Mrs. Dionne Spears-Frontin

Bio:

Wife, Mother (of 3 sons), and Information Professional. Dionne's exposure to the field of Library Science began in October 1993 as the first batch of library technician trainees under the OJT programme. Then it was a two-year programme where she worked full time in a library and attended classes on evenings. Spears-Frontin was later assigned to the Public Library System, mainly the Heritage Library. Actually, she was part of the system when the then Central Library and Public Library Divisions (two government entities) merged to form what today is known as NALIS. She began the training feeling that libraries were boring, and while there was a love for books she couldn’t see herself permanently employed in such a place. However, during this time her love for libraries grew.

Luckily soon after the training ended Dionne was able to gain employment at the then University of the West Indies, School of Continuing Studies Library (now Open Campus). Immediately she began utilising all the knowledge acquired from her studies, as she was faced with the challenge of managing a library with no staff to assist. While employed there from 1995 to 2007 Dionne was fortunate to preside over the growth and expansion of the library. This achievement was no easy task, but she embraced whatever came her way as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

Then in April 2007, Dionne again embraced the opportunity to be employed at the Alma Jordan Library (AJL). This was not an easy decision, even though she felt that she needed more in terms of career growth. It would require leaving behind a library she had nurtured, an institution in which she had experienced significant life changes and important friendship bonds that had developed. However, in moving to AJL Dionne was assigned to the Social Sciences Division, where she was privileged to work under a librarian who has become her mentor. Professionally she grew under her mentor and its where her love for the profession deepened.

In 2018 she decided to try something new in terms of her professional development. This is when she began her employment at BATCE. This was definitely a different experience, but one which she will treasure. She was fortunate to work along with persons who were extremely creative and talented, and who have a passion for School Librarianship. A library with a difference for a school with a difference.