History of NMRT
The Texas Library Association New Members Round Table received its official round table status in April 1970 during the TLA Conference in Amarillo, becoming the 9th TLA round table. However, at its creation it was known as the Junior Members Round Table or JMRT. In its beginning, membership in JMRT was open to any librarian or student in library school who was a member of TLA and who was either not over 35 years of age or had not served in the library profession for more than five years. When the round table was being organized, its officers were: Dick Waters, Chairman; Shelah-Bell Cragin, Vice-Chairman; Ann Landtroop, Secretary; and Ralph Holloway, Treasurer. In 1987, the criteria for membership was changed to include any person who is a member of TLA for 10 years or less, which stands to this day. In 1990, JMRT changed its name to New Members Round Table.
NMRT Fun Facts:
- 1976--Marilyn Hinshaw was the first recipient of the NMRT Outstanding New Librarian Award.
- 1977--TLA Executive Director Pat Smith received the Outstanding New Librarian Award.
- 1978--First NMRT-sponsored conference program held.
- 1996--Candace Jensen was the first recipient of the TLA/NMRT/Quality Books, Inc. Professional Development Grant.
- 1997--NMRT web site was created.
If you are a former TLA NMRT member and have other fun facts, stories, or photos from NMRT activities that you would like to share, please email us at tlanewmembers@gmail.com.
The Chairs of TLA New Members Round Table
1969-1970 Richard L. Waters
1970-1971 Shelah-Bell Cragin
1971-1972 Ralph Hollowy & Maurine Gray
1972-1973 Maurine Gray
1973-1974 Conrad Burdge
1974-1975 L. B. Woods
1975-1976 Mina Brees
1976-1977 Jeri Baker
1977-1978 Anne Hollingsworth
1978-1979 Katherine (Kippy) Jagoe
1979-1980 Mary E. Johnson
1980-1981 Margaret Neu
1981-1982 Ted Drake
1982-1983 Jane Ulrich
1983-1984 Rhonda Harris Taylor
1984-1985 Shari Davidson Rowley
1985-1986 Jane Gamez
1986-1987 Carol Scamman
1987-1988 Nancy Snauffer
1988-1989 Lilah Gainey
1989-1990 Richard Dickey
1990-1991 Barbara Alexander
1991-1992 Kathi Mehan
1992-1993 Edith Reiss
1993-1994 Keitha Y. Ramsey
1994-1995 Jimmie Lyn Harris
1995-1996 Pam Spooner
1996-1997 Suzanne (Sue) Byron
1997-1998 Ann Daily
1998-1999 Diane Warner
1999-2000 Leigh Kilman
2000-2001 Edward Kownslar
2001-2002 Linda R. Waggener
2002-2003 Victor L. Schill, Fairbanks Branch Library/HCPL
2003-2004 Dolores R. Greenwald, Farmer's Branch Manske Library
2004-2005 Kathleen D. Green, Harris County Public Library
2005-2006 Sally Bickley, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
2006-2007 Jeanette Hatcher, Texas A&M International University
2007-2008 Deirdre McDonald, University of Texas-Pan American
2008-2009 Elizabeth Sargent, Houston Public Library
2009-2010 Kelly Brouillard, Texas Woman's University
2010-2011 Jennifer Anderson, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
2011-2012 Kimberly Herrington, Pearland Junior High West
2012-2013 Cynthia Pfledderer, Southlake Public Library
Recipients of the Outstanding New Librarian Award
2012 Mandy Watson, Tomball ISD
2011 Christine Carter, Round Rock ISD
2010 Diane Michelle Ramsay, Chapill Hill ISD
2009 Jamie Eustace, Sterling Municipal Library
2008 Lisa Martinez, El Paso Public Library
2007 Katy Herrick, Grand Prairie Public Library
2006 Lisa A. Ancelet, Texas State University
2005 no winner
2004 Martha Andrade, El Paso Public Library
2003 Bobbi Jo Miller, Aldine ISD
2002 Lisa Hernandez, Valley View ISD
2001 Becky Anne Krugler, Galveston ISD
2000 Ann Minner, Austin Pubic Library
1999 Jill Cherie Sumpter, Branch Manager of Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch
1998 Elizabeth Dupuis, University of Texas at Austin
1997 Pam Spooner, Sul Ross State University
1994 Suzanne Byron, University of North Texas
1993 Laurie Edwards
1992 Genie Hammel
1991 Richard Dickey
1990 Barbara B. Alexander
1989 Peggy Irene Bradley
1988 Tine Irene Hager
1987 Jeanette Larson
1986 Anita Frevert
1985 Rhonda Harris Taylor
1984 Beth Little
1983 Barbara Gubbin
1982 Cheryl Merchant
1981
1980 Karen Cassity Taylor
1979 Katherine (Kippy) Jagoe
1978 Mary Rydesky
1977 Patricia H. Smith
1976 Marilyn Hinshaw
Winners of the New Members RT Professional Development Grant
2012 Michele Whitehead, University of North Texas
2011 Kandy Taylor-Hillie, Brazoria County Library System
2010 Kristen Davis, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
2009 Kelli Wilder, St. Philip's College
2008 Gail Woodward, Marlin Public Library
2007 Christian Cheshire, Magnolia
2006 Cindy Moreno, Maverick Branch Library, San Antonio PL
2005
2004 Susan T. Jennings, Pasadena ISD
2003 Margaret "Peggy" Durack, Hobby Middle School, NISD/ San Antonio
2002 Nichole Broemer, Harker Heights Public
2001 Laurie Krum, El Paso ISD
2000 Marilyn Powers, Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District
1999 Jacquie Wilson, Pillow Elementary School
1998 Gail Shipley, Cook's Children's Hospital
1997 Melanie Willson, Edwards Elementary School
1996 Candace Jensen, Colin L. Powell Elementary
Past NMRT Conference Programs
2012
New Members Standing Tall: Links to Leadership
This fast-paced presentation is a (free!) primer on leadership. New members will gain an understanding of TLA’s structure, the benefits of association membership, and the insight of experienced leaders. Representatives from TLA’s divisions, districts, and round tables will offer opportunities for involvement. TLA’s Leadership Institute will also be explored.*Co-sponsored by New Members Round Table & TALL Texans Round Table
The Inside Scoop on the TLA Experience
New to TLA? First conference? Hear from a panel of experienced TLA members from all types of libraries as they share experiences, conference tips, and networking ideas. We’ll have pastries, coffee, and plenty of time for Q & A.
2011
Calling All New TLA Members!
Join us and hear from a panel of experienced TLA members from all types of libraries. They will share some of their experiences, conference tips, and networking ideas that you don't want to miss! We will have pastries, coffee, and plenty of time for Q&A.
- Kelly Brouillard, adult services librarian, Lewisville Public Library;
- Laura Heinz, head, information services, Texas Tech University;
- Karen Kessel, librarian, Tobias Elementary School, Hays CISD;
- Brett Kirkpatrick, associate vice president for academic resources and director of libraries, University of Texas Medical Branch; and
- Rebecca Sullivan, director, Riter C. Hulsey Public Library (Terrell).
2010
Links to Leadership: New Members Growing TALL (Free Preconference)
This preconference was designed to engage 2nd and 3rd year TLA members and promote leadership, advocacy and professionalism. Attendees were introduced to TLA structure and the advantages of active membership, as well as making connections with TLA leaders to take advantage of volunteer opportunities with TLA units. Presenters included: Maureen Sullivan, organization development consultant gave keynote address on leadership; Gloria Meraz, TLA Director of Communications presented on advocacy; and Maribel Garza-Castro, TLA President-Elect spoke on professionalism. *Co-sponsored by New Members Round Table & TALL Texans Round Table
Making the Most of Your Membership: TLA & You
Hear from a panel of seasoned TLA members from public, academic, school and special libraries as they share their experience and how involvement has benefited them personally and professionally. Then join us for light refreshments and conversation. Panel to include:
- Liz Sargent, Houston Public Library, NMRT Past Chair, Acquisitions & Collection Dev RT Chair
- Walter Betts, Texas Christian University, TALL Texas RT Chair
- Karen Hopkins, University of Texas at Arlington, previous chair of CULD and Cataloging & Metadata RT
- Maribel Garza-Castro, St. John’s School-Houston, TLA President Elect, past NMRT Executive Board Liaison
- Cecilia Barham, Decatur Public Library, Public Libraries Division Chair
- Coby Condrey, Texas State Library & Archives Commission, Unit Assessment Task Force, Special Libraries Division Sec/Treas
2009
Inside TLA: A Guide to Jumpstarting Your Membership
New to librarianship? New to TLA? Join TLA veterans as they discuss the professional and personal benefits of involvement with TLA. Representatives from different TLA units will be in attendance to answer questions. Speakers include:
- Stephany Compton
- Beth Wheeler Fox
- Dana Rooks
- Chris Salerno
- Deirdre McDonald
2008
Getting the Most Out of TLA: Your Guide to Active Involvement
New to TLA? Want to jump-start your career? Learn how active involvement in TLA has enhanced the professional and personal goals of TLA presidents, TALL Texans, and even a Librarian of the year. Join us for light refreshments and a chance to find out what opportunities are available to you. Speakers included:
- Eva Poole, director of libraries, Denton Public Library & TLA Past President
- Jack Strawn, librarian, O'Connor High School, Northside ISD (San Antonio)
- Dede Rios, director, Bruce A. Garrett Medical Library (San Antonio)
- Tine Walczyk, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, TALL Texan & TALL Texan
2007
TLA & You: Explore the Possibilities
Learn how TLA enhances librarianship and provides opportunities to address issues important to your library. Meet members who can help you become involved in TLA. Join us for light refreshments and the presentation of the Outstanding New Librarian Award and the Quality Books/NMRT Professional Development Grant. A business meeting follows the program. Speakers included:
- Gretchen McCord-Hoffman, Librarian and attorney
- Julie Todaro, Dean of Libraries, Austin Community College
- Dana Rooks, Dean of Libraries, University of Houston
- Rosealeta Laurell, Director, Ingelside Public Library
- Caroline Kienzle, school librarian and library consultant
