly defined goals, which are aligned with Governments vision to achieve developed-nation status by 2020. Information accessibility Advice to Government on library-related matters Formation of strategic alliances Lifelong learning and enrichment People-centred and community-focused institutions

10. ABOUT NALIS HISTORY The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) was born out of a merger between three public library bodies:- The Public Library The Central Library The Carnegie Free Library

11. METHODOLOGY The first step involved in identifying higher education institutions with libraries The information was obtained from the Ministry of Education website: www.moe.gov.tt/news.html www.moe.gov.tt/news.html The identified libraries were contacted via e- mail or phone indicating that their cooperation will be needed to complete the questionnaire.

12. METHODOLOGY The UNESCO Institute of Statistics website was also forwarded to the institutions to allow them download the questionnaire. They were asked to complete the sections applicable to them and e- mail the completed responses to the Planning and Research Division of NALIS. The completed questionnaires were tabulated and forwarded to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics.

13. A Discussion of Areas Covered in Survey Libraries: Access and facilities – Unclear Access to commercial e-resources free of charge – was it to patrons or the library. Access to commercial e-resources by outside payment – was it to patrons or the library.

14. A Discussion of Areas Covered in Survey Expenditure: The figures were not readily available for total operating expenditure and staff costs for the public libraries. Top Libraries Supplementary Section. In the context of Trinidad and Tobago, where there is one Public Library network, was it the Branch Libraries that were to be listed according to the number of volumes?

15. THE PROBLEMS Loans and Usage Total number of download units was not available. Tobago was not involved in the response. The responses were received late. The institutions with the exception of the Library of the University of the West Indies were not responsive. Some institutions did not respond.

16. THE PROBLEMS Institutions did not respond even though gentle reminders were sent. Institutions claimed that the information was sent but to date nothing was received. Two institutions failed to respond: the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the College of Arts Science and Technology. One institution indicated that the correspondence was lost – unbelievable to say the least.

17. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.The questionnaire should be sent three months in advance of due date. 2. Possible questions could be a)The number of visitors to the library b)Why did the person visit the library? c)The number of computers available for users d)How accessible is the library? 3. Data about challenged patrons