One of the most significant moments of the Information Day was the official launch of the Department’s new Information Institute. This initiative aims to provide individuals with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in a variety of information domain disciplinary areas. The institute will offer short certificate courses, allowing participants to complete targeted training programmes in a short period, equipping them with valuable skills and certification from a regionally recognized information education institution.

The DLIS Information Institute builds on the success, lessons and revival of the inactive department’s Summer Institute.  This ad hoc activity, usually held over two to three days in the month of June, has not been held over the last three (3) years. It usually covered themes deemed to be relevant, but not strategic or related to the overall offerings of the Department.

The Information Institute will build on, and complement, the degree offerings of the DLIS, focusing on core competencies, foundational knowledge areas as well as general information management training.  Already course proposals received from current DLIS adjunct lecturers, MPhil/PhD candidates and recent MA graduates, include: digital records management, strategic use of social media, archiving and AI, metadata and AI, legal requirements for Information Management, digital reference services, information services for Special Needs, fundamental principles of digitization, digital file and email management, etc. The Information Institute will be supported by the GO School of Information, A Dutch based educational institute specialized in educating Information Professionals with over 70 years of experience in training librarians, information specialists, records managers, knowledge managers, content managers, archivists, etc. It is expected that further collaborators will come on board to fortify the certificate offerings of the Information Institute.

Left: Dr Stanley H. Griffin, Head of Department; Right: Professor Silvia Kouwenberg, Dean, FHE

In welcoming attendees to the Launch, Dr Stanley H. Griffin highlighted the significance of this moment for the Department. The Information Institute formalizes a longstanding custom of the DLIS to offer short and precise training workshops and courses for continuing professional development and institutional capacity development for Libraries around the Caribbean. The Information Institute simply formalizes this practice into an official strategic and operational activity of the Department.  The Information Institute will be administered by the Department Office, with an Administrative Assistant assigned to ensure its viability and sustainability and will work in conjunction with the new Campus framework for offering short courses and programmes, UWI STARC.

The Information Institute was launched by Professor Silvia Kouwenberg, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education. The Dean spoke on the need for a training model that allows the Department to respond effectively to the dynamic evolution and rapid changes in the praxis of Information. 

The launch was met with enthusiasm, as it promises to contribute significantly to the professional development of those pursuing careers in information management. The courses offered will cover a range of topics, including digital information systems, archival practices, library sciences, data analytics, information technology, etc. The flexibility of these programmes is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals who wish to enhance their expertise and further their careers without committing to long-term educational programmes. Already, the DLIS is in discussion with four (4) local and regional public agencies seeking staff training opportunities for their staff and stakeholders. The aim is to have the first course offered in April 2025.