A welcoming and inclusive space that supports the academic success of all students, faculty, and staff through access to credible information, resources, and services.
I wish to welcome all new and returning students to the Hunter J. François Library. I wish you all a happy and successful academic journey at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC). The Hunter J. François Library (HJFL) is the academic library which serves the faculty and students of the SALCC. My staff and I are committed to doing all we can to ensure that you maximize the benefits from using the Library.
As partners in the learning system, the library supports the instructional process by providing students with seamless, unrestricted access to credible information resources and research assistance. Through our library workshops and tutorials, students will develop information literacy skills, including effective use of the library’s databases and online catalogue, searching techniques, and the evaluation and effective use of information. These sessions run throughout the academic year. I encourage all students to sign up for these vital workshops early as the skills acquired are proven to enhance your academic success.
The library subscribes to EBSCOhost, an electronic database which contains electronic versions of many thousands of journals and books. Our subscription package comprises 9 online journal databases with a total of more than 11,700 full-text journal titles, and 2 eBook databases featuring approximately 205,300 eBooks. Library staff will be glad to help you to identify and use the e-resources that you need for your studies and training sessions will be held regularly on how to navigate the databases most effectively. EBSCO’s mobile app will provide you with the information you need on the go.
The HJFL is also the proud host of several special collections focused on highlighting and documenting the life, works, and contributions of Saint Lucians. If you are looking for information based on Saint Lucian-exclusive content, from politics and culture to society and history, our Greenstone Digital Collections available online can be consulted. Additionally, we have recently launched the Nobel Laureate Portal on the College website, a curation of resources which feature the works and writings on and about both Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates. Another proud accomplishment is the development of the Derek Walcott Library. Located on campus, in the Innovation Hub building the library features the personal home library of Walcott, a kind and generous donation from his partner to the College. These special collections can be accessible remotely from the library’s online catalogue via the college website. All our databases provide a wealth of credible information to support all your learning activities at the College.
Library staff are here to connect you to the information you need, on time and from the most appropriate sources. From database use training to information literacy, help with assignments and SBAs, help citing resources, exam preparations, --- we can assist. The Library’s Reading Room is located in the Innovation Hub, ground floor - room 1. Due to Covid 19, protocols we ask that you send your requests in advance via e-mail at libraryinfo@apps.salcc.edu.lc or contact us via phone - 457-5273 / 5238.
I do hope you will take some time to orient yourself further with your library's resources and services. I wish you well on your journey at SALCC!
Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, MBA
Head Librarian
