Dr. Joyce Robinson remembered

Author: Desmond Allen
Title: Dr Joyce Robinson — 'a Rock of Gibraltar in times of emotional stress'
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Source: Jamaica Observer

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Dr-Joyce-Robinson----a-Rock-of-Gibraltar-in-times-of-emotional-stress-_14276620

Abstract:

This article reports on various tributes being offered to Dr. Joyce Robinson. In particular, remarks from the Opposition Leader and leader of the Jamaican Labour Party, Andrew Holness is reported. Also reported is remarks from the current President of  the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA), Matthew Blake and Dr Hazel Bennett, a close friend and retired senior lecture of the library school  at the University of the West Indies. From these tributes, the life and contribution of Dr. Joyce Robinson is reflected, especially her work as a librarian and her foundational work in developing libraries in Jamaica, including the establishment of the public library, the library association, national library system and  library school.

Excerpt:

Joyce Robinson was a founding member of the Jamaica Library Association, the forerunner of LIAJA, and served the Association in several capacities including that of president on two occasions — 1964 and 1973. In 1992 she was elected honorary member of the Association in recognition of her contribution to the growth and development of the profession and to the courageous leadership she gave in promoting the value of library services to national development.

"Joyce Robinson will be remembered specifically for her role in the development of the Jamaica Library Service from 1950-1973, the last 16 years as director and the first Jamaican to hold this position. Equally important was her role in advocating for the establishment of a library school on the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, as well as her role as a founding member of the National Council on Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services (NACOLADS). For this she served as the chairman from 1980-1990 and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Library of Jamaica, which she served as the first board chairman from 1979 to 1996.

Tribute to Jamaican librarian Dr. Joyce Robinson from the Jamaican Observer

Title: Dr Joyce Robinson, a true human treasure
Date: May 14, 2013
Source: Jamaica Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Dr-Joyce-Robinson--a-true-human-treasure_14261663

Abstract:
This editorial reports on the death of Jamaican librarian Dr. Joyce Robinson and provides a tribute on her accomplishments and work in her service to her country. Brief mentioned is her foundational role in establishing the Jamaican Library service.

Excerpt:

"From a volunteer on a library committee in Black River, she was one of the women and men who worked to establish a full-fledged library service in 1948 and fittingly became its first Jamaican head in 1957." 

Jamaican PM honours deceased librarian Dr. Joyce Robinson

Author: OPM Communications Unit

Title: PM Hails Dr. Joyce Robinson as a Strong, Determined Woman
Date: MONDAY, 13 MAY 2013
Source: JIS
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/33854


Abstract:
The article reports on the tribute offered by Jamaican Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller at the passing of Dr. the Hon. Joyce Robinson, a Jamaican librarian. The article briefly mentions in passing her contribution to Jamaican libraries.

Excerpt:

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Dr. the Hon. Joyce Robinson, who died on Sunday, May 12.

In paying tribute, the Prime Minister said that in the many different areas in which she served, Dr. Joyce Robinson was a pioneering, truly outstanding and highly accomplished Jamaican woman who dedicated her life to public service.

As the first Jamaican to head the National Library Service, Dr. Robinson played an invaluable role in the vibrant development of the Service between 1957 and 1979.

Jamaican rural public library stages annual Boys' Reading Day

Author: ALICIA SUTHERLAND
Title: "Reading is a 'man ting': Boys urged to read, read, read ..."
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date: Tuesday, May 07, 2013
URL:  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Reading-is-a--man-ting-_14211980

Abstract:

The article reports on an annual outreach programme by the Manchester Parish Library Network to promote reading among males in the parish. At the event for this year, the article reports on speeches by the director of the Manchester Parish Library Network, Lorraine McLean giving what appears to be a rationale for the programme and the idea behind it.  McLean also provides information on how the programme originated in the parish and why it was adopted. The event also featured speeches from two male role models, namely the head of the Area Three Police (Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth) Derrick Knight and Larone Reid, a student of Holmwood Technical High School, all emphasizing the importance and benefits of reading for males. The article further reports on other activities that took place during the day's events.

Excerpt:

MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Faced with data that boys, especially, are not doing well at the Grade Four Literacy Test, the Manchester Parish Library Network has undertaken a programme to promote reading in some of the worse performing schools in the parish.
It hosts an annual Boys' Reading Day, in addition to monthly interactive sessions in individual schools.
"Boys, especially, are not doing well in the grade four literacy exam. Boys learn differently from girls and that's important for teachers to understand and be a little more creative...," regional director for the library network Lorraine McLean said.