Newsletter of the Texas Library Association

Texans REALLY Do Love Libraries

Libraries are very valuable to Texans – even more so in challenging economic times –and more than eight in 10 voters across the state support increasing funding for school and public libraries, according to a new statewide survey released today by the Texas Library Association (TLA).

Conducted by KRC Research on behalf of TLA, the telephone survey of 1,201 registered voters in Texas found that an overwhelming majority believes their public library is very important (79%, with 13% saying fairly important) to their community. Nine in 10 agree that, during economic hard times, public libraries provide important resources to families and job seekers, and 83% believe public libraries support the economy through job skills training, career and job information, and resources for local businesses.

When it comes to school libraries, the vast majority of Texans believe that they are almost as important as classroom education. Nearly all respondents (99% including 84% who strongly agree) believe school libraries are essential to education. The vast majority (93%) would support legislation that would require public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meets statewide standards. More than nine in 10 (94%) believe that school librarians are critical to student achievement.

Strong majorities across every demographic, geographic, and political spectrum support increasing public funding for both public (81%) and school (82%) libraries, according to survey results. Texas voters agree that public libraries are a good value for tax dollars (94% including 70% who strongly agree) and deserve more funding (87%, including 62% who strongly agree).

Texas voters believe nearly unanimously – 97% agree (including 78% who strongly agree) – that libraries create educational opportunities for all citizens. Ninety-five percent believe that public libraries improve the quality of life in their communities.

Texans say many library services are very important to the community: 83% say reading programs and organized activities for children and young people is very important, and 80% say free access to diverse and current books and other information is very important.

The vast majority of respondents (93%) would support legislation that would require public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meets statewide standards. More than eight in 10 voters across every demographic segment and geographic region support the legislation, including 88 percent of Republicans, 95% of Democrats, and 96% of Independents.

Other key findings from the survey:

• Public and school libraries enjoy strong and intense voter support regardless of where respondents live or whether they have school-age children.

• Texas voters say school libraries are as important as classroom education and nearly eight in 10 believe that school libraries make a major contribution to children’s education.

• School libraries are viewed as essential because they provide opportunities for children to develop reading and research skills and voters see a link between academic success and strong libraries.

• Not only are Texas voters supportive of funding increases, but the vast majority are opposed to funding cuts for public and school libraries.

TLA’s first comprehensive statewide survey was made possible through the support of the Brown Foundation of Houston and the Tocker Foundation of Austin.

About the Survey
Commissioned by the Texas Library Association, KRC Research conducted 1,201 telephone interviews with a random sample of Texas voters from Oct. 17 through Nov. 2 2008. The margin of error for the entire sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points.  For detailed survey results and more information, go to www.txla.org.

Also in this Issue

• 81st Legislative Session

• Annual Conference

• TLA News

• Texas State Library

• Library News

• Names in the News

Legislative Day

We need you in Austin, February 25, 2009, for TLA's Legislative Day! This event is crucial to the library community. It is our time to gather and make the case to lawmakers that library funding and issues deserve a priority in state policy.
 
To register for Legislative Day, members and non-members can go to TLA's event registration page at https://secure.txla.org/secure/forms/mtglogin.asp. Select the Legislative Day option and complete the full form. There is no registration fee. If you prefer to fax back a registration form, you can access a PDF form at http://www.txla.org/html/legis/legday/legreg2009.pdf.
 
Also, be sure to make your hotel reservation now. The TLA special rate for Feb. 24 and 25 is $139 for a single/double, $164 for triple, and $189 for a quad. The firm hotel deadline is January 23. To make a reservation, call the Hyatt (512/477-1234 or 800/223-1234) and ask for the Texas Library Association group rate.
 
This year, we are also adding a special program to TLA's legislative briefings on the afternoon of February 24, 2009. As discussed in the lead article, TLA has just completed a statewide survey of Texas registered voters and their opinions about public and school libraries. The results are OVERWHELMING in the intense support of Texans for libraries and for increasing funding.  We will have a special session devoted to the full findings of the survey and how the survey can be used locally.

Legislative Matters

The 81st Texas Legislative Session began on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.  The biggest news coming from the Capitol was the change in leadership in the Texas House of Representatives.  Rep. Joe Straus (R- San Antonio) is the new Speaker of the House, replacing Rep. Tom Craddick (R-Midland) who had been Speaker since 2003.

Fueled by support from 72 Democrats, Rep. Straus said he seeks to lead from the center and restore civility, fairness, and transparency in the House. The House, made up of 76 Republicans and 74 Democrats, will consider many critical issues this session, including business taxes, property taxes, and funding for public schools.

Library Legislative Issues

This year's legislative platform includes initiatives to secure additional funds for libraries (about $30 million) through TexShare, the K-12 database program, Loan Star Libraries, and the Library Systems and to update state policy to recognize the need for quality school library programs on every campus.

We need you to join us in making the case for libraries. Please contact your representative and senator today. Elected officials need to hear from their constituents back home. Tell your elected officials about the invaluable work your library does for your campus, community, and constituents. Ask your friends groups, local PTA, students, and support groups to contact offices also. Provide legislative offices with real life stories about your library’s impact on learning, education, workforce development, and quality of life. Ask your senator and representative to support increased funding for libraries.

For talking points and specific information about the TLA Legislative Platform, go to: http://www.txla.org/html/govt_aff.html and click on the 81st Session Overview and the various individual funding and policy initiatives.

• How do libraries take the lead in transforming their communities? Their own institutions?

• Federal stimulus packages—what does that mean for Texas libraries?

• Authors and books—who and what are hot right now?

• Leadership and the future—how do we take control?

• Our state legislature—what’s going on?

• What’s the latest in information delivery?

2009 is shaping up to be a year of big dreams, hopes, and hardships. Libraries have rarely been needed as much as they are today. And rarely have we, the library community, needed to rally together and take our future into our own hands.

“Libraries: Creating Communities of Ideals and Innovation,” the theme of this year’s TLA conference, speaks to the potential and promise of libraries. From March 31 to April 3, 2009, thousands of library workers and supporters will gather in Houston to network and address these personal, local, and statewide concerns. 

No better forum exists for Texas libraries to find enriching continuing education opportunities, share information with statewide colleagues, and enjoy and have fun! The program lineup this year keeps TLA’s tradition of excellence and diversity. With outstanding speakers and hundreds of events and programs, you’ll find your days filled with concrete information you can take back to your library and implement immediately.  Here are some conference highlights.

Conference Featured Speakers

Opening Luncheon:

Joe Hayes, one of America’s premier bilingual storytellers, combines traditional American Southwest lore with his own imagination for works that appeal to adults and kids. He is an award-winner for The Day It Snowed Tortillas and Ghost Fever.

Jon Scieszka, the first Library of Congress appointee to the post of National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature, crafts "fractured fairy tales" that have legions of followers and are known for their humor.  He is an award winner for Math Curse, The Stinky Cheese Man, and the Time Warp Trio series.

Attica Locke, movie and TV script writer for Paramount, Warner Brothers, Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, and Jerry Bruckheimer films, is releasing her debut novel, Black Water Rising, set in Houston during the 1980s.

Thinking Out of the Box Gurus

Betty Sue Flowers, director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, served as a consultant for the nationally televised series, The Power of Myth, as well as a host for the radio series, The Next 200 Years. She has worked with numerous federal agencies and multi-national corporations on leadership and preparing for the future.

Holly Witchey, director of New Media at the Cleveland Museum of Art, develops content rich projects for museums using new technologies. Witchey writes and speaks about museum ethics, accessibility, and issues that have arisen as a result of the use of new technologies.

R. David Lankes, executive director of the Information Institute of Syracuse (IIS), is the architect of the AskERIC, the Virtual Reference Desk for educators, and GEM (a standards-based system for describing and finding educational materials on the Internet).

Techno Gurus

Jenny Levine, also known as The Shifted Librarian, is the Internet development specialist at ALA. She blogs, creates wikis, tests podcasting and vodcasting, teaches RSS, explores library services in Second Life, and explores emerging technologies.

Michael Stephens, creator of Tame the Web, explores how trends and technologies can enhance libraries and make them participatory and open to change.

“The Librarian in Black ” Sarah Houghton-Jan is the digital futures manager for the San José Public Library. Her Web presence is a Mecca for library technology staff—as a one stop shop.   

Closing Luncheon

New York Times best-selling author Vicki Myron captures hearts with, Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Her story is about to be made into a full feature film, starring Meryl Streep.

Philip Gulley, noted for his depiction of community life, "has a charming sense of small-town life—and a shrewd sense of life in general," says the Wall Street Journal. His most recent work is I Love You, Miss Huddleston And Other Inappropriate Longings of My Indiana Childhood.

General Session I

Paula Poundstone is one of the most original and imaginative comedians in the country today. She has also lent her unique blend on honesty and humor for promoting libraries and is the national spokesperson for Friends of Libraries USA.

General Session II

Gloria Steinem is a writer, lecturer, editor, and feminist activist. An international voice for gender, racial, and economic equality, Steinem is counted by Biography magazine as one of the 25 most influential women in America.

Exhibits

No TLA conference would be complete without extended visits to the TLA exhibits. Featuring the third largest library tradeshow in the country, the TLA exhibit hall offers over 450 companies showcasing all the latest technologies, tools, and materials needed to run Texas libraries.

Of course, you may want to get a head start on all your shopping.  Everything you need—vendor names, product descriptions, hall maps, and links to companies—are available at TLA’s  24/7 one stop library shop. Go to http://www.txla.org/conference/exhibits/exhmain.asp and click on “Shop the Exhibits.” 

The TLA tradeshow and its online site are designed to provide you with multiple ways of finding the products you need. We created the Quick-Read-Guide which gives you a quick overview of some of the offerings. Whether you visit the TLA tradeshow online or at conference (or both), shopping exhibiting companies lets you save time and money!

Special Events

All-Conference Welcome Party –  March 31, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Discovery Green Park, across from the convention center, is recently remodeled to provide an enchanting, al fresco venue. With 12 acres of bewitching landscaping that sets a relaxing tone for a night of entertainment, refreshments, and fun, this family-friendly outing features a variety of local talent throughout the evening.

President's All-Conference Party and Gaming Event, April 1, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
April 1: No joke, this year’s President’s Party is totally geared to fun –  from dancing to gaming, entertainment is the main course this evening. Virtual dancing, real dancing will all be part of the festivities. Original Triumphs, B.J. Thomas’ former band, will provide live entertainment in the ballroom, and the gaming pavilion will offer the latest in gaming along with some traditional table game favorites. Join your friends and colleagues for a memorable night. Let the games begin!

School Administrators Conference
This special event will once again be held to help deliver important research and news about school libraries to school administrators.  TLA has held this event for several years now, and the impact has been enormous. From actually saving library jobs to garnering increased support from school officials, the discussions at this administrator conference are truly important.

Texas Teens 4 Libraries (TT4L)
YART is sponsoring an all-day event for teens scheduled on Thursday, April 2, 2009, which is designed to encourage the active participation of teens in TLA’s annual conference. The event offers them the opportunity to attend programs, visit the exhibit hall, talk informally with YA authors, and interact with other Texas young adults who share their interest in reading, technology, and libraries.

Evening with the Authors –  Thursday, April 2, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Petroleum Club, 800 Bell Street
Step out for an evening of fine dining in an elegant setting.  And by the way, one of the main courses will be authors reading from their works. The menu includes Mary Kay Andrews (Deep Dish), Douglas Brinkley (The Wilderness Warrior), and Christopher Moore (Fool). And, we’re working on finalizing arrangements with another two great authors.

Our corporate sponsors and vendors help make the TLA conference possible. We hope you all spend time perusing and shopping at the exhibit hall. Please do take a moment to thank our corporate partners for their support of Texas libraries.

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Conference Logistics and Practical Matters

Conference Registration
Online registration for the 2009 TLA Conference in Houston is now open. To register, go to the conference home page: http://www.txla.org/conference/conf.html.

Going Green!
As part of TLA’s ongoing effort to reduce the amount of paper product produced for conference, we are slimming down the conference program that is mailed to TLA members. The front matter – all the logistical information about CPE hours, business center hours, and ADA procedures, for instance – will be available on the TLA website. So, if you need to access the material you can print out whatever item you need, but you don’t have to carry an extra 20 pages with you if you don’t need the information onsite.

Are you a conference volunteer?
TLA Annual Conference 2009 is scheduled for March 31 through April 3 in Houston.  If you haven't volunteered yet, please consider the possibility.  It's fun, and we really do need and appreciate your help. The volunteer form is online at http://www.txla.org/groups/forms/Conf_volunteer.html.

Conference Roommate and Carpooling List
If you would like to post or find information about sharing at room at conference or carpooling to Houston, you can subscribe to TLA's roommate electronic list by emailing either kathyp@txla.org or gloriam@txla.org and letting them know you wish to subscribe to the list.  When you post a message, be sure to include your request and contact information so that others on the list can contact you.

IT Personnel at Conference
This year, TLA is making a special effort to invite libraries' technology staff to conference. We want to highlight the unique interactions of technology and the library environment. We encourage librarians to bring their technology staff to conference this year.

Conference Speaker Seeks Input

One of TLA’s programs will focus on green libraries and LEEDS certification. The architects and speakers for the session want to be well-armed for your questions. If you would like to attend the program, please respond to the questions below by emailing joelbangilan@yahoo.com.

• What are some questions librarians have about green libraries and LEEDS certification?

• If you could ask an architect about a green building, what would you ask?

• What do you want to know about working with green concepts and procedures in the library profession?

• What would you ask a project manager about building a green library?

TLA Disaster Relief Funds

The TLA Disaster Relief Committee is proud to allocate a total of $30,000 in grant funds to libraries in southeast Texas. All of the award recipients were affected by Hurricane Ike and its aftermath.

TLA thanks all of the individuals who donated to the TLA Disaster Relief Fund and who purchased the Men of Texas Libraries calendar last year.

The recipients are:

• Annahuac HS: $3,000

• Bridge City Middle: $2,700

• Bridge City Intermediate: $3,000

• Bridge City HS: $2,000

• Pasadena Public: $4,500

• Hastings 9th grade: $3,000

• Rosenberg Public: $6,500

• Silsbee Middle: $2,800

• Sour Lake Elementary: $ 2,500

We hope that everyone will purchase their copy of The Tattooed Ladies of TLA calendar at conference this year. This sure-to-be-a-collector’s-item calendar will help rebuild the Disaster Relief Fund.

Membership and TLA Elections

Be sure to renew your membership by February 1, 2009 so that you will be able to vote in the 2009 TLA Executive Board and participating unit elections. Mailed membership renewals must be postmarked by February 1. Electronic voting information will be emailed out around February 20.

Please note that, this year, TLA is going green with election candidate information. The biographies and personal statements of all candidates will be available online. Printed biographical information will not be mailed. If you do not have Web access, you may contact the TLA office (800/580-2852) to request printed biographies.

TLA Executive Board Candidates

• Maribel Garza-Castro, President-Elect

• Mary Jo Humphreys, President-Elect 

• Walter Betts, ALA Councilor

• Carlyn Gray, ALA Councilor

• Douglas Ferrier, Representative-at-large (Academic)

• Alice Specht, Representative-at-large (Academic)

• Corinne Hill, Representative-at-Large (Public)

• Meller Langford, Representative-at-Large (Public)

TLA Strategic Plan Survey

As part of TLA’s ongoing look at changes in libraries and desirable changes within TLA itself, the Strategic Plan Task Force has identified several key initiatives for TLA to address during the next three years. TLA members will have an opportunity to review these proposed initiatives and to provide feedback on their importance and relevance.  The survey will be made available electronically in early February.  The proposed initiatives will also be discussed at the TLA Membership Meeting on Friday, April 3 during the TLA Annual Conference in Houston. 

In addition, a new task force is being formed to propose changes in TLA's structure.  This task force will begin its work in February and will have some initial recommendations ready for discussion during the TLA conference.  Because of the interrelated nature of these two groups, Joyce Baumbach has been asked to chair both task forces for coordinated planning.  As TLA's governing body, the TLA Council will consider the initiatives and any structural changes to the organization at their meetings in July during the TLA Annual Assembly. 

TALL Texans Institute – Date Changes
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the dates for the 2009 TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute have been moved to June 14-18. The location will remain the same: Montserrat Retreat Center in Lake Dallas.
 
The deadline for applications has been extended to January 16, 2009. Online application forms may be found at http://www.txla.org/groups/talltex/apply.html. Please direct questions to Ted Wanner, institute coordinator, at tedw@txla.org or 512-328-1518, extension 154.

Awards

TLA and Unit Awards
Don't forget a lot of deadlines for awards are coming up. Be sure to check out the TLA Awards page (http://www.txla.org/html/awards.html) for details.

Spotlight On: Branding Iron Awards

PR Branding Iron Awards recognize public relations activities in each of 10 categories. One Best of Show prize will be announced at the TLA 2009 Annual Conference in Houston. Libraries, library systems, and friends organizations are eligible to apply.

Categories

1. Outdoor Advertising: billboards, bookmobiles, etc.

2. Editorial Page Strategies: letters-to-the-editor, guest columns, and editorials (resulting from editorial board visits)

3. Speeches and Speakers Bureaus: programs for speakers bureaus (training materials, speeches), prepared library speeches, and elevator speeches (two-minute speeches)

4. Broadcast Advertising (paid or earned): PSAs, TV/radio coverage/ads,
   interviews, etc.

5. Print Media Advertising (paid or earned)

6. Non traditional media promotions: blogs, online auctions, list announcements, etc.

7. Special Events

8. PR Plans/Campaign for either year-round activities or a special event

9. Brands and Logos

10. Collateral Materials: give-aways, specialty items, that prized book bag, etc.

Spotlight On: Highsmith Awards

Could your library use some extra dollars? Has your library recently implemented a program to enhance the library’s visibility within your service community?

If you answered yes to these questions, your library could be the next recipient of the Highsmith Library Award. Each year, Highsmith recognizes libraries for the implementation of outstanding, creative marketing or promotion projects. 

Two $1,000 awards are available: one for a school library and one for all other library types (e.g., public, academic, special, etc.).

Application forms and more information are available online at:
http://www.txla.org/html/awards/high.html. The deadline for submitting applications is:

January 31, 2009. For additional information, contact Elizabeth Polk at epolk@austinisd.org or 512-414-4939.