the transfer of staff from the Public Service and the Statutory Authorities Service Commissions to NALIS. Under the Act, NALIS has the authority generally to administer funds allocated by Parliament, raise funds, recruit and manage staff and manage all resources and library infrastructure, such as buildings and bookmobiles. NALIS cooperates with libraries in Tobago that fall under the Tobago House of Assembly. The Library Professional The key component in the information-seeking/ information-providing chain is the information professional who provides the community with information resources in whatever format available: books, magazines videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs and websites. The traditional duties of librarians are being redefined from accessing paper records and books to using the most advanced technologies. A librarian must do more than check out books; they are technology experts, researchers, managers, literacy experts, children’s storytellers, community programme coordinators and reading advisors. Within NALIS, librarians often specialize in one service, such as, children, young adult, systems and acquisition. Librarians require specialized education in Library and Information Science at either the Undergraduate or Postgraduate levels. Other positions such as Library Assistants and Technicians range from O’Levels to associate degree qualifications. The National Library The National Library of Trinidad and Tobago stands juxtaposed to three historic landmarks: The Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Red House and Woodford Square in downtown Port of Spain. This state-of-the-art library facility is the administrative seat and focal point of NALIS’ libraries and information service centres in Trinidad and Tobago. The National Library houses the offices of the executive director, the deputy executive director, the Management Team, the divisions of Finance, Human Resource Management, Educational Library Services and Information Networks. The building also houses the departments of Public Relations and Marketing, Research, Planning and Development, Technical Services and the offices of the Corporate Secretary and Senior Internal Auditor. The National Library offers Heritage, Adult, Young Adult and Children’s library services. It is the prime centre for information needs whether for research, leisure or entertainment. Journals can be read in a relaxed atmosphere, patrons can borrow books, listen to lectures, surf the Internet or find out about Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean history, people and places. Conveniently, there is a Rituals Coffee House on the premises which serves hot and cold beverages and snacks. The seminar rooms, Audio Visual Room, open-air Amphitheatre and other exhibition areas are fully utilized by NALIS and other organisations for lectures, seminars, book launches, other literary