The ‘Carnival’ Mentality and Libraries: The Importance of Libraries in Trinidad and Tobago

Libraries have indubitably played a significant role in the development of Caribbean countries though some may mistake its realtive inconspicuousness with general absence. This perception is none the more demonstrated by many of our citizens with general naivety and ignorance being associated with the work of librarians and their support staff. Questions such as “What do librarians do?” and “You want to be a librarian?” are commonplace reactions when engaging in discourse about the topic. However, our consistent failure to acknowledge the importance of this institution within our societal framework is symptomatic of how we as a people treat with other issues of national importance. Libraries, museums and other institutions specialising in information provision and cultural preservation have been entrusted with the unenviable task of making information available in an unbiased, balanced, wholesome and enriching way to individuals, communities and the nation at large.

Some Trinidadians have seen themselves as victims of a ‘Carnival mentality’ where pressing issues are treated with ridicule and humor. When the most severe problems arise, they plague our minds for just awhile before the promise of the next long-weekend re-occupies our thoughts.  Many people cite Trinidadians self-proclamation of their country as ‘Carnival country’  as the main reason for the state of being among many of its people. Arguably, there has been a deliberate ignorance or rather indifference demonstrated by Trinidadians towards issues of national interest particularly among the younger generation. Part of the problem, especially with the youth,  lies with how they are educated and how this education will ultimately be used. Many people may have the knowledge but the will to use that knowledge to achieve something greater and impact society in a lasting way has been something sorely lacking.

Schools alone cannot deal with this dilemma though they play the most significant role. Libraries must be utilized to act as a buffer against widespread societal indifference. Education should not only be a process whereby one successfully completes periodical examinations with the hope of getting a favorable which is financially remunerating. Instead the business of educating people, should involve critical thinking which would inspire and rouse the consciousness of all those there to learn. This is most important when looking at the youth since the task of carrying the country forward would ultimately lie with them. Libraries are perfectly poised to aid in such a task. Its ability to reach out at people from all ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds should be exploited. On a daily basis people from all parts of the societal spectrum enter libraries seeking various sources of information. This highlights a libraries access to a wide cross-section of persons. NALIS, since its inception, have made huge leaps in bringing public libraries into the sphere of societal awareness via vivrant marketing strategies, community outreach programmes and highlighting our culture through literature, drama and  displays. Inspite of this, there is still a general societal under-appreciation and lack of understanding regarding the role of libraries. Government, NGO’s and other stakeholders concerned with increasing the mental welfare of our youth should exploit libraries to achieve their aims whilst these libraries in turn should further embrace their role as forces for social change. To put it succinctly, in most ‘first-world’ countries for example the United Kingdom and the United States,the issue of libraries, museums and other archival institutions are not taken likely as they more than anyone understand the importance of owning and distributing information. It is my sincerest hope that, in time, Trinidad and Tobago will do the same.

What do you think?

(Written on 1st February 2010)