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Digital Libraries: opportunities and challenges for the English-speaking Caribbean

University of the West Indies St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, hfrancis{at}library.uwi.tt

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the major issues surrounding the development of digital libraries in the developing countries of the English-speaking Caribbean known also as the Caricom region. The impetus for digital libraries comes from the desire of these countries to become integrated in the new, global information economy. As part of this global information trend, digital libraries technology holds the key to improved information access. Digital libraries, which have become affordable and manageable provide increased access to global information and at the same time, increase the visibility of indigenous Caribbean information resources. The paper looks at the major issues that must be addressed in the process of digital libraries development. These include the current state of ICT infrastructure, economic and data sustainability, issues of interoperability and the generation of local content. Examples of current digital library projects undertaken in academic, public and special libraries are identified. The paper ends with a set of recommendations that can be used by information professionals and other stakeholders in developing countries to organize the way forward for the application, growth and development of digital libraries.

Key Words: digital libraries • Caribbean • Caricom • information management

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