Dominica Library and Information Service (DLIS)

Overview

The Dominica Library and Information Service (DLIS) encompasses Dominica's National Library Service, National Archives, and National Documentation Centre, based in Roseau. The organization aims to select, acquire, organize, preserve, and provide access to print and electronic materials serving the country's recreational, informational, and educational needs.

History

Public library service in Dominica began with reading rooms established in 1843. The Victoria Memorial Library opened on Church Street, later followed by a larger Carnegie-funded building on Victoria Street, formally opened May 11, 1907, using $7,500 secured by Governor Hesketh Bell from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie; the earlier building became the Victoria Memorial Museum. Government took over library administration under the Public Library Act No. 11 of 1954. A National Archives was established later, with Organization of American States funding in 2001 supporting an archivist and basic training; deteriorating records were moved to a rented, air-conditioned building and then, in 2004, to the National Documentation Centre Building at Government Headquarters on Kennedy Avenue, their more permanent home. The historic Roseau Public Library building was destroyed following Hurricane Maria in 2017; as of recent reporting the library has not yet been rebuilt, and its collection and services have operated from alternate premises.

Collections, Holdings, and Publications

The National Documentation Centre collects material on statistics, economic development, trade, health, agriculture, tourism, education, and social and sustainable development. The library's reference holdings include a Dominican Collection of monographs, biographies, and theses about Dominica, and a West Indian Collection covering the wider Caribbean's literature, history, and culture. The National Archives holds the country's historical and documentary heritage, including government records and copies of publications such as the Dominica Gazette.

Access and Usage

The DLIS operates the Roseau Public Library and a network of branch libraries, along with a National Documentation Centre and National Archives that engage schools, community groups, and individuals through exhibitions, tours, and lectures to raise awareness of Dominica's documentary heritage.