Normally, the Publications Committee meets at Annual Assembly and at Annual Conference of the Association. The Committee Chair should be notified regarding planned publications at least two months prior to these dates. Publications can be considered at other times by contacting the Chair, Publications Committee.

Chairs of units or committees, or their designated representatives, should observe the following procedures in submitting publications for review:

1. The Committee should be notified when a publication is initially conceived rather than when it is completed.
2. The Chair will work with the unit to develop a timetable. Be sure to allow at least two months for the review process, from initial notification to approval.
3. The unit will provide multiple copies of the proposed publication, sufficient for distribution to each Committee reviewer, as specified by the Chair. Copy must be submitted in final form; preliminary materials will not be considered. Include any additional information that would be useful to the Committee.
4. The review will usually take place in an open meeting of the Committee (exceptions are any approvals required between the two meeting times.) Representatives of the unit or committee are encouraged to attend to answer any questions that might arise.
5. The committee will take one of three actions:

* Approve the publication as presented
* Return the publication with suggestions for improvement and a timetable for expedited resubmission
* Reject the publication on specific grounds

6. For any approved publication, the Committee will consider whether the Association should seek sole or joint copyright of the publication.
7. The Chair will notify the unit in writing of the result of the review within ten (10) days.
8. When approval is received, the unit may proceed with reproduction and distribution of the publication. Significant changes or alterations to the content or format of the publication subsequent to approval will necessitate resubmission for an additional approval.

Approved 8/95

Guidelines for Review of Texas Library Association Publications

Purpose:

TLA's Publications Committee is charged to "review all publications distributed beyond the membership of a TLA unit or committee." (Standing Rule 9, Section P,7). The goal of the review process is to maintain a high standard for all general publications of the Texas Library Association.

What publications require review:

"Publication" is defined to mean any original creation of a TLA unit or committee which is intended for general distribution beyond that unit's own membership. This includes items in any format (print, audiovisual, or electronic), and it includes materials distributed without charge as well as those for sale. It does not include newsletters, news releases, announcements, audio-or videotapes of proceedings of any meeting sponsored by TLA, or reprints (without substantive change) of previously approved materials.

Who to contact:

All questions should be referred to the Chair of the Publications Committee.

Criteria for publication:

The following criteria will be considered in the review process:

• Authoritativeness. Is there evidence that the authors are knowledgeable and reliable? is the content of the publication reasonably accurate and up to date?
• Style. Are the contents of the publication well-presented according to accepted standards of grammar, usage, clarity, etc?
• Presentation. Does the publication attain a reasonably high standard of quality in its appearance?
• Political Action. Is all information presented in a non-partisan way, and does it avoid solicitation of funds for endorsement of any political candidates or parties?
• Content. Are there any opinions expressed in the publication that would pose the threat of litigation or other serious consequences for the Association?

The Committee's charge does not extend to matters pertaining to the manner of distribution of the publication under review (i.e., number of copies produced, price, method of distribution, etc.)

Approved 8/95

Last Modified: 2 July 2002
Suggestions and corrections for these pages? Please send email to maryanne@txla.org

Copyright © 2000 by the Texas Library Association