By Samuel Gillis
For the first time, the Association of Caribbean University Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL) is hosting its annual conference in Guyana, bringing together librarians and information professionals from across the region.
The event, taking place from May 12 to 18 at the Pegasus Hotel, marks the association’s 53rd conference and aims to foster regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Under the theme “From Meta Data to Big Data: Trends and Hidden Treasures in Libraries, Museums, and Archives in the Caribbean,” the conference seeks to address current trends and challenges in the field.
ACURIL President Erick Toussaint emphasized the importance of unity among regional associations and the opportunity for participants to learn from each other.
Toussaint expressed excitement about the week-long event, highlighting its role in driving positive transformations within Caribbean communities through shared knowledge and connections.
The University of Guyana is spearheading the hosting of this significant event. Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed spoke on the critical need to create a regional meta-verse of data.
She pointed out the existing biases that have led to the underrepresentation of local and regional intellectual contributions on the global web, stressing the importance of digitizing and making this content accessible.
Professor Mohamed acknowledged the challenges posed by these biases but called for innovative solutions to ensure that the voices and philosophies of Caribbean authors are recognized and preserved.
The conference agenda includes various activities such as a cultural night, a tour of the capital city, Georgetown, and visits to selected libraries, providing attendees with a comprehensive experience of Guyanese culture and its library systems.