While it is essential that national library functions and services are carried out, within the English-speaking Caribbean these functions can be provided by extending the role of the country's main public library. A questionnaire was administered in 1994 to 14 public libraries and one national library in the region to ascertain if public libraries performed any national library functions and if so to assess how effectively, with a view to formulating proposals as to how best this dual role could be achieved. The survey, in which 13 libraries participated, revealed that a majority of the libraries did in fact act as de facto national libraries, performing many of the functions of traditional national libraries, though there were major deficiencies (e.g. only seven had legal deposit, and only four produced national bibliographies). A structure for a dual-function Public/National Library is proposed, with three functional divisions (Public Library Services, Technical Services, and National Heritage) and a powerful National Library Services Board.
In an environment where the continued survival of national libraries is being questioned, this article looks at an example of a public library system providing national library functions. The recent creation of the National Library and Information System (NALIS) in Trinidad and Tobago is evidence that Caribbean public libraries through a process of integration and centralization of existing library services can provide a nationwide national library service while maintaining essential national library functions. The organizational structure of NALIS is presented along with an outline of the functions of the various library divisions. A brief review of the literature on the current status of national libraries precedes the discussion on NALIS.
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