During her over fifty years of dedicated service to public libraries, Elizabeth Gray Crabb crafted a legacy that will span beyond her years. Her passionate support for the freedom of information and her adamant stance of public service defined her life as a person, a professional, and an activist.
Born Elizabeth Ann Gray on September 1, 1925, in Denton, Texas, Elizabeth grew up in many of the North and East Texas towns that benefitted from her achievements. Her energy and commitment opened the doors for many communities with the creation of the Texas Panhandle Library System, her twenty year reign as the coordinator of the Northeast Texas Library System and a career that culminated in the Texas Library Association's Librarian of the Year Award in 1980, and the Distinguished Service Award in 1989.
Elizabeth died on Sunday, August 25, 1996. She is survived by her two children, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Crabb and Rupert McIver Crabb; one grandchild, Maggie Elizabeth Crabb; and three sisters, Coralee Blair, Margaret Mitchell, and Benny Jean Todd.
In recognition of her advocacy of Texas libraries, and her love of the legislative process, a special legislative fund has been established in memory of Elizabeth Crabb. Donations may be made to the Texas Library Association, 3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763.
Excerpted from the obituary written by Nancy Crabb, August 28, 1996
On August 28, 1996, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission drafted a resolution honoring Elizabeth's services to the library community of Texas, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and the Texas Library Association. The commission's resolution stated: Therefore be it resolved that the Texas State Library and Archives Commission recognizes and laments the passing of Elizabeth Crabb on Sunday, August 25, 1996 in Austin, Texas, and that her family and fellow citizens of the State of Texas have lost a steadfast friend.
Mark your calendars now to attend the Texas Book Festival on November 15-17, 1996 in Austin. In an effort to raise funds for Texas public libraries, First Lady Laura Bush has organized the festival with the hope that it will become an annual event. The focus of the festival will be Texas writers -- native Texans living out-of-state, writers living in Texas, and authors writing about Texas. More than 75 writers will be invited to read or speak about their work; topics will range from fiction and photography to mysteries and poetry. In addition to these panels, festive tents will be erected on Congress Avenue where activities will include book signings, booths with booksellers and publishers, children s activities, entertainment, and food concessions.
A book and author fundraising dinner on Friday evening at the Marriott Capitol will launch the festival. Authors will include John Graves, Mary Karr, Sandra Cisneros, and Larry McMurtry, all of whom will read from their works. Larry L. King will be the emcee for the evening. Although the dinner will be a high-dollar charitable event, the festival will be free. TLA will arrange for tables of librarians who are interested in attending the dinner at their own expense. Contact the TLA Office if you're interested. A 37-member advisory committee is working hard to solicit donations and underwriters, so that all proceeds can go to Texas libraries. Volunteers are needed; if interested call Julie Todaro at 512/223-3071, or e-mail at jtodaro@austin.cc.tx.us. For more information, check out the book festival webpage at http://bookfest.tsl.state.tx.us.
Four hundred and fifty-five individuals attended over 125 breakout meetings during the 1996 TLA Annual Assembly, which was held in Austin July 27-30. In addition to unit breakout meetings, TLA offered an intensive one-day media training workshop with media consultant Susan Silk. The pre-conference was well received and well attended. Some of the comments from participants are: Facilitator was impressively knowledgeable about library issues... ...Very practical and useful information; I will use this in many different situations... ...and This trainer was extremely well prepared, inspiring and engaging - especially appreciated the trainer s familiarity with library situations and applications.
TLA's governing body, the TLA Council:
"Todos bibliotecarios?!", exclaimed the disbelieving Mexican customs official as 10 College and University Libraries Division (CULD) members stood in line for tourist visas on a hot Sunday afternoon. Yes, it was true, all librarians were destined for a visit to the libraries in the metropolitan city of Monterrey, Mexico. The library tour, which left from McAllen on May 19 and returned on May 22 was part of a program of activities of CULD's Texas/Mexico Relations (TMR) subcommittee to build bridges of communication with Mexican libraries and librarians. TMR tour organizers Sue Sappington and Nancy Cunningham selected Monterrey because of its proximity to the border and the number of large academic libraries located in the area. Tour participants also included Diane Duesterhoeft, St. Mary's University; Paul Culp, Sam Houston State University; Jackie Crinion and Beverly Carver from University of Texas-San Antonio; and the following librarians from University of Texas-Pan American: Ward Price, Shokoufeh Moghtassed, Virginia Haynie Gause, and George R. Gause.
In short, the trip was a grand success! The group visited seven libraries, three museums, one beer garden and a pe€a (cafe featuring folkloric music). Libraries visited included the library at Museo de Historia Mexicana, Universidad de Monterrey, INTEGER - Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Biblioteca Central Magna, Instituto Technolągico y De Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (aka "Tec"), Biblioteca Central del Estado, and the Biblioteca Capilla Alfonsina of the State University of Nuevo Leon.
The hospitality we received from our Mexican colleagues was tremendous. We were graciously welcomed at every entrance and treated to informative presentations and tours of the libraries and their services. At the Magna library we were greeted in the computer area with the homepages of each of our libraries displayed on computer screens as well as the TLA homepage. Almost all library tours were conducted by the Mexican librarians in English. The state public library in Monterrey truly outdid themselves in providing each of us a gift of the lovely book, Di logos del Arte Mexicano.
I have never visited libraries outside the U.S., Beverly Carver commented, it was an eye opening experience. Diane Duesterhoeft added, It was informative to see the contrast between private, academic, and public institutions. Would the librarians be interested in participating in another trip in the future? Absolutely! wrote Jackie Crinion, I consider it one of the most productive professional events I have ever attended.
The Texas/Mexico Relations Subcommittee is making arrangements for a second trip to be offered in conjunction with the IV International Book Fair of Monterrey, which will take place October 26-November 3, 1996. Several Texas librarians will be presenting programs at the book fair as a TMR project. The four- day, three-night tour will coincide with the presentations and is open to all interested persons. For more information contact Sue Sappington at the University of Texas-Pan American; 210/381-2759 or e-mail at: sues@panam.edu.
Contributed by Nancy Cunningham and Sue Sappington
The first Highsmith Innovation Award for recognition of a library's achievement in planning and implementing an innovative or creative program or service will be presented at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in April, 1997.
The purpose of the annual award is to encourage innovation by highlighting a library program or service which has had a measurable impact on its users. The program or service may involve creativity in staffing, administration, governance, use of volunteers, and/or service to the public.
Libraries of any size or type are eligible for the award, which will consist of $1,000 and a plaque to be presented by Highsmith, Inc.
Nomination format: a narrative including 1) a description of the program or service; 2) how it is creative or innovative; 3) how it has impacted users; and 4) how the impact was measured. The narrative should be no longer than two pages single spaced. Appropriate supporting materials may be appended.
The nomination postmark deadline is January 17, 1997. Send nominations to Margaret Irby Nichols, Chair, ad hoc Highsmith Innovation Award Committee, 2514 Royal Lane, Denton, TX 76201.
The Texas Media Awards is a statewide amateur media competition sponsored by the Texas Library Association. Any Texas citizen of any age who is an amateur in the area of media production may enter the competition. Now in its tenth year, the contest has grown from less than 50 entries to over 200 entries this past year, reflecting the efforts of over 900 people.
Categories of media include audio tape, photography, slide/tape, and video tape. Two new categories have been added to the Awards for 1997: multimedia productions; and a demonstration category for individual student web pages. The video tape category is divided by production done with in-camera editing or with electronic editing. Following are the age divisions: 0-5 years; 6-9 years; 10-13 years; 14-19 years; 20 years and older; mixed age groups; and organizations. First, second, and third place, and honorable mention awards are given in each media category within each age grouping. In addition, a Best of Show Award is given to the most outstanding media production entered. This award is given in memory of Bob Bennet, who supplied the Texas Media Award Committee with many hours of hard work and encouragement.
The entry deadline is Friday, January 17, 1997. All entries must be postmarked or delivered to the TLA Office by this date. A $5 entry fee per individual, sponsoring organization, or school campus is required to defray postage costs. To receive an entry form contact the TLA Office at 1/800/580-2852.
Do you think your superintendent or principal deserves recognition for the contribution he or she has made toward promoting the library program in your school or district? Here is your chance to honor and celebrate that person's interest in your program, as well as reinforce the importance that school libraries should play in the total educational process. Nominate that special administrator for the 1996-97 TASL Distinguished Library Service Award for School Administrators to be presented at the 1997 TLA Conference in Fort Worth.
The award is presented to an individual currently responsible for administering a school or group of schools, who has made a unique and sustained contribution to furthering the role of the library and its development in elementary and/or secondary education. Candidates may be recommended by an individual school librarian or by local or district library organizations in Texas. The award will be made only if a worthy candidate is identified.
Nominations for the award must be received by the chair of the Administrator's Award Committee by January 10, 1997. The nomination packet consists of the official nomination form, a biographical profile form, and guidelines for the award administration. Supporting data should establish the candidate's administrative leadership and effort, contributions to the concept of effective school library service, success in interpreting the role of the school library in the educational program, and concrete evidence of accomplishment.
To receive a nomination packet, please contact Pat Jefferson, Chair, Administrator's Award Committee, 1301 N. Carroll, Southlake, TX 76092; (w) 817/421- 1421, (h) 817/431-0376, or e-mail pdj@tenet.edu.
The Texas Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee is requesting nominations for the TEXAS/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award. This is an annual award recognizing the contribution of an individual or group who has actively promoted intellectual freedom in Texas. The award is donated by Social Issues Resources Series, Inc. (SIRS) and consists of $500 awarded to the recipient, $500 to the library of the recipient's choice, and a plaque commemorating the award.
Nominations for the award are judged on active promotion of intellectual freedom, the exemplifying of the spirit of intellectual freedom, and the impact of efforts to promote intellectual freedom. Examples might be written and approved policies, programming or special activities, or ongoing promotion of intellectual freedom. Nominations for the award may be made by anyone in Texas, and individuals and groups are encouraged to nominate themselves.
Nominations for this year's award must be submitted to the TLA Office by January 1, 1997. For more information, or a nomination form, please contact the TLA Office at 800/580-2852 or Shelley McCoy at 409/849-6288 (work) or 409/848-8942 (home).
Judy Ryan, librarian at Woodlands High School (formerly McCullough High School), was awarded the Young Adult Reading Incentive (YARI) Award for 1996 at the TLA Annual Conference in Houston. The YARI Award is given by the Young Adult Round Table to an outstanding librarian who works with students in grades 6-12. Texwood Furniture contributes a $500 prize to the winner.
According to Judy Ryan, The most important item in planning a reading incentive program is to include the whole school--that includes the building principal, teachers, aides, maintenance personnel--and of course students. Everyone needs to read for enjoyment...Themes (genres) are one way to emphasize...reading. Mrs. Ryan's winning thematic program carried through the whole year with visiting authors, contests, faculty summer reading, book sales, and the "mean green reading machine"!
These descriptions were given of the winning program from co-workers, administrators, and others who nominated Mrs. Ryan for the award: Through her efforts...reading has become part of the culture of McCullough High School. Teachers read; administrators read and talk about books; students ask for books by authors' names; reading is `cool' and the library is the `in' place.
Has it (the program) made a difference? The difference in measurable terms has appeared in test scores on the reading section of the TAAS and in the verbal scores of the SAT.
The library has become the hub for both students and faculty...who wanted to extend learning beyond textbooks.
None of this would have been possible without the inspirational and organizational efforts of Judy Ryan. The Young Adult Round Table congratulates Judy Ryan and her staff on their hall of fame efforts and winning program!
The purpose of the YARI Award is to honor a librarian who has shown exceptional ability in motivating young adults to read by developing or implementing a new reading incentive program for students in grades 6-12.
The award will consist of an engraved plaque and a stipend of $500 donated by Texwood Furniture Corporation to be presented at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference.
Criteria for the Award:
The Recipient
Nominations must be made on the Nomination Form (the original and four copies) and must include one set of supporting materials.
Please print or type this nomination form. Submit the original and four (4) copies of the form and one (1) set of supporting materials. All materials must be easily reproducible and become the property of the Young Adult Round Table. The nomination must be received no later than December 1, 1996. Send all nomination information to Monta Scaggs, past chair, Young Adult Round Table, c/o Parkhill Junior High, 16500 Shady Bank, Dallas, TX 75248.
Name of Library, School, or Institution:
Nominee's Name:
Nominee's Title:
Address:
City: TX,
Phone (Work)
Phone (Home)
e-mail address:
Fax:
Beginning and Ending dates of program described:
Nominator's name, title, phone, and address (if not nominee):
All responses must be typed of printed on 8« X 11" sheets and attached to this form. Describe fully, in approximately 1000 words, the program designed to bring young adults and books together. Include a description of the concept, purpose, and preparation for the program itself, and an analysis of its effects on the young adult participants, the community, and the promotion of life-long reading habits. Indicate why you believe that this program is especially significant or valuable.
Relevant biographical data about the nominee should document education and work experience. Additional supporting letters will be accepted, but are not necessary.
Any of the following types of documentation may be submitted. Please check those items that are included with the application. Submit only one set of the supporting documentation with the original and four copies of the nomination form.
Bookmarks News Release
Brochures Newsletter
Testimonial Photographs
Newspaper clips Audio/video tape
Magazine clips Other (specify)
Nominee's signature:
TLA membership Number:
The first TLA/NMRT Quality Books Inc. Professional Grant was awarded to Candace Jensen, Library Media Specialist at Colin L. Powell Elementary School in The Woodlands, Texas. The award was presented at the New Members Round Table Orientation Program at TLA by Harold Sterling, senior vice president of Quality Books, Inc. The grant, funded by Quality Books, Inc. and the TLA/NMRT Endowment Fund, provides assistance to attend the TLA Annual Conference to a librarian in the first five years of professional employment. The $1000 grant covers conference registration, travel expenses, lodging, and per diem. All new librarians are urged to consider applying for this grant for 1997. Information and applications will be available in the NMRT Fall newsletter and at District meetings.
The Texas Library Association graduated the third class of TALL Texans during the week of June 17-21, 1996. Twenty-four selected participants completed a course of intensive concentration on leadership processes with the guidance of six mentors and two facilitators. The Leadership Development Institute was held in the scenic Hill Country at Harambe Oaks Ranch. The facilitators for the Institute were Maureen Sullivan and Jack Siggins, nationally recognized presenters in the area of leadership development.
The participants at the 1996 TALL Texans Institute were Susan Allison, Richardson Public Library; Danita Barber Owusu, Hurst Public Library; Sheri Benton, Hansford Public Library; Ronette Burnett, Fort Worth ISD; Sandy Gillman, Plano Public Library System; Ron Glass, AMIGOS Bibliographic Council, Inc.; Bev Golden, North East ISD; Stella Gonzales, Cathedral High School, El Paso; Laura Heinz, Texas Tech University; Chandler Jackson, University of Texas at Arlington; Connie Kallenberg, Dallas Public Library; Jeanne Martinez, Education Service Center XX, San Antonio; Dale McNeill, Dallas Public Library; Tina Mesa, Alamo Area Library System; Pat Miller, Fort Bend ISD; Connie Moss, Carrollton Libraries; Karen Nichols, Lamar University; Linda Plevak, Alamo Area Library System; Sue Ridnour, Carrollton Libraries; Sue Sappington, University of Texas - Pan Am; Norma Smith-Tyler, San Angelo ISD; Pat Vera, Crowley Public Library; Diane Whitby, Houston Public Library; and Chloris Yue, University of Houston-Clear Lake.
The mentors for the Institute were Steve Brown, North Richland Hills Public Library; Ruth Dahlstrom, Goliad ISD; Barbara Gubbin, Houston Public Library; Robert Martin, Texas State Library; Maureen Pastine, Southern Methodist University; and Dana Rooks, University of Houston. The project manager was June Kahler Berry.
Many of the TLA units generously assisted members with participation expenses. These units were College and University Libraries Division; Public Libraries Division; Texas Association of School Librarians; Special Libraries Division; Acquisitions and Collection Development Round Table; Administration Round Table; Archives and Local History Round Table; Automation and Technology Round Table; Children's Round Table; Government Documents Round Table; Library Instruction Round Table; Media and Related Technologies Round Table; New Members Round Table; Reference Round Table; Serials Round Table; Small Community Libraries Round Table; Special Services Interest Group; Black Caucus Interest Group; Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10.
Adding assistance were many of the employing institutions including the City of Richardson; City of Hurst; City of Plano; AMIGOS Bibliographic Council, Inc.; Cathedral High School, El Paso; University of Texas at Arlington; Friends of the Dallas Public Library; Carrollton Libraries; Lamar University; San Angelo ISD; City of Crowley; Houston Public Library; and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Several TLA members also made personal contributions to the 1996 Institute.
Special thanks to Hotho and Company and Texwood for their corporate sponsorship.
The TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute will be held next year during the week of June 2-6, 1997. If you are interested in participating or if you know a worthy candidate, watch for nomination forms at the TLA fall district meetings and in a forthcoming informational brochure. The deadline for nominations is December 6, 1996.
At its July, 1996, meeting, the TLA Executive Board authorized TLA divisions, round tables, interest groups, and districts to sponsor listservs of their members. The listservs, which will be moderated by a member of the unit, will be maintained by the TLA webmaster.
Listservs for the Serials Round Table and for the Acquisitions and Collection Development Round Table have been established. Moderating the Serials Round Table listserv will be Jill Emery of Texas Southern University (libajxemery%china@tiger.tsu.edu). To subscribe, complete the following steps:
If you have any difficulties, contact the TLA webmaster at webmaster@txla.org.
Moderating the listserv for the Acquisitions and Collection Development Round Table will be Kris Murphy (kmurphy@mail.smu.edu). To subscribe, follow the same instructions as for the Serials Round Table, but substitute the following text in the body:
TLA District 5 will meet on Saturday, October 26, at Southfork Ranch (the home of J. R. Ewing). This promises to be a day of exciting workshops, good food, and lots of fun. Dress western, discuss the Internet and eat barbecue. Put this date on your calendar now so you will be sure to attend. Planned workshops include: library leadership; using the Internet as a reference tool; influencing decision makers; helping students get the most out of an Internet search; and many more. Registration forms will be mailed in late September to all District 5 members.
Philip M. Turner is the new Dean of the library school at the University of North Texas.
Jan Moltzan retired as the executive director of the Texas Center for the Book after 28 years of service to the Dallas Public Library.
Liz Haynes is now the professional collection librarian at the El Paso Independent School District.
Cathy Threadgill is the new director of the Brazoria County Library.
Candace Jensen, library media specialist at Colin L. Powell Elementary School in Woodlands, Texas, is the winner of the 1996 Information Plus Continuing Education Scholarship, sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the American Library Association (ALA).
Loriene Roy and Ramiro Salazar were elected to the ALA Council.
Lois Kroeker, the librarian who was injured by a bus at the 1996 TLA Conference, has returned to work at West Elementary School in Levalland on a half time basis. She has graduated from a walker and is now able to walk with the assistance of a cane.
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