Journal articles on the topic 'Jamaica Library Service'

Purpose Collection content is no longer the primary distinctive signifier of excellence in the present libraries. In an information market where technology has increased access to content, thereby providing resources at one’s fingertips, the provision of services is increasingly becoming a distinctive signifier of excellence and quality. In such an open/service-oriented marketplace, what are the services that are signifiers of excellence and consequently distinguish a library? This paper aims to review select literature within the USA to identify the services that are signifiers of excellence and that will consequently distinguish a library in the current era and investigate the extent to which said services identified in the review of the literature are provided by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona library, but focus specifically on only those that meet the additional criteria of placing the UWI Mona library as either the first to introduce the service in Jamaica or as the only library in Jamaica with the particular service offering. These two additional criteria provide the added signature or uniqueness essential to being distinguished. Design/methodology/approach Through the use of a mixed methods research, this paper highlights library service offerings considered as distinctive signifiers of excellence within the American literature and also within the UWI Mona Library – that will distinguish a library. Findings This paper reveals services incorporating technology, the library as a place/space, teaching and research and personal attention to users as distinctive signifiers of excellence. In this regard, within the UWI Mona Library, services offered such as the Virtual Reference Service, Extended Opening Service, Halls of Residence Librarian Service, Information Commons Service, Information Literacy Service and the West Indies and Special Collection Research Service were found to incorporate the aforementioned service themes and placed the UWI Mona library as either the first to introduce the service in Jamaica or as the only library in Jamaica with the particular service offering, consequently distinguishing the UWI Mona Library from other academic libraries in Jamaica. Originality/value This paper is of value, as it provides the library and information community with an outline of services that distinguish a library; it offers library managers in Jamaica and the rest of the world the opportunity to compare services in their libraries with that of other libraries as outlined within the literature review as well as within the UWI Mona library; it highlights how the UWI Mona library, an academic library in the Caribbean, compares on the international library scene, with particular reference to the USA; it informs current and potential library users of how the UWI Mona library is trending in service culture and a focus on distinctive services can promote a community of academic library service best practice.

In March 1999 and 2000 I traveled to the rural community of Frankfield, Jamaica with four anthropology students from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where I used to be employed. Having conducted fieldwork in Frankfield in 1991, 1995 and 1997, I had established relationships that made it possible for me to arrange for my students to live with Jamaican families and to volunteer in the primary and high schools, the clinic and the town library as part of an anthropological "service learning" project. The program was funded by a Massachusetts College Compact grant as part of a statewide effort to encourage service learning initiatives. The service learning movement is part of a burgeoning national concern with active pedagogies whose aim is to encourage moral and civic responsibility through student participation in community programs. Anthropological service learning programs have multiple goals that reflect the diversity of the discipline. My goals for bringing students to Frankfield were twofold: (1) to encourage students to think about ethnography as a process rather than a final product, whose knowledge traverses the boundaries of empiricism and hermeneutics and (2) to excite my students' civic imagination by introducing them to the ambiguities and conflicts of rural Jamaican life. I hoped that their exposure to a diversity of perspectives in a small community would challenge any notions of "service" as a straightforward, uncomplicated process that would carryover to their thinking about their own communities.

While Asian and European countries were grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, the first imported case from the United Kingdom surfaced in Jamaica on 10 March 2020. The article will trace the steps taken by the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) before and during the pandemic while improving the value of our cultural heritage to Jamaica and the wider diaspora. The NLJ celebrated 40 years of sterling contribution to the development of Jamaica from March 1979 to April 2020. It has been a leading voice in the region in disaster management and preparedness. Through its Preservation and Conservation Branch, and oversight from the Disaster Preparedness Committee, the NLJ has become a training ground for professionals in the information and conservation field. While highlighting the work of the NLJ, the article will also present statements and surveys conducted on regional and international bodies. These organisations include the Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL), the Community of Directors of National Libraries (a subgroup of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the Society of American Archivists. The surveys conducted gleaned a greater appreciation of the impact of Covid-19 on libraries and archives regionally and internationally. The article will address other pandemic crises that have affected Jamaica. It will also demonstrate that being proactive and prepared for viral episodes can mitigate the risks. The NLJ used the opportunity to facilitate service delivery while being socially distant from its patrons.

The National Library of Jamaica, created in 1979 from the West India Reference Library (WIRL), had to define its role and functions in the light of the existence of a well developed public library system which served the entire island, as well as a university library system and a fair number of small special libraries. Staff first had to be made aware of how the newly designated library differed from the old WIRL, which although well known for its outstanding collection of ‘Westindiana’ was primarily an urban-based library. The media were used to present information on the role and functions of the new library, which would perform all the accepted fundamental functions of national libraries in developed countries, except that relating to the coverage of foreign literature; in addition it would also be involved in interlending and document supply. Jamaica is a small developing country in which the European/North American-based culture and the African-influenced folk culture coexist. The library therefore recognizes the importance of developing collections of ephemera, oral history and folklore. There is a small preservation and conservation facility. In serving as the national bibliographic centre, it produces the national bibliography and creates various other bibliographic tools of national use. As the focal point of the national information system, it has developed a national referral service to aid interlending. Current awareness services are offered to library and information professionals, there is a programme of mounting exhibitions, and strong international links are maintained. Growth and development have been severely hampered by dwindling financial resources, which have resulted in some cutbacks to services. Nevertheless, the library has firmly established itself as an important cultural institution and as a leader in Caribbean library and information work.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the recent outreach service efforts of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Main Library in the form of a Hall of Residence Librarian Programme. The aim of the programme was to minimize library anxiety through partnership with the Office of Students Services. Design/methodology/approach – The transition from the secondary to the tertiary level is not always the smoothest for some students. On the islands of the English-speaking Caribbean, such as Jamaica, it can be especially difficult as some matriculants have never used an automated library. These students often experience great difficulty in effectively using the library which may result in them shying away from doing so and thus negatively impact the quality of their work. The UWI, the UWI Main Library, Mona campus, Jamaica has sought to address this challenge through the development of an outreach project to the first-year students entitled the Halls of Residence Librarian (HRL) programme. Findings – This new form of library outreach on The UWI Mona campus has yielded the offering of library services in new locations, strategic partnerships, increased interactions with the first-year students and a greater awareness of these students ' needs. Most importantly, it was very effective in reducing library anxiety among the first-year students. Research limitations/implications – The “low” turnout to Research Rescue was largely attributed to the fact that this programme was entirely optional for the students, and it was not affiliated with any compulsory course or class. There was also the issue of a lack of incentives to boost student attendance at these sessions. Originality/value – This initiative is untested in the English-speaking Caribbean. The paper explores the outreach efforts of the library at the Mona campus of The UWI and seeks to add to the limited body of literature on Academic Library Outreach in the Caribbean.

The National Library and Information System Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (NALIS) aims to provide both the functions of a national library as well as a national library service. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of NALIS in its role as a national library. Utilising a qualitative approach, the study used mixed methods: semi-structured interviews with NALIS’ senior management; review of the International Organization for Standardization performance indicators; and comparative analysis of the strategic plans of the National Library of Jamaica and NALIS. Findings revealed that, despite NALIS performing the functions of a national library, key aspects of its services remain unfulfilled. Participants could not agree on the description of NALIS as outlined in the NALIS Act but 60% concluded that, in their personal opinion, NALIS could best be described as a public library which provides a national library service. Point score analysis determined that the most important function was ‘Central Collection of the Nation’s Literature’. The strategic planning of NALIS was found to be in alignment with the age of the organisation, as it is currently in an early phase of operation when policy formulation is critical. Given the turbulent economic environment and the many constraints that NALIS faced, it proved to be effective in the performance of national library functions and continues to strive for excellence in service delivery. It was noted that effective quality management was not adequately performed. Thus, in order to improve the level of service delivery, better quality management measures must be implemented.

In December 1973 the Prime Minster of Jamaica appointed a National Council on Libraries, Archives and Document Services (NACOLADS) to advise the government on the development of an integrated network information system. It was thought that this could best be done by using UNESCO's NATIS concept. Several working parties were established, and among their recommendations were the creation of a series of networks as the basis of a national information system, the establishment of a National Library (achieved in 1979), new legislation for the National Archives and Records Center (passed in 1982), and copyright legislation, with provision for legal deposit. NACOLADS incorporated all the recommendations into a national information plan, published in 1978. A revised edition in 1986 included recommendations for redressing a number of shortcomings (e.g. the need for improved salaries and conditions of service). In 1990 NACOLADS was renamed NACOLAIS (National Council on Libraries, Archives and Information Systems), and given additional responsibility for the expansion of NATIS in Jamaica. A copyright law was eventually passed in 1993, but laws for a national information policy and legal deposit remain to be enacted. Some believe that the experience of NATIS in Jamaica can be used as a model for the establishment of national information systems in other small Third World countries.

PurposeThis paper examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people, place, product and services in Jamaican academic libraries. It also compares the Jamaican academic library’s COVID-19 experience with US academic library’s COVID-19 preliminary experience.Design/methodology/approachThe local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica (also referred to in this paper as university libraries) were surveyed.FindingsGovernment mandates, university mandates and the absence of a vaccine influenced academic library response. The measures implemented, though unplanned and developed on-the-go, constituted a behavioural change model (BCM). COVID-19 has had a positive-negative impact on library people, place, product and services and has created a new normal for Jamaican academic libraries.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper captures the preliminary response of Jamaican academic libraries to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on library people, place, product and services. As such, a follow-up survey on changes, challenges, strengths, impact, lessons and plans would be a useful complement to this paper. As COVID-19 information is rapidly evolving, this preliminary response of Jamaica is neither the final nor complete response to the pandemic.Practical implicationsThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a gap in the literature on disaster management generally and pandemic management in particular, and on the management of health disasters in academic libraries; this paper seeks to fill this gap, albeit incrementally, through Jamaica's preliminary response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper gives voice to the Caribbean academic library’s COVID-19 experience, through the voice of Jamaica. It is the first scholarly paper on the impact of COVID-19 on university libraries in the Jamaican / English-speaking Caribbean, and so presents the elements of the BCM implemented by Jamaica, which provides an important guide to Caribbean academic library leaders. The findings can also inform the Latin American and Caribbean section of international library papers on COVID-19 impact on academic libraries globally.

Purpose Academic libraries do not operate in a vacuum; they must co-exist with change and competition on all levels. In order to succeed, they must know their internal strengths in order to take advantage of opportunities, whilst avoiding threats and addressing weaknesses. A SWOT analysis of Jamaican academic libraries can yield strategic insights for academic library praxis in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the globe. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Survey and discussion group were engaged for the five local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica. Findings Human resources and support are the most recurrent themes in the reported strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Research limitations/implications This paper focused on local academic libraries in higher education (university level) in Jamaica. A survey of academic libraries at all levels, and using more detailed strategic analytical tools, would be a useful follow up. Practical implications This paper provides academic library managers and the national/regional library associations with a situational analysis of Jamaican academic librarianship, which can be used to inform future planning and management of library and information services. Additionally, the findings can inform the Latin America and Caribbean section of international library documents on trends, issues and future position of academic libraries globally. Originality/value This paper is of value as it is the first published scholarly documentation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in academic librarianship in Jamaica. In this regard, it makes a useful contribution to the dearth of literature on SWOT analyses of academic libraries per country. It may also represent a starting point for looking at solutions and emerging challenges in a Caribbean academic library environment and should help to focus on the need for continuing innovation.

Subject area Food service management, human resource management, hospitality strategic management and, international business and management. Study level/applicability Graduate students. Case overview The purpose of this case study is to determine whether the practice of talent management serves to motivate fast food service employees. It aims to determine employees’ perceived level of awareness and importance of talent management practices; current practice of talent management within the fast food service sector; and to assess the level of motivation of employees from talent management practices. The survey method employing the use of questionnaires was used to ascertain data from a fast food service establishment in Jamaica, a developing island destination located in the Caribbean region (Sinclair-Maragh and Gursoy, 2015). Jamaica is chosen for the study, as there has been an increase in the number of both local and international fast food entities over the years (Collinder, 2014). The focus on fast food service is important, as they have been providing employment to a significant sector of the population. This type of business operation is classified as a tourism related hospitality area (Purcell, 1996) and as indicated by Christensen and Rog (2008), talent management presents an intriguing opportunity for hospitality organizations to attract employees with requisite skills and experience. The industry is also challenged in maintaining motivated employees (Baum, 2008). Talent management can assist organizations that have long-struggled with high turnover rates and the ability to attract and engage employees that are considered assets and not liabilities. Lockwood (2007) points out that engaged employees are loyal, hardworking and passionate about their work. Motivation theory is used to provide theoretical support for the findings of the study. This is because behavioral theorists such as Abraham Maslow suggested that survival, safety, belonging and self-esteem are factors that can be used to motivate employees and Sigmund Freud believes that people need to be rewarded to get work done (Nohria et al., 2008). This theory is plausible to the study, as it is postulated that talent management can enhance employee engagement, through highly motivated employees (Christensen and Rog, 2008). The study finds that majority of the employees understood the meaning of the term “talent management”. In terms of their personal and professional development, the employees believe that these are highly influenced by the organization’s culture. They pointed out that skills are usually developed through training, cross-training and succession planning. Financial assistance is given for further training and skill development. The performance evaluation process is used to identify employees’ specific skill. Although this is done, the majority has not been placed in other departments that would benefit more from their skills. Only 7.6 per cent reported that this was ever done. Employees’ emotional wellbeing is also important. Although majority of the employees (44.7 per cent) are happy about their work, they indicated that they could be motivated by coaching, mentorship and empowerment initiatives. Overall, the employees’ sense of belonging through their engagement and development, and self-esteem through their morale and competence are important to their motivation levels. They are also motivated when support is provided for training and skill development as explained by the motivation theory. Expected learning outcomes The learning outcomes are intended to guide the teaching-learning process and stimulate students’ understanding of the concepts of talent management specific to fast food service employees’ motivation. The case study is a useful resource for graduate students to enable and develop their critical thinking and solution-oriented skills. Students should be able to critically analyze the case and respond to the questions to garner and improve their understanding of talent management and its applicability in the fast food service sector. Further understanding of the concept can be derived from developing dimensions and measures of talent management that can be generalized to the food service sector. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Purpose Observing trends and issues plays a key role in the success of any industry. Since 2010, the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) has been publishing papers on top trends and issues in academic libraries in the USA, allowing for reflection, tracking, lesson drawing, adaptation, planning and direction. Such a publication is absent in the Jamaican library industry. This paper aims to examine the extent to which these trends and issues, as reported by ACRL, are evident in Jamaican academic librarianship. Design/methodology/approach Through document and thematic analysis of publications written on Jamaican academic librarianship 2010-2016, this paper highlights trends and issues in Jamaican academic librarianship. Findings There are similarities in the trends and issues in Jamaican academic librarianship and American academic librarianship; the similarities sometimes vary, however, in focus. Additionally, there are trends and issues in Jamaican academic librarianship not mentioned in the literature reviewed on American academic librarianship and vice versa. Research limitations/implications A survey of the chief librarians’ perceptions regarding the trends and issues would be a useful follow-up. Practical implications This paper allows for reflection, comparison, benchmarking, lesson-drawing, planning and direction for academic libraries and other types of libraries in Jamaica and the rest of the developing world. Social implications The gaps highlighted, particularly those with the most potential, can be discussed with the objective of exploring how these can be translated into new or revised services for the community of users. Originality/value This paper is of value, as there is no publication with an explicit focus on trends and issues in Jamaican academic libraries; this paper will be the first publication on trends and issues in Jamaican academic librarianship. In this regard, this paper makes an important contribution to the literature on academic librarianship generally, and to the literature on Caribbean and Jamaican academic librarianship, specifically.

In most developed countries, linking citizens with e-government through Information Communication Technology (ICT) is an important social role for public libraries. Public libraries partner with government agencies; acting as intermediaries to bridge government with citizens in a way which adds value. In developing countries, public libraries have not attained that intermediary level. Instead, the role of public libraries is constrained to performing a tangential role to e-government. This includes its focus on the provision of access to information. As Caribbean governments progress further with e-government implementation, public libraries may need to expand their role beyond information provision to help citizens in their adoption of e-government, as well as enhance their service provision to them. This highlights some of the digital divide issues that developing countries experience versus information rich countries (i.e., developed nations) such as the United States of America. Thus, the digital divide is not only about access to ICTs; it also now includes citizens' capacity to use ICTs. This paper examines the capacity and role of the public libraries in Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica in enhancing e-government efforts.

Sickle cell disease is a multisystem disorder associated with severe complications and premature death. To address the morbidity, disability, and mortality of inherited disorders, the implementation of newborn screening programmes are considered pivotal public health service intervention. Due to ethical consideration there are no RCTs that prove the benefits of comprehensive newborn screening (Lees, Davies and Dezateux, 2000). However, many evidences suggested early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and survival of patients (Gaston et al., 1986; King et al., 2007). As such, an economic analysis reviewed many studies, cited that the pre-clinical diagnosis of SCD had twofold cost-effectiveness compared to symptomatic diagnosis (Grosse, Olney and Baily, 2005). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the newborn screening program on the morbidity and mortality of disease among the children by assembling results from cohort studies. DESIGN AND METHODS The systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for cohort studies that addressed the sickle cell disease morbidity and mortality of the disease among children will consider eligible. The phenomena of interest were mortality, infection, stroke PICO have been translated to keywords and MeSH terms with search limit under 18 years old and date set until July 2020. Two reviewers assessed the quality of included cohort studies individually using Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Subsequently, the data were extracted in Microsoft Word. In case of disagreement, were settled by discussion. The incidence rates per 100 patient year and 95% confidence intervals were pooled to random-effects meta-analysis using RevMan5.4. Studies' heterogeneity identified by chi-squared test and the I2 statistic. RESULTS Eight studies included that met inclusion criteria two studies were from USA (Quinn et al., 2008 and Gill et al., 1995) , 1 from UK (Telfer et al., 2007), 1 from Belgium(Lê et al., 2010), 1 from Jamaica (King et al 2007), 1 from Africa (Rahimy et al, 2003), 1 from India (Upadhye et al., 2016) and 1 from Brazil (Rezende et al., 2018). The total number of participants in the 8 cohort studies were 2377 SCD patients (mean 297.1 and SE 73.9), that includes patients with the four common SCD genotypes: HbSS, HbSC, Hb Sβ+ and HbSβ0. The median age was 6.5 year (IQR: 4.95), with 9623 total years of follow up. The pooled incidence rate of SCD associated mortality per 100 patient year was 0.65 (95%CI 0.35-0.94; I2= 89%; p < 0.00001). While the infection incidence rate 17.74 (95%CI; 11.57-23.91; I2= 100%; p< 0.00001), Stroke 1.04(95% CI 0.60-1.47; I2= 78%; p< 0.0001), Acute chest syndrome 12.55(95% CI; 7.70-17.41; I2 =97%; p< 0.00001), Acute splenic sequestration crisis 1.95 (95% CI 1.31-2.59; I2= 69%; p=0.003) and Vaso-occlusive crisis 52.45(95% CI 45.67-59.14; I2= 92%; p< 0.00001). DISCUSSION In this systematic review and meta-analysis combining 8 cohort studies, pooled mortality rate was 0.65 per 100 patient-year, similar to (0.64) meta-analysis of 15 studies reported previously (Wastnedge, 2018). Furthermore, our study reported that the total infection rate was 17.7 per 100 patient-year. However, this result of infection cannot be considered a true gold standard and due to the variation in definitions used and other methodological heterogeneity. For example, Africa-based cohort study reported 23.2 per 100 patient-year attacks of malaria and fatal pneumococcal meningitis despite the use of antimalarial prophylaxis and anti-pneumococcal vaccine (Rahimy et al., 2003). Another notable result, Hemoglobin SC cohort study stated that the incidence of infections was, 62.2 episodes (59.8-64.6) per 100 patient-years. They assumed that might be due to higher impaired splenic function in HbSC patients compared to HbSS (Rezende et al., 2018). CONCLUSION This first systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies provided evidence supporting the sickle cell newborn screening program. However, still infection and pain episodes are the highest incidence symptoms. Despite children survival increasingly improved, disease burden remains at a peak in developing countries. One limitation of this study is high heterogeneity and this mainly due to countries disparity of included studies and variance in definition of events, particularly infection. Table Disclosures Inusa: Novartis: Honoraria, Other: Steering committee participation, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Global Blood Therapeutics: Honoraria, Other: Steering committee participation, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bluebird bio: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Other: Steering committee participation, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Vertex: Research Funding.

Against a background of low literacy among many Jamaican children and young adults, the Learn-to-ReadRead-to-Learn@ Your Library was launched by the Jamaica Library Service and the Library and Information Association of Jamaica. The year-long program seeks to develop creative and literate learners through reading, writing and artistic expression. It is hoped that by the end of the year participants would have improved their literacy and creative skills and be better able to cope with the communication demands of everyday living.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the state of mobile library services available for students’ information needs at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. In addition, this study will determine the extent to which mobile services has helped the Mona libraries to have greater reach to students. Design/methodology/approach Surveys and content analysis were used to collect data. A comparative content analysis was used to highlight the strides made in mobile library services in universities across the world vis-à-vis the current reality in the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica. Findings The findings identified that there is a proliferation of mobile and internet users among university and college students and they are heavily using their devices for the furtherance of their educational attainment. Additionally, the findings indicated that libraries in the academic realm can benefit greatly from allowing their content to be accessible through these mobile devices, as it would also help with greater usage. Furthermore, this service is guaranteed greater support the distance programmes offered by these universities. Research limitations/implications This study will focus on assessing the state of mobile library services offered at the University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica. This study will also determine the extent to which mobile services can help libraries to have greater reach to students and provide best practices for academic libraries implementing mobile service offerings to clients. This study will not attest to the financial feasibility of academic institutions to start such a programme. Practical implications The research excavated that the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, along with other academic libraries in the Caribbean are all not fully offering mobile library services to all their users. In addition, with the rise of technology and the proliferation of cell phones and other mobile devices, students (distance and onsite) expect a service that allows them greater access to the offerings of the university and their libraries. Originality/value This is the premier investigation of its kind into how the University of the West Indies Mona Campus has responded to the mobile library environment. The value of this research is in helping academic and university libraries in the Jamaica to identify the importance of leveraging the benefits of the dynamic technological era, allowing greater and wider reach through mobile library services proliferation and access to services. In addition, this study showed that academic libraries need to enhance services in a bid to provide greater support the teaching component of the university or college they serve.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to detail the experiences, perspectives and emerging framework for the delivery of library services by member libraries of the College Libraries Information Network (COLINET) at the onset and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed approach was used for this study. Qualitative data was collected initially using a semi-structured interview with a virtual focus group comprising seven librarians from the COLINET in Jamaica. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants for the focus group. The second phase of data collection used an online survey through Google Forms to the membership of COLINET; 19 of 31 libraries (61.2%) responded to the survey. Findings The findings reveal the current status of library operation and service delivery at the COLINET member libraries. The impact of COVID-19 on staffing arrangements, support and engagement, library resources and services are seen through the lens of the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic. Research limitations/implications In total, 19 of the 31 libraries in COLINET responded to the survey; therefore, the researchers were unable to get a comprehensive assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on COLINET libraries. Practical implications This study will assist libraries in their response to COVID-19 and other similar future national public health crises. The findings and recommendations can provide a blueprint for developing policies and procedures for libraries during a national health crisis. Additionally, it will add to the empirical literature on Caribbean libraries. Originality/value This study is essential for libraries responding to the coronavirus pandemic in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. This study examines the response of academic libraries from diverse tertiary institutions; exploring their challenges, solutions and emerging frameworks; making it representative and inclusive for academic libraries. This study advances the limited research that exists with regard to Caribbean libraries and the COVID-19 pandemic.