Virtual health library users in Trinidad and Tobago—what do they need?

This paper aims to evaluate the usability of the Trinidad and Tobago Virtual Health Library (TTVHL) website based upon opinions of employees, students and ‘walk-ins’ in health care environments. Questionnaires were administered either in person or via e-mail to 122 persons who agreed to comment on the TTVHL website. All 122 responses were usable, resulting in a response rate of 100%. Data were generated using coded or classified responses and the findings were derived from data analysis. Respondents represented three categories of participants, viz.: health care personnel; library/information personnel; and persons operating outside of the biomedical or library/information fields. Their overall opinion of the website was favourable. Limitations of time, research personnel, and Internet access curtailed the administration of the survey at some locations where eligible respondents were present. The method employed can readily be applied to other VHL websites. Research on virtual health libraries within Latin America and the Caribbean is still in the early stages.

Library and information literacy curriculum

This Library and Information Literacy Curriculum, the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, was developed to ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the information age. Unlike other curricula, it is not meant to be used on its own, but must be applied to other areas of the curriculum. The objectives of this curriculum are to be intergrated with those of subject-specific curricula in the development of meaningful research projects. The lessons to teach library and information skills are to form an integral part of the lessons designed for the students to undertake the research project. Students therefore acquire the different skills in a meaningful context. This then facilitates the internalisation and transfer to other subject areas, as well as to their personal lives. The success of the implementation of this curriculum is contingent upon the collaboration between the library and information professional and the subject teachers in the design and execution of research projects. It is important that partnerships between librarians and teachers be developed to ensure that the library and information skills curriculum is integrated into as many curriculum areas as possible. This requires a shift in paradigm from individual to team teaching, which is the direction in which education is headed. Another factor which is crucial to the successful implementation of this curriculum is well staffed and well stocked library and information centres within the school system. School libraries must be stocked with sufficient resources in a variety of information formats to support individual and group projects in each topic of the different subject curriculum areas. It is important that audio-visual and computer technologies form a substantial part of the school library collection. In addition, school libraries must be adequately staffed with professional and non-professional staff to meet the needs of the varying school populations. They must be properly trained in the collaborative and instruction process to play their part in the successful implementation of this curriculum. This Library and Information Curriculum is an important step forward for the education system of Trinidad and Tobago. It is not the only medium through which students are equipped with the skills to become lifelong learners, but it will enhance the teaching/learning process and by extension the quality of education........ truncated (AU)