Catalogues
In addition to the traditional card catalogue, an online public access catalogue (OPAC) is also available. The OPAC provides holdings and location information for all COB libraries. This online catalogue can be accessed from anywhere by anyone who has an internet connection at http://www.cob.edu.bs/Library/LIMSResources.php
Computerized Resources
Computerized bibliographic searches may be conducted using a number of CD-ROM databases including SIRS Researcher and Books in Print. These resources can only be accessed in the Library. Other databases can be accessed from within the library as well as from offices at COB and at home.
>See Databases and Electronic Journals.
Reference & Referrals
Reference Librarians are available to assist patrons every day, except Sunday. Interlibrary Loans and reference requests that cannot be fulfulled in any of the COB libraries are referred. Reference requests and referrals are facilitated at the Reference Desk of each library.
Instructional Media Services
In addition to providing audio-visual hardware and other instructional aids to support research and teaching, the Media Unit of the library offers services such as production of curriculum and instructional materials, graphic design, and audio duplication.
Interlibrary Loans
Materials not available within the C.O.B. Libraries may be obtained from other libraries through interlibrary loan. A request can be made at the Information Desk by completing an ILL form for each book or article required.
Bibliographic Instruction
Formal Bibliographic Instruction (BI) is provided by librarians at the request of a COB instructor. Its purpose is to help students learn how to utilize library resources more effectively and efficiently in studying, conducting research and in writing papers. Click >here for more information and a request form for a librarian to meet with a class.
Individual BI sessions may be arranged at the Reference Desk.
Tours
Individual and group tours may be conducted on request. Tours are also part of the bibliographic instruction programme, and are usually scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Please contact the Reference Librarian for more information.
Internet Access
The Library provides facilities for Internet access. Access is by user password.
Photocopying
The library provides self-service facilities for photocopying for paper and microform documents.
Distribution of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
The College library serves as the national coordinating body for the distribution of International Standard Book Numbers on behalf of The CARICOM Secretariat located in Georgetown Guyana. For further details, please contact the Office of the College Librarian by phone at 242-302-4552 or by e-mail at Library@COB.edu.bs.
Special Programmes
Meet the Writer Forum
The Meet the Writer Forum is a cultural programme developed to highlight and promote Bahamian authors and their published and unpublished works. The programme is usually held four times during the academic year and is free of charge to the College community and members of the general public.
Annual LIMS Week
During the last week of January each year since 2000, the services, collections and programmes of the Library have been highlighted in a week-long event. During LIMS Week, special activities - such as open houses, exhibitions, and talks - are held at each branch library. The Libraries also take this opportunity to recognise donors to the Library Building Fund.
Library Education
Associate Degree in Library Science Programme
Courses leading to an Associate Degree in Library Science are offered through the Library. For further details contact the Library by telephone, e-mail, or the postal service.
Masters Degree in Library and Information Science Programme
One of the original aims of LIMS week was to focus attention on professional development in Library and Information Science. The implementation of the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme during this academic year supports that aim and can be attributed in large part to the support and vision of Miss Nellie Brennen, former Deputy Director of Education, Public Library Service.
The College of The Bahamas (COB) is very proud to announce that on April 22, 2005, an agreement for delivery document with the University of South Florida (USF) was signed which allowed The College to offer a fourth Masters Degree. The Master of Arts Degree programme in Library and Information Science began in September 2005 with a cohort of eleven (11) students.
The programme is designed to prepare persons in subject-specific careers, technology-related occupations, as well as for traditional library employment in schools, colleges, and government and private organizations for developing, organising and accessing new information resources. The degree is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The programme consists of 39 credit hours with a total of 13 courses. The courses are delivered using dual modalities: face-to-face and online instruction. Professors are from USF, COB, and the local professional community. The programme requires that students complete two internships in local school, public and/or special libraries, one in The Bahamas and the other in the Tampa, Florida, area.
The first cohort of eleven students comprises persons from local primary and secondary schools, government agencies, and public and academic libraries. Many of these individuals bring to the programme a number of years of practical experiences in the field.
Presently the cadre of professional librarians in The Bahamas is small. Upon completion of this masters programme in August 2007, The College and the nation will benefit from eleven highly trained professionals in the field of Library and Information Science. The long-term benefits to nation-building - academically, socially, and culturally-- cannot be underestimated. The programme further serves to build capacity for COB as it moves toward university status.
For further information about the programme contact Mrs. Sonya Wisdom at the Graduate Programmes Office at 242-302-4300, extension 4828 or via email SWisdom@COB.edu.bs .
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The College of The Bahamas :: Oakes Field :: P.O. Box N-4912 :: Nassau, The Bahamas :: Tel (242) 302.4300 :: Email cob@cob.edu.bs
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