Volume 17, Number 2
March 1998
In this issue:
TLA Exhibits Global
Reach
Vendors from Mexico to attend TLA '98
At least a dozen and perhaps as many as 15 companies from Mexico will attend the TLA 1998 Annual Conference in San Antonio to introduce their publications, goods, and services to Texas librarians. The presence of these companies from Mexico in the Exhibit Hall affords TLA attendees a rare opportunity to learn about a range of products that until now have not been widely available to U.S. librarians. For example, many of the companies exhibiting at TLA will be publishers of Spanish language books and other print materials that will be of particular interest to librarians responsible for building collections in Spanish.
The presence of so many companies from Mexico at the TLA conference is the result of efforts of a number of individuals and represents an unprecedented level of international cooperation at a library trade show. Foremost among the groups responsible for bringing the Mexican vendors to the TLA Annual Conference are the TLA Texas-Mexico Relations Committee, representatives of the Monterrey International Book Fair, and TLA staff. Bringing the companies to Texas has required rather complicated negotiations with customs officials and other government agencies. Consequently, not all vendors will have materials to sell in the hall, but all will have samples to view and some will be able to complete transactions on site.
Not only will this TLA conference welcome these exhibitors, but a number of visiting librarians and Mexican VIPs as well, including Elsa Ramírez Leyva, president of AMBAC, the Mexican Library Association. To ensure that language is not a barrier to international relations, TLA attendees who speak Spanish are encouraged to pick up stickers at the registration desk that say “Sí, Hablo Español.” These members then may be called upon to help with occasional interpretations.
The Mexican firms will be easy to locate. They will be in a group together on the East end of the 2000 aisle in the South Exhibit Hall. This aisle has been affectionately dubbed “Avenida México” and will be marked by tiny Mexican flags. Other vendors that have been exhibiting Spanish language materials at TLA for many years can also be found throughout the hall. All attendees are urged to visit these vendors and welcome them to TLA.
Tornado Wins 1998 Bluebonnet Award
Texas school children in grades 3 to 6 have selected Tornado by Betsy Byars to receive the 1998 Texas Bluebonnet Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for a children’s book. The Texas Bluebonnet Award, co-sponsored by the Children’s Round Table and the Texas Association of School Librarians, has been awarded annually since 1981.
Tornado is the simple but poignant story of a family trapped in a storm cellar as a tornado passes over. Pete, their farmhand, calms the family’s nerves by relating favorite tales of his beloved dog, Tornado, who showed up after a similar storm when he was a boy.
Over 159,000 students in 1,468 schools participated in this year’s voting, with 26,209 votes cast for the winning book. Runners up were Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret with 17,788 votes, and Shiloh Season by 1994 Bluebonnet Award winner Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, with 17,756 votes. To be eligible to vote, a student must have read--or heard read--at least five books from the Master List.
The Texas Bluebonnet Award will be presented to the author at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in San Antonio on April 3 before an audience of approximately 2,000 Texas librarians, library supporters, and educators. Children representing each of the 10 TLA districts across the state will participate in the presentation.
Because of the recognition generated by the award--which translates into substantial sales of all books on the master list and especially of the winning book--the Texas Bluebonnet Award is highly coveted among authors and publishers of books for children.
The Texas Bluebonnet Award committee--six children’s librarians from school and public libraries and a coordinator--selects the Master List by evaluating suggested books with consideration of student interests, appropriateness of content, reviews, literary quality, and reading level.
TLA to Launch New Publicity
Campaign
“Read for Your Life” to target decision makers
The TLA Public Relations Committee has launched a new media campaign to heighten awareness of Texas libraries with the general public and especially state and local decision makers.
The campaign has adopted the slogan “Read for Your Life,” which was developed by the coordinators of the Texas 10 regional library systems. TLA has engaged the public relations firm of DeLaune and Associates to develop the campaign. “Read for Your Life” will replace the “Get the Facts” campaign that has been used by TLA since 1991.
The new logo for “Read for Your Life” will be introduced at the TLA Annual Conference. Stickers with the logo will be distributed to attendees, and booth number 1577 will be decorated with the “Read for Your Life” logo and materials related to themes of the campaign. The Public Relations Committee urges members to react to the logo and campaign so that it can be refined. The committee will meet Wednesday, April 1, from 2 to 3:50 p.m. to discuss the campaign with representatives from DeLaune and Associates, members of the TLA Executive Board, the system coordinators, and other interested parties.
“We envision ‘Read for Your Life’ as an upbeat campaign that will project a contemporary view of libraries as enjoyable places full of the resources people need to enrich their lives,” says Leila Parrish, chair of the TLA Public Relations Committee.
Back by popular demand are the top ten complaints most often heard by attendees at the TLA Annual Conference. This will save anyone with these complaints the trouble of actually complaining. Also--just FYI--are the responses from TLA staff to these commonly-heard gripes.
Ahh--doesn’t it feel good to get it off your chest!
TIF Issues RFP Community Colleges
The Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to connect Texas community colleges to the Internet. The grant guidelines specify the library as the preferred point of presence for the campus connections. This RFP-- which makes available $15 million in non-competitive grants--is the product of the TIF Libraries Advisory Committee chaired by Lou Wetherbee and was written by George Huffman of the Amarillo College Library, other committee members, and TIF staff.
Prospective applicants must notify the TIF Board in writing of their intention to apply by March 20, 1998. Applications will not be accepted if the letter of intent is not submitted or postmarked by March 20. Applications must be received by the TIF office by April 17, 1998.
A condition of grant award under this RFP is that community colleges will provide public service locations for Internet access in the library. Grantees must also commit to developing and implementing Internet access policies. Also, the grantee institutions must be able to commit a minimum of 10% of the funds requested from the TIF.
A complete set of guidelines can be found on the TIF Web page at: www.tifb.state.tx.us/rfp/1998/commrfp.html.
PUC Rules Favorably on Stacking
Issue
Both state and federal discounts will apply
In a major victory for Texas schools and libraries in telecommunications pricing, the Public Utilities Commission has ruled that special tariff rates will be considered the “lowest corresponding price” for the purposes of calculating federal E-Rate discounts.
This issue resolves at least for the moment the key question of what price telecommunications providers will use as the pre-discount price when bidding on school and library connections projects filed under the E-rate. The problem arose because the FCC left up to states how to combine state and federal discounts.
PUC Chair Pat Wood III stated that he felt that libraries and schools should get every discount to which they are entitled and that Texas should not be penalized for adopting progressive legislation in advance of the federal law. Wood indicated that all preferential rates that followed from the passage of HB 2128 in the 74th legislative session (which law is now known as the Public Utilities Regulatory Act, or PURA) should form the basis for any discounted rates.
This is particularly important in pricing T-1 service. In practical terms this ruling should mean that the special tariff rates for T-1 service offered by Southwestern Bell and GTE will be the basis when calculating E-rate discounts. For example, the special tariff rate for Bell is $260 per month. When bidding for service under the E-rate, the applicable federal discount would be taken off the $260 per month rate. Thus T-1 service will be very affordable for every public library and school in Texas. Telecommunications providers argued that the standard commercial rate--which is higher and distance-sensitive--should be the basis for calculating E-rate. Other rates under PURA will also apply, including the 105% of cost option offered under Chapter 58 of PURA.
TLA had filed a comment on this docket urging the PUC to take exactly this action. The comment was written by Bob Gaines of the Central Texas Library System, TLA staff, and Gene Crick of the Metropolitan Area Interactive Network (MAIN) of Austin.
The ruling is subject to a motion to reconsider filed by any party. Also, PUC staff have stressed that there is no requirement for any telephone company to actually bid for service under the E-Rate.
Public Library Standards Process to Begin with
TLA Conference Program
Committee solicits input in first of many meetings
The first of what will be many sessions across Texas to develop standards for public libraries will be held at the TLA Annual Conference in San Antonio Friday, April 3, 9-9:50 a.m. “Creating Quality Standards for Texas Public Libraries: An Open Forum,” will be presented by the TLA ad hoc Committee on Public Library Standards and will be the first--but by no means last--opportunity for Texas librarians to comment on how such standards should be structured.
The meeting will be introduced and moderated by Eva Poole, director of the Denton Public Library, whom TLA President Barbara Immroth has designated chair of the committee.
“We want this meeting to do two things--to introduce TLA members to the concept of standards and the potential benefit they have for Texas libraries, and to take a first round of comments on standards, especially how to structure the process,” commented Ms. Poole.
“It is important that people understand that this is only the first forum. We will be having regional hearings and discussions on this topic for many months. We want everyone who is interested to have an opportunity to be heard,” said Ms. Poole.
TLA Program to Explore Topic of Outsourcing
TLA members interested in the controversial topic of outsourcing are invited to attend what promises to be a lively and informative program on the topic featuring nationally-known experts. “Outsourcing: Can It Work In Your Library?” will be presented Saturday, April 4, 10-11:20 a.m. at the TLA Annual Conference in San Antonio.
Presenters for this session will be Barbara Ford, ALA president and executive director of university library services at Virginia Commonwealth University and Susan Kent, director of the Los Angeles Public Library. Brenda Branch, director of the Austin Public Library, will preside.
Rather than hold a point-counterpoint debate on the relative merits of outsourcing, the panel will provide practical advice on ways to integrate outsourcing into your library operation. The topics to be covered include how to negotiate vendor contracts, organizational restructuring, staffing issues, and the fiscal impacts of outsourcing.
NMRT / Quality Books Raffle to Benefit Endowment Fund
NMRT will once again raffle a very special prize—donated by Quality Books Inc.—at this year’s TLA conference in San Antonio. The prize will be a 38-videotape set of the “In Search Of” series previously aired on the History Channel.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the endowment fund that supports the NMRT/Quality Books Inc. Professional Development Grant. Tickets at $1.00 each may be purchased during Annual Conference at the NMRT Bag Booth, the Quality Books Inc. booth, or at the NMRT Conference Orientation Program. The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the Quality Books Inc. booth. The winner need not be present to win.
Since 1996 with the ongoing support of Quality Books Inc., NMRT has been able to offer the Quality Books Inc. Professional Development Grant to cover up to $1,000 in expenses for one librarian in his or her first five years of professional involvement to attend the TLA Annual Conference.
Quality Books Inc. has been a very special friend of NMRT, providing the initial funding for the development grants and the books which serve as the raffle prize. NMRT urges you to visit the Quality Books Inc. booth in the Exhibit Hall and thank Mr. Harold Sterling and Quality Books Inc. for their ongoing support. The 1997 raffle winner was Sue Byron of the University of North Texas who won The Book of the World.
Black Caucus to Offer Three TLA Programs
Alice Gresham, returning from last year’s successful session on change, will present a preconfer-ence at this year’s TLA Annual Conference on community networking. Ms. Gresham, CEO of a national training and consulting firm, will present “Building Communities: Strategies for Successful Partnerships” on Wednesday, April 1, 1998 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. She will explain how to extend your local touch and global reach while building effective partnerships among diverse segments in your community. Ms. Gresham’s articulate oratory combined with her open and honest presentation style promise to create a uniquely enjoyable program.
John Ridley, a stand-up comedian, screenwriter, author, and director, will discuss his work at the Black Caucus Round Table Breakfast, Thursday, April 2, 8:30-9:50 a.m. One of Mr. Ridley’s latest publications, Stray Dogs, has recently been adapted as the movie U-Turn, directed by Oliver Stone and starring Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, and Jennifer Lopez. Mr. Ridley’s many other credits include writing for the television shows “Martin,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and “The John Larroquette Show.”
Churches are often overlooked as a fertile ground for generating community awareness about library services. Gleniece Robinson, assistant director for public services at Dallas Public Library, will present a session, “’Seek Ye Out the Book’: Churches as Partners for Community Awareness” on Saturday, April 4, 10:00-11:50 a.m. Ms. Robinson will describe how to work with area churches to build support for your library and improve services to underserved populations.
The Cattlemen
Magazine
Offered to
Libraries
Cattle Raisers Museum will provide free back issues
The Cattle Raisers Museum in Fort Worth is currently distributing almost 9,000 duplicate issues of The Cattleman magazine. Since 1914, The Cattleman has provided members of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association with timely information about the cattle industry.
The reference and research value of The Cattleman is significant. Over the years, this monthly magazine has been filled with innumerable stories recounting the history and heritage of ranch life by such esteemed authors as J. Frank Dobie, J. Evetts Haley, and Mary Whatley Clarke. Celebrated western photographers, illustrators, and artists--Erwin Smith, Will James, Charlie Belden, and a host of others--contributed images for the magazine’s covers and articles.
The Cattle Raisers Museum is happy to provide libraries the magazines free of charge. Museum policy does require, however, that the libraries pay shipping charges. The issues average about 100 pages and are available from 1946 to April 1996. The number of available issues varies from month to month and unfortunately, for a few months there are not available copies. More than 130 bound issues are also available. The magazines will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure your copies, or for further information, contact Dr. Cheri L. Wolfe, Museum and Education Coordinator at the Cattle Raisers Museum, 1301 West 7th Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102; 817-332-7064 x151; fax 817-332-8523, e-mail: wolfegreen@yahoo.com before April 30, 1998.
Laredo Public Library Holds Grand
Opening
Legislators, dignitaries on hand for dedication
State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Representative Henry Cuellar, and a host of other local and state VIPs gathered in Laredo February 1 to dedicate that city’s brand new public library.
The $9 million facility is 60,000 square feet and has the capacity to house approximately 400,000 volumes or nearly four times the current collection. The building is also configured to allow for over 100 computers connected to fiber optic cable. Classrooms and meeting rooms with teleconferencing equipment will facilitate distance learning capability within the building.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that every child can pick up a book and read,” said Representative Cuellar. “Then we can have true liberation of the mind and spirit.”
Also on hand was State Librarian Robert Martin and Laredo Mayor Pro Tem Jose R. Perez, Jr.
Texas Libraries Win Gates Awards
Thirteen Texas public libraries are among the recipients of the first round of 1998 Gates Library Foundation awards.
Five libraries serving populations of over 100,000 will receive Gates Library Foundation Urban Library Leadership Awards. The library and the amounts are as follows:
Urban Library Leadership grants target large library systems serving the needs of low-income communities. Grants are designed to expand public access to computers and the Internet at multiple branches and to provide technical assistance and training.
Another eight Texas libraries that serve fewer than 100,000 won grants designed to give funding and limited technical assistance to single library branches serving areas of extreme poverty. The Texas public libraries that won in this category are:
Christina Woll Fund Awards Grants
Dillman Elementary School in Muleshoe and the Walnut Hill Branch of Dallas
Public Library have been selected to receive $1,000 grants from the Christina
B. Woll Memorial Fund. Dillman Elementary will use their award to establish
special reading projects to encourage independent reading among young students
both in school and at home with parents. The Walnut Hill Branch will use
the funds to add to its collection of Toddler books.
Grants from the Woll Memo-rial Fund are awarded to libraries with a specific goal and demonstrated need in the area of collections development in the areas of reading support, subject support, curriculum support, and other projects that will directly affect users of the collection.
Kenneth Carr of El Paso to Join TSLAC
Governor George W. Bush has appointed El Paso attorney Kenneth Carr to the
Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Mr. Carr is a long-time supporter
of libraries and is active in civic and community affairs. Mr. Carr replaces
Barbara Silberberg of Dallas, whose term had expired. Governor Bush also
reappointed Sandra Pickett, a city council member and civic leader in Liberty,
to a second term on the Commission.
Texans for ALA Council
Eight from Lone Star State seeking election
Eight Texas librarians are seeking election to the American Library Association
Council, the ALA’s decision making body. They are:
Going to "Big D"
Three TLA members have won free registration to the 1999 TLA Annual Conference
in Dallas. The winners are Keiko Horton of Houston, Jerry Jarrell of Cooper,
and Eleanor Moring of Boerne. Names of all members who submitted their conference
registration and membership application by February 13 were eligible to
participate in the drawing for the free conference registration. Congratulations
Keiko, Jerry, and Eleanor!
1998 Dobie Awards
The J. Frank Dobie Awards Committee has announced the recipients of the 1998
Dobie Awards. The winners are:
New Address for the HUG Legal Fund
The Harrington Users Group Legislative Fund (HUGLF) announces a change of
address for that organization. The new address is:
HUGLF
c/o Harrington Users Group
P.O. Box 447
Amarillo, TX 79178
The HUGLF raises funds to support library-related legislation and is not affiliated with the Texas Library Association.
Names in the News
Linda Allmand, director of the Fort Worth Public Library and former president of the Texas Library Association and TLA Librarian of the Year, retired from her position in February.
Lisa deGruyter, manager of the Texas State Electronic Library, a project of the Texas State Library, has moved to the office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts where she will manage part of that agency’s networking operation.
Sandra McCurdy is the new Adult Services Supervisor at the Euless Public Library.
Pat Miller, library media specialist, Walker Station Elementary in the Fort Bend ISD, was selected Teacher of the Year for 1998 by the faculty of her school.
Suzan Nyfeler, formerly of the Central Texas Library System, and her husband Steve Morris, announce the birth of their second child, Roy Alan Morris, January 29.
Patty Taylor, longtime librarian at Bowie High School in Austin, has announced her retirement effective earlier this year.
Diana S. Villarreal, librarian at the A.L. Benevides Elementary School
in the Zapata is the proud grandmother of a brand new baby girl born in Feburary.
