Digital Library of the Caribbean Protecting Haitian Patrimony Initiative

Existing Relationships Lead to Important Assistance

Laura K. Probst, Dean, FIU LibrariesGayle Williams, Latin American and Caribbean Information Services LibrarianBrooke Wooldridge, dLOC Project Coordinator

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The PHP Initiative Goals

Encourage communication across institutions working to assist Haiti’s libraries.

Coordinate technical and in-kind assistance for Haiti’s libraries.

Raise money to support specific collection/archival recovery and preservation projects in Haiti

Bibliothèque haïtienne des Frères de l’Instruction Chrétienne

Staff of the National Library of HaitiFebruary 15, 2010

M. Jean Wilfrid BertrandDirector, National Archives of Haiti

Brooke Wooldridge, dLOC and Patrick Tardieu, Curator, BHPSE

Images of the National Library Courtesy of the National Library of Haiti

Saint Martial Photos

Curator, Patrick Tardieu

Entrance of the building that housed the libraryFebruary, 2010 Courtesy of Dominique SimonBooks were saved, but library

collapsed.Photo taken March 10, 2010 by D. Simon

Three Phases of the PlanProtect – Preserve - Perpetuate

One - ProtectAfter the earthquake, the libraries and archives entered into this phase focusing on protecting public and private collections from the elements

Two - PreserveCollections that were put in regular standard cardboard boxes will need to be properly preserved after repairing the current facilities or at an alternative location

Three Phases of the PlanProtect – Preserve - Perpetuate

Three - PerpetuateA special emphasis on reinforcing the local institutions will ensure that these collections become better protected and more accessible for future generations of patrons

Three Phases of the PlanProtect – Preserve - Perpetuate

Ideas for Assistance from Academic Libraries

Strengthen Integrated Library System (ILS) Adopt a Library – in conjunction with ALA Digitization of Haitian Content in

Collections outside of Haiti Public Events/Fundraising Blue Shield or the dLOC Protecting

Patrimony Initiative Travel to Haiti.