Digital Library of the Caribbean Protecting Haitian Patrimony Initiative Haitian Studies Association, Brown University Brooke Wooldridge Project Coordinator, Digital Library of the Caribbean November 12, 2010
Digital Library of the Caribbean DLOC is an international initiative dedicated to preserving and increasing access to Caribbean research materials, promoting and supporting Caribbean Studies, and fostering a collaborative digital library community in the Caribbean region.
Critical Mass of Content in One Place Over 10,000 titles Over 1.3 million pages 20 Partners Online 12 countries 4 linguistic groups 2006 2007 2008 2009 Hits 5779 71578 341499 580082 Number of Hits per Year
Brooke Wooldridge, dloc and Patrick Tardieu, Curator, BHPSE M. Jean Wilfrid Bertrand Director, National Archives of Haiti Bibliothèque haïtienne des Frères de l Instruction Chrétienne Staff of the National Library of Haiti February 15, 2010
The PHP Initiative Goals Encourage communication across institutions working to assist Haiti s libraries. Coordinate technical and in-kind assistance for Haiti s libraries. Raise money to support specific collection/archival recovery and preservation projects in Haiti
Haitian Patrimonial Collections Archives Nationales d Haïti, which houses civil and state records as well of those of the Office of the President and most government ministries.
Haitian Patrimonial Collections Bibliothèque National d Haïti, established in 1939, holds a small collection of historical rare books, manuscripts and newspapers, and offers current publications, research support and study space. Addressing the needs of the main library, three fallen municipal libraries and other collections in need Collection boxed and construction on main library is underway Coordinating with national and international groups for aid Many staff are receiving additional training in the Caribbean
Images of the National Library Courtesy of the National Library of Haiti
National Library
Haitian Patrimonial Collections Bibliothèque haïtienne des Frères de l Instruction Chrétienne, founded in 1912 by the Christian Brothers serves as repository for Haitian imprints and one of the most significant collections of newspapers. Building was damaged but can be repaired Shelves were bent and most likely unsalvagable Approximately half of the collection is boxed Curator receiving one student per day Limited staff (one curator, part time secretary inadequate to care for the collection) Significant support provided by FOKAL for repairs
Saint Louis de Gonzague
Saint Louis de Gonzague
Haitian Patrimonial Collections Bibliothèque haïtienne des Pères du Saint- Esprit, founded in 1873 by the Fathers of the Holy Spirit holds documents chronicling the history of Haiti, French colonization, slavery and emancipation and 20 th century records. Only one of the public patrimonial libraries in Port-au-Prince to completely collapse Collection evacuated in small boxes French Foreign Ministry has offered to construct a small library (100 sq. meters) Budget for relocation of materials 15K, currently, no staffing budget
Saint Martial Photos Photographer: Dominique Simon
PHP Initiative Academic Libraries Strengthen Integrated Library System Adopt a Library Digitization of Haitian Content in Collections outside of Haiti Volunteer/Internships in Haiti Access to Library Databases
Academic / Educational Projects Exhibits An Island Luminous Travelling Exhibit (Possibly with ALA) LLMC Haitian Law Digitization Project Fully accessible in Haiti via dloc Catalog / ILS Modernization Joint online catalog as first step Sobe Export employees preparing the shipment for Haiti. August 2010
How can you help? Go to www.dloc.com to register as a Volunteer Donate Financially Organize a Fundraiser Contribute Materials Pack or Ship Materials Travel to Haiti to Assist Elizabeth Chen, Occidental College, and University of Florida students performed traditional Haitian Dance at the UF Hand in Hand Concert Benefit. Raised over $2,000. French Speakers - Join the dloc/cifnal group to assist in translation, digital curation, training in Haiti Encourage your library to digitize rare Haitian materials and make available online