ACURIL 2016: THE WEEK THAT WAS

The Conference was dedicated to Jean Wilfrid Bertrand, National Archivist of Haiti, and ACURIL President, 1989-1991.

His conference theme was The Book in the Caribbean: Production and Distribution. It was held in Caracas, Venezuela, May 19-25, 1991.

ACURIL Conference this year was held from 5 to 9 June 2016, at Karibe Hotel in Pétion-Ville, Haiti.

Homage was rendered to two stalwart colleagues that have contributed significantly with their knowledge and work to the archives and libraries in Haiti: Archivist Jean Wilfrid Bertrand and Conservationist Francoise Beaulieu Thybulle.

Their commitment to ACURIL over the years have been evidenced with their continuous participation and contribution in committees and in the conference programs.

All Acurileans are extremely pleased with this well deserved homage and joins in the celebration.

Congratulations!!!

The conference was dedicated to Francoise Beaulieu Thybulle, HAITIAN Conservationist, and ACURIL President, 2011-2012.

Her conference theme was 365 doors open on new technologies: Economical, cultural, social and political impacts. The event took place in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, on June 4-8, 2012.

On Changing Libraries: Leaders needed was the topic addressed by Susan Schnuer, Associate Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Madame ACURIL President, Elizabeth Pierre-Louis Augustin, rejoices at the successful development of the ACURIL 2016 HAITI conference.

Madame Duvivier Pierre-Louis, Former Prime Minister of Haiti, presented the topic of Ethical values of Leadership and its importance in the information field.

A variety of topics in relation to Leadership were presented during the week. Sessions were presented simultaneously and were well attended.

The annual Acurilean presentations in the conferences contribute to enrich our knowledge base and allow us to launch and develop collaborative ventures.

Opportunity was given to participants to interact with presenters at the end of each presentation. The strategy contributed to expand the learning experience.

TWENTY TWO (22) research posters were presented at ACURIL 2016 evidencing the high interest of information professionals in developing and implementing projects at the different information units, with diverse users in the region, exhibiting a wide range of interesting topics and best practices.

The Bamboo Room, at the Karibe Hotel, was strategically selected for the Caribbean Research Posters Boulevard, facilitating colleague's interaction and conversations.

The Caribbean Research Posters Boulevard's exhibit is proving to be a most welcomed way to evidence trends, practical contributions and best practices in the field.

Exhibitors, key members of the ACURILEAN Community, presented their best on the information industry, principally for study and research.

Books and electronic resources, for knowledge and leisure, were present at the Exhibits evidencing the trends in the information field and current topics in the region.

Colleagues were able to consult with Exhibitors to get information on new resources and opportunities for collection development in their respective information units.

Dr. Elizabeth Pierre-Louis Augustin bids farewell from her leadership position as President of ACURIL 2015-2016.

Madam president stimulated colleagues to continue sharing positive ideas, building up collaboration, contributing best practices and learning from each other, opening each of our minds to significant Learning every single day, for the benefit of All in the Caribbean.

Madam President Pierre-Louis Augustin (Haiti) greets Council member Héctor Rubén Sánchez-Fernández, Esq. (Puerto Rico), as President of ACURIL for 2016-2017. A CHANGE of Gavel follows.

Héctor Rubén Sánchez-Fernández makes the official oath of commitment to ACURIL.

Tonight, on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the Karibe Hotel in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, I, Héctor Rubén Sánchez-Fernández, commit myself to serve the Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL), as its President, for the period of 2016-2017.

I commit myself to continue with the work of the organization, with the assistance of members of the Executive Council, Permanent Committees, Special Interest Groups, and Content Area Groups.

Among the primary objectives will be to work with ACURIL's Strategic Action Plan to continue strengthening the development of the organization, particularly of its permanent committees, the membership and the Continuing Education Program.

Focus on the Continuing Education Program will be key, because of the scientific program to be offered in ACURIL 2017, leading to increase the level of collaborative research knowledge and skills in our region. So help me God.