President's Letter
Julie Todaro

In setting the agenda for my year as president and in planning the annual conference, I spent some time thinking about professional associations in general; TLA, of course; and, specifically, my time within TLA through almost 30 years of activity. I tried to recall the most outstanding programs, the best speakers, the best conference city, and the most memorable learning experiences in an effort to recreate - if possible - the best of the best for my year.

My reminiscing took me in a few directions - some I can share, and, frankly, some I can't -but three things stand out most clearly about every activity, every conference, and every project:

  1. the energy of those involved;
  2. the commitment to the ideas and the process; and
  3. the people themselves.

In fact, when I look at what we - as a group of professionals - have accomplished, I am in awe: state awards that have achieved national attention and stature; 10 regional conferences and a White House Conference; one of the best leadership development programs in the country; PR campaigns worthy of being copied by national groups; ever-expanding and challenging legislative successes; the best state library conference in the U.S. and one of the best conferences in the country; the best state exhibit show in the country; involvement by nontraditional partners in conference processes; development of standards and guidelines; excellent publications; unique, successful, and lasting involvement with other associations and state agencies... and it just goes on and on.

So why be involved in Legislative Day? In annual conference? In annual assembly? At your district level? Some general answers come to mind.

Be involved because:

  • Numbers convince. There is incredible strength in numbers. Numbers make a difference.
  • Now is the time. We are at an unprecedented time in history for the information and knowledge profession. We need to take advantage of this
    and make it work for us.
  • Learning is the answer. Ongoing and continuous exploration and learning is the single most important thing for the health and well-being of a person - both as an individual and as a professional.
  • I hope you have gotten and will continue to get something out of this year's focus on increased support for districts; increased attention to leadership; an emphasis on inclusion, information sharing, and recognition; and an eye to building for the future both in learning and in legislative initiatives.
  • Specifically, come to annual conference. Be energized, experience the commitment, and come for the people.

Plan to attend for:

  • two excellent general session speakers - Clifford Stoll and Liz Smith;
  • Richard Peck for the closing lunch - one of the best speakers I've ever heard;
  • a unique "conference within a conference" on Saturday morning to hear speakers such as Henry Cisneros talk about 21st century society and 21st century Texans;
  • George Henderson, an inspirational authority on human relations from the University of Oklahoma;
  • a chance to win an art quilt that Adrienne Yorinks designed for the Texas Library Association Disaster Relief Fund;
  • the literary voices of Rudolfo Anaya, Angela Shelf Medearis, and Cynthia Leitich Smith; and
  • the tradeshow, the meal events, the authors, and the
  • e-services and e-resources programs.

I promise you'll leave tired, full of good food, re-energized, danced out, networked to the limit, more educated, committed to your profession, and with an eye to and vision for the future of Texas and Texas citizens.

Julie Todaro, TLA President