THE United States (U.S.) Embassy in Guyana, yesterday, opened another American spot, the second in two days, at the University of Guyana (UG) Library, Turkeyen Campus.

In his remarks at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Brent Hardt said they hope this initiative will support the Library’s mission to serve the University of Guyana and the community at large as the beacon of academic research, both locally and internationally.
“Our presence here will add to the University’s wonderful collection and set up a specially dedicated shelf, featuring books, resources and other information on the United States,” he assured.
Hardt pointed out that the U.S., via its Embassy here, already shares a special relationship with UG, as they have collaborated on a number of mutually beneficial projects.
According to him, books in the spot include those with information on the National Parks of America, notable American leaders, U.S. history and government and Native American culture.
The diplomat recalled that, on Wednesday last, they launched an American Spot at the National Library, noting that, as more persons make use of these resources, they look forward to expanding the spots.
He said this will be done by adding more resources to these spaces, to include collections of electronic journals, e-books and multimedia materials.
“U.S. Embassies abroad are uniquely positioned to reach out directly to foreign citizens to share aspects of American culture. Our American Spots exemplify the U.S. commitment to a core tenet of democracy: a citizen’s right to free access to information,” the envoy asserted.

OFFER RESOURCES
He reiterated that these spots also offer resources to assist young people in pursuing university studies in the U.S., including guide books on selecting a college or university, how to apply to universities, how to apply for scholarships, how to write college application essays and degree options available.
Hardt also remarked on the importance of international educational exchange in promoting understanding across national, cultural, religious and racial borders, which, he said, should never be underestimated.
“We realise that these two American Spots featuring books and booklets on the United States represent a beginning. Nevertheless, we would like to use these spots to host speakers and events sponsored by the Embassy for the benefit of the public,” he stated.
Hardt said they hope that their presence at both the National Library and UG would help forge an even closer relationship with both of these educational institutions.
Meanwhile, recently appointed UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi expressed appreciation for the opening of the spot in the UG Library.
He acknowledged that the university needs all the help it can get and cannot depend solely on the government for such assistance.
Pointing out that he has lived and studied in various countries, Opadeyi said this spot will enable them to make the university a ‘global village’, preparing students to become professional international students.
The Vice-Chancellor said he hopes to have an entire section of the library dedicated to the U.S. which will also enable the ‘global village’.
He encouraged lecturers at UG to exploit the collection of books in the American Spot, by including them in their curriculum.
Opadeyi said he looks forward to more relations between the U.S. Embassy and UG, while expressing his intention to have a formal meeting with the ambassador to look at how they can enhance the support of the U.S. Government to UG.
UG Librarian, Mrs. Gwyneth George said the collection of books in the American Spot is valued at $1.5M.