Why belong to TLA? Hear from a few of your colleagues their reasons....
 

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...it is the only professional organization that represents me and the issues I care most about. TLA provides me with legislative information, professional updates, and now, with professional liability insurance. Our conferences are without a doubt the best library conferences in the nation, with more information and opportunities for learning than anywhere else. TLA offers every member the opportunity for service to our profession and the chance to be on the cutting edge of innovation in this information age. My professional friends are TLA members. We connect with each other through and within TLA by sharing news and ideas. Most importantly, we care about other TLA members, both personally and professionally. I joined TLA before I left UT library school, and it is a decision I have never regretted. TLA and its members will always be a very active part of my life." Ruth Dahlstrom - Goliad ISD

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...I believe in libraries as valuable contributors to a civilized society, and I believe TLA helps make librarians strong and knowledgeable so they can do their jobs better." Bonnie Juergens - AMIGOS Bibliographic Council

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...it is the only organization which can speak effectively for and to all kinds of Texas librarians. TLA's legislative efforts have met with repeated success. TLA's conference programming and exhibits are unparalleled among state associations and are a source of valuable information and continuing education. I encourage every Texas librarian to become a member." Al Cage - Stephen F. Austin State University

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...amistades, compartimiento de ideas, y motivacin. (Friendships, sharing of ideas, and motivation.)" Dorothea Castan - Corpus Christi Public Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...it's an organization with a heart and a purpose committed to educating its diverse membership through programs that promote personal growth, quality library service in all institutions, and the image of libraries in the state. There is potential to network and become involved in committee and volunteer work. TLA has always been there for me, and it will be there for you." Keitha Ramsey - Texas Instruments/Houston Site Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...it is a dynamic organization that returns a fantastic dividend on your investment of time." Carol Bartz - Friends, Sterling Municipal Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...joining the Texas Library Association is the best investment I have made in my career. TLA enables school librarians to form lifelong friendships, to exchange ideas with other professionals, and to keep abreast of new materials and products which enhance our capability to prepare our students for the world market of the 21st century." Marybeth Green - Walzem Elementary School

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...I can't imagine not being a member. Through TLA I have made many professional and personal friends. TLA encourages (maybe even demands!) participation, and there is not a better way to know what is happening in the profession, gain new ideas, and make great contacts." Jeanette Larson - Texas State Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...I see it as my professional responsibility to support those organizations that support me, as a librarian. TLA has responded to my concerns and my needs on a personal level; I am not just member #16916. TLA reminds me constantly of why I entered the field of librarianship. Whether you are involved in administration, public service, technical service, trustees, or friends, TLA provides the opportunity for you to give and receive a helping hand." Cathy Herpich - Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...my friends and colleagues in the association have given me a network of resources, knowledge, advice, and assistance that I could never have afforded, either in time or money. I could never have attended enough continuing education courses, read enough professional publications or found the experts that I have found through TLA. The staff is always there and willing to go the extra mile, and the librarians I have met share willingly the lessons of their experience. My membership dues are the single best investment I have ever made in my professional career." Rose Aleta Laurell - Dr. Eugene Clark Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...the personal involvement provides a wealth of practical information that promotes personal and professional growth. Contributing to the enhancement of libraries through active participation in TLA is a most rewarding endeavor." Donna Pohl - Education Service Center, Region XV

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...while I work in New Mexico and belong to the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA), I live in Texas. I have continued my membership in TLA because the New Mexico/West Texas area is somewhat isolated. TLA is more than 10 times the size of NMLA; and, in my opinion, its conferences approach those of the American Library Association. The most important thing for me is that over the years I have met some outstanding librarians through TLA, and that professional network of friends and colleagues has been both an inspiration and a support in my career." Edward Erazo - New Mexico State University Library

"I BELONG TO TLA BECAUSE...I need the expertise and support of other librarians that the networks within TLA provide for information exchange and for exposure to problems and solutions. This networking makes my job easier and makes me more effective. TLA is about people, too--hard working, intelligent, and lots of fun--my favorite people! Please, add YOUR knot to our `net'!" Lynne Westerholm - Helen Hall Library