Welcome to Conference 2000!

Overview • Speakers • Meal Functions • Evening with the Authors • Exhibits •
Daytime Activities • Welcome Party • Special Functions
Community Library Festival

Conference 2000 OVERVIEW

More than any other career-related opportunities, continuing education and networking create a thriving, energetic corps of united professionals. For library workers and supporters from all backgrounds, the Texas Library Association Annual Conference is the pinnacle for these activities in our state.

Houston 2000 is an event you simply can't afford to miss. Set in the biggest city in Texas, this ­ the biggest state library conference ­ offers a dazzling array of programs. Be a part of the excitement, learning, and fun. Invest in your future and the future of libraries in our state. TLA 2000 Annual Conference is waiting for you!

Here's an overview, showing why TLA 2000 is your best choice for continuing education and networking. It's all about teaching, learning, and advancing.

• Over 250 programs, workshops, and events that address issues and present forums of concern to public, academic, school, and special librarians, library educators and students, lay supporters and advocates, vendors, and all who care about the Texas Library community.
• Dozens of authors and book illustrators -- including creators of children's books, mysteries, romances, and much more -- will be speaking, reading, signing autographs, and meeting TLA members.
• More than 250 speakers from across the state and the nation -- impressive professional and technical experts, entertaining authors and performers, names you already know, names you don't know but will want to know, and names you'll remember.
• More than 425 exhibiting companies in 750 exhibit booths displaying and demonstrating the spectrum of products and services your library needs to improve its offerings -- including books and materials that you can purchase on the spot.
• Thousands of your colleagues -- the heart and soul of the Texas library community -- learning from and sharing with each other, taking time for fun and fellowship, renewing professional and personal networks, and making a commitment to their professional futures through the Association.
• To top it all off, TLA 2000 takes place in one of Texas' favorite cities ­ Houston. Art, sports, industry, and commerce are the cornerstones of one of the most diverse cities in the country. From country-western dancing to NASA, Houston is the perfect setting to renew old friendships and make new ones while investing in your career.

PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS, and PRECONFERENCES

From A to Z, TLA 2000 covers topics for all librarians. Here's a sampling:

Advocacy Building Collections Collaboration Diversity E-books and Serials Fundraising Genealogy/Local History Hetherington Fun Run/Walk Intellectual Freedom Joint Projects and Initiatives King Island Christmas Musical Event Leadership Development Management

New Technologies and Imaging OCLC Updates Partnerships Quality Children's Programming Recruitment Special Libraries Telecommunications User Services Video Streaming Web Resources and Use TeXShare Young Adult Materials Z39.50 Specifications

OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS scheduled to appear at TLA 2000 include nearly 50 popular authors, activists, performers, and artists, including:

Juan Williams Marian Wright Edelman Carmen Tafolla Jerry and Gloria Pinkney Daniel Quinn Kevin Henkes Laura Bush

Bill Minutaglio Bruce Coville Lori Williams Joe Lansdale Claudia Mills Carmen Agra Deedy

Gail Carson Levine Kimberly Willis Holt Joan Lowery Nixon Anastasia Suen Beatrice Orcutt Harrell Ruth Pennebaker

The conference features LEADERS and EXPERTS on all facets of libraries and organizations:

They will be joined by Texas' own library leaders -- many of whom are as prominent on the national scene as they are in Texas -- to address issues facing Texas libraries as they prepare to help you teach, learn, and advance.

all-conference
MEAL FUNCTIONS

Tickets for all-conference meal functions must be purchased in advance as part of pre-registration for the Annual Conference. For some functions, conference pre-registration is required, and a limited number of tickets may be available. (These are noted on the Pre-Registration Form.) Ticket prices are based on the cost of food served, service charges, room set-up charges, speaker fees, and other expenses.

Thirty minutes after the meal function begins, gallery seating will be available for attendees without meal tickets who wish to hear the speaker (with the exception of the Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon). If you have special dietary needs or wish a different meal option, please contact Kathy P. in the TLA Office in writing by March 10.

Friends and Trustees Round Table Luncheon Wednesday, April 12, 12 noon -1:50 pm Featuring Bill Minutaglio, author of the recent George W. Bush biography, and Daniel Quinn, acclaimed author of Ishmael. Ticket price is $28. Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon Thursday, April 13, 12 noon -1:50 pm Featuring the Texas Bluebonnet Award winner (to be announced prior to the conference). Ticket price is $25. The Wall Around Me" TASL Breakfast Friday, April 14, 8:00 am -9:50 am Featuring author and illustrator Kevin Henkes. Ticket price is $20.

EVENING WITH THE AUTHORS Thursday, April 13, 6:30 pm The unprecedented success of last year's dinner has librarians eagerly anticipating TLA's second annual Evening with the Authors. Many authors and publishers attending this year's conference will be scattered among the tables. R.A. Salvatore, author of The Demon Apostle, is scheduled to emcee. Among those reading from their works will be David L. Lindsey - author of nine novels including An Absence of Light, Mercy, and Requiem for a Glass Heart - who earned accolades from the Houston Chronicle for moving "...into the top rank of international thrill writers, alongside such giants as John Le Carré;" Mary Willis Walker, who has won critical acclaim and many awards with works including Zero at the Bone, Red Scream, and Under the Beetle's Cellar; and Lionel G. Garcia (To a Widow with Children), a native of San Diego, Texas, who writes award-winning stories set in the isolated brush country of South Texas. Tickets for the event are $75.

Closing Luncheon Friday, April 14, 12 noon -12:50 pm Featuring critically acclaimed writer and performer Carmen Tafolla. Enjoy a one-woman dramatization of Mexican-American voices and visions, problems and promise by this well-known poet, speaker, and internationally-acclaimed writer. Recognized as a multi-faceted talent, Tafolla exudes passion and sensitivity in her work and carries her audience through an illuminating journey into Hispanic culture.Ticket price is $24.

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Exhibits

With more than 450 exhibiting companies offering thousands of library products and services, the TLA 2000 Annual Conference will be the world's second-largest library trade show. Vendors from across the continent offer TLA attendees the opportunity to compare and select from every type of product and service needed in today's diverse libraries. Vendors include both first-time TLA participants and companies that have come to the conference for more than 40 years. Publishers and vendors provide a wide array of opportunities to meet with librarians and showcase the latest in industry developments and materials.

Exhibits-only passes will be sold on-site at the Convention Center for $10.00 for Wednesday or Thursday, and $5 on Friday. A three-day pass may be purchased for $20.00.

Exhibit Viewing Hours: Don't forget to block out time to tour the exhibit area and remember to thank the exhibitors for their support of TLA. The exhibits will be located in Exhibit Halls B and C (which are connected) of the Houston Convention Center and will be open:

Wednesday, April 12 10:15 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 13 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, April 14 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

New Members Round Table Bag Check: The New Members Round Table will sponsor a Bag Check. Cost is $1.00 per bag. All proceeds go to support the activities of the New Members Round Table.

VOLUNTEER!

It's often been said, "people who work behind the scenes of a conference appreciate it more than almost anyone else!" Here's a way to maximize your conference experienceand help TLA in the process. Just complete and return the Volunteer Form. Volunteers should be willing to serve at least two consecutive hours during the Annual Conference. Volunteers who work in clerical or paraprofessional roles in a library and who work a minimum of four hours of volunteer service will receive a complimentary exhibit-only pass.

NEW TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE

Located in the Exhibit Hall, the New Technology Showcase offers demonstrations of the latest in library management systems, computer-assisted instruction, and other leading-edge information technologies. The New Technology Showcase will be open Wednesday, April 12, from 10:15 am - 4:00 pm and Thursday, April 13, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

INTERNET ROOM

Afraid of going through email withdrawal while you're at conference? Don't worry: You can stay in touch at TLA's Internet Room, located in the Exhibit Hall of the Convention Center. Workstations will be available for checking email, and experienced web users will be on hand to assist attendees. The Internet Room will be open:

Wednesday, April 12 10:15 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 13 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, April 14 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

PLACEMENT CENTER

The Placement Center will be located in the Exhibit Hall. Its hours of operation will be:

Wednesday, April 12 10:15 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 13 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, April 14 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Placement Center Procedures: The Placement Center's Employer Job Listing Form and Job Seeker Registration Form are available on the web as PDFs. These forms will also be available during the conference; however, pre-registration is recommended. There is no fee to use the Placement Center, but all Placement Center users must be registered attendees of the Annual Conference. Any conference registrant may register as either an employer or job seeker. Employers wishing to interview at the conference may reserve a booth in the Placement Center.

Resumé critiquing service: John Lehner, Library Human Services Director, University of Houston libraries.

Wednesday, April 12 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm ­ 4:00 pm

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Thirteenth Annual Hetherington Fun Run/Walk: Thursday, April 13, 7:30 am - 8:30 am

Support a good cause, work off some of those tasty conference meals, and take in the beautiful scenery at Memorial Park. All participants receive a T-shirt and have the chance to take home a prize medal. The registration fee is $12 and all proceeds go to the Hetherington Leadership Development Fund, named in honor of former TLA Executive Director Jerre Hetherington and her husband, Glen.

A shuttle bus will pick up participants at the Convention Center at 7:00 am and take them to Memorial Park for the race, which begins at 7:30 am. Paramedic services and refreshments will be available. Registration for the Fun Run is included on the Pre-Registration Form; participants should also complete and return the waiver form. A shuttle bus will be provided to return participants to the Convention Center.

TPALS Annual Conference Golf Tournament: Tuesday, April 11, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Southwyck Golf Club, 2901 Clubhouse Drive, Pearland, Texas

All attendees and exhibitors are invited to participate in the 2000 TPALS Annual Conference Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Texas Professional Association for Library Sales Round Table. Registration begins at 11:00 am, lunch will be served at noon, and the tournament will begin at 1:00 pm Attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes in putting, hole-in-one, and other contests. The entry fee is $89, lunch included.

Archives and Local History Round Table Bus Tour : Thursday, April 13, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn about Houston's development while en route to the Museum of Printing History. Anyone interested should meet at the shuttle stop at the Convention Center. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $18 and will be paid when boarding.

Downtown Houston Walking Tour: Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Enjoys some of Houston's architectural wonders. The tour begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, lasts approximately 60 minutes, and concludes at the Doubletree Hotel. No ticket is necessary.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

Evening events and social activities at the Annual Conference include both gatherings open to all attendees and ticketed functions for those with special interests. Use the Pre-Registration Form to purchase tickets (if needed) for the functions below.

All-Conference Welcome Party

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston · 1001 Bissonnet
Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Begin conference with a party and a visit to the largest fine arts museum in the southwest. As you visit with friends and colleagues, you will also have the opportunity to view the exhibits at this outstanding museum. The MFAH will be featuring "The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from the People's Republic of China." Called by the Washington Post the most important exhibit of ancient art since the King Tut show, the exhibition includes 215 objects that date from 5000 B.C. to A.D. 923. From an impressive display of African sculpture and sub-Saharan art to noted Impressionist works and photograpy, the museum's permanent collections offer a rich assembly of world art. No ticket is necessary. Shuttle service will be provided.

At the museum in April

The museum's permanent collections represent 6000 years of creativity, ranging from the art of antiguity to provocative contemporary works. Be sure to sample the Glassell Collections of African and Indonesian gold.

Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) Lunch • Wednesday, April 12, 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm

Join other librarians for a luncheon mixer at a local restaurant.

Texas Media Awards Ceremony • Wednesday, April 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Come see the excellent works of some of the most talented children and adults in Texas! Celebrate the accomplishments of students from throughout Texas in TLA's recognition of excellence in the media arts. No ticket is necessary.

TALL Texans Dessert Social • Wednesday, April 12, 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Interested in becoming a leader, meeting great people, and having dessert? Join current TALL Texans and learn all about TLA's Leadership Development Institute. The evening will include a brief program of highlights from Harambe Oaks and, of course, mouth-watering sweets. Tickets are $13.

Library School Dinners • Thursday, April 13, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Want to know what your library classmates are up to? Find out during the annual alumni library school dinners. Tickets are required; see the Pre-Registration Form.

Sam Houston State University	Spaghetti Warehouse, 901 Commerce
Texas Woman's University	Kim Son Restaurant, 2001 Jefferson
The University of Texas at Austin	Ninfa's Restaurant, 600 Travis
University of Houston-Clear Lake	Spaghetti Warehouse, 901 Commerce
University of North Texas	Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas

BLACK CAUCUS Scholarship Dinner
Thursday, April 13, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Harlon's at Bayou Place, 530 Texas Avenue

Enjoy an evening of fun-filled dining at the famed HarlonŐs Bayou Blues Bar-B-Que - home of authentic Texas cooking along with the best in jazz, blues, and soul music. Located in the heart of HoustonŐs renowned Theater District, HarlonŐs will host this informal fundraising event, which will include a drawing for BCTLA raffle, cash bar, live music, and dinner. Proceeds go toward the Black Caucus Scholarship. The cost is $25.

Texas Association of School Librarians Private School Librarians Dinner
Thursday, April 13, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Buca di Bacco Restaurant, 700 Milam. Tickets are $25; make check payable to TLA and mail to Jenni Elliott, Episcopal High School, 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77401-3002.

Storytelling Concert: Stories that Bridge the Millennia
Thursday, April 13, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

What better way to celebrate the past, present, and future of our lives than through story! Featured tellers include:

• Hiroko Fujita-san who transcends all language barriers through her animated telling.
• Oklahoma storyteller Fran Stallings who captivates with her spell-binding tales, and
• Felice Felman who mesmerizes audience members with her timeless stories. Join us for an unforgettable evening of magical entertainment.

Small Community Libraries Round Table Dessert Social
Thursday, April 13, 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Persons interested in small community libraries are invited to join other attendees and enjoy fellowship and desserts ­ and submit their names for door prizes! The presentation of the Small Community Librarian of the Year highlights the event. No ticket is necessary.

DOO-WOP SOCK HOP
Thursday, April 13, 9:00 pm - 12:00 am

Party with members of the newly established round table (they're now permanent!). Food, fun, and mischief are fundamental components of this evening. Dance the night away. A DJ will provide the music, and we'll all provide the fun. A cash bar will be available. The event will benefit the Elizabeth Crabb Fund. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased using the pre-registration form or bought at the door.

COMMUNITY
LIBRARY FESTIVAL

George R. Brown Convention Center • Wednesday, April 12
6:00 - 9:00 pm

Take part in a community celebration of libraries and reading. Join thousands of people in an evening of storytelling, author sessions, music, and performance. The Festival provides a fun and casual setting for librarians and members of the public to explore the connection between a community and it libraries, between librarians and those they serve.

Designed with something for every age and interest, this evening extravaganza will be, above all, an opportunity to enjoy the wonders and diversity of Texas libraries - teaching, learning, advancing. A FREE EVENT, the Festival offers attendees several program choices in three separate time slots, from 6:00 - 6:50 pm; 7:00 - 7:50 pm; 8:00 - 8:50 pm. Each slot features authors, musicians & entertainment, storytelling, vendor displays, and career information. And, of course, refreshments will be available for purchase all evening.

The highlight of the evening will be a special musical presentation of King Island Christmas. Performed by the Christ Church Cathedral Choir under the direction of Robert Simpson, this musical event is a play about the collective power of a community when it joins together. The performance is based on a book by Jean Rogers (illustrated by Rie Mu–oz). The music by David Friedman and libretto by Deborah Baley Brevoort give voice to this charming story set on an Alaskan island as winter begins to close in on the villagers. A panel that includes the composer, the librettist, the author, and Ann Symons (ALA past president and librarian at Juneau Douglas High School) will discuss the work following the performance.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this poignant and moving tale. Although there is no charge for conference attendees, you are encouraged to select King Island Christmas on your Pre-Registration Form. Doing so allows TLA to plan an appropriate amount of seating and does not lock you in for attendance. Admission for the general public is: $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

CAREER INFORMATION

Want to learn about different aspects of librarianship? Want to share your professional experiences with potential future librarians? The Career Information booth is the place for you.

TEXAS MEDIA AWARDS

6:00 - 8:00 pm: Celebrate the accomplishments of students from throughout Texas in TLA's recognition of excellence in the media arts.