Published by the Texas Library Association
C O N T E N T S
TLACast joins the e-age
Many TLA members received a link to this issue of TLA's newsletter in an email. After December 31, 2003, electronic publication will become the standard delivery mode for TLACast. Please be sure we have your current email address. Member information can be updated in the "Members Only/Officers Only" area of the TLA website.
R E F R E S H Your Information!
Do your TLA communications get lost in the mail? Don't let that happen again. Make sure your contact information is current. Help us reach you with all the information you need to know.
To update your information, just go to the "Members Only" section of the TLA website. First time users will need to set a login sequence. All you need, though, is your TLA member number, which is listed on your membership card or can be found in the TLA directory. Once you are in the "Members Only" section, you can update your information, sign up for electronic distribution lists, look for other members, and get access to special member information.
On Resource Sharing
By Eva Poole and Barry Bishop
The Texas Library Association, along with many members and library supporters across the state, worked tirelessly to maintain as much of TIF, TexShare, and the Texas Library Connection (TLC) as could be salvaged this last legislative session. Much to the detriment of the library users in Texas, however, decision makers did not support all of these programs.
As many of you already know, the legislature did not appropriate funding for TLC, reduced funding for TexShare databases, and eliminated TIF grants. Because of this shifting ground, the landscape for libraries particularly in resource sharing has changed. One of the most immediate consequences is the demise of TLC.
Work is already underway to see what can be done in the short and long term to provide database access in school libraries. While many issues remained unresolved, the real discussions are just beginning as to how to rebuild and secure resource sharing throughout the state that is sustainable and equitable for all types of libraries. Factors that will affect this work include school districts' willingness/ability to pay for access, the state economy, continued appropriations for library resource sharing programs, and the role state agencies will be able to assume in this process.
Many librarians are working through the TLA Resource Sharing Task Force and in concert with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (see guidelines statement below) to explore ways in which the people of Texas will be able to access online resources through all types of libraries. For the present, school database access can be negotiated through ESC 20 (contact Dixie Knight at dixie.knight@esc20.net for information), independent competitive vendor bids, and possibly TEA (at the time of printing no formal program had been announced).
TLA will continue working with decision makers to reinstate statewide school library database access. We encourage you to develop strategies for fostering community collaboration and support for school libraries. Together, we will stand firm in our commitment to insure that all children indeed all the people of this state have access to the information they need to succeed in life.
Guidelines on K-12 SCHOOL LIBRARY ACCESS to TexShare Databases
While committed to providing quality information resources to Texas library users, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's (TSLAC) TexShare program cannot supply online database access to the K-12 libraries. Due to legislative statutory eligibility requirements, membership in TexShare is not available to K-12 libraries.
K-12 librarians can promote the use of the TexShare databases among their students and faculty by referring them to the public library for TexShare access. (Use of a public library card or login to the databases from a school setting in lieu of purchasing a school library subscription to these databases would be considered a breech of the TexShare contracts.)
For full guidelines, visit www.texshare.edu/programs/academicdb/databaseinfo.html or contact Russlene Waukechon (rwaukchn@tsl.state.tx.us), TexShare database coordinator, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Assembly Wrap-up
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 Senator Kip Averitt |
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Several newly-formed TLA groups also met for the first time to begin statewide discussions on some of the library community's most pressing concerns.
- The Salary Compensation Task Force, led by Leah Adams and Herman Totten, is charged with designing and conducting a comprehensive salary survey and comparability study of all public and academic libraries in the state that will result in a recommended competitive salary level for library employees throughout the State of Texas.
- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and TLA joint Task Force on Implementation of the Public Library Development Study began its work reviewing and evaluating a 2003 TSLAC-sponsored study on public library development. The task force, which is chaired by Julie Todaro, will recommend to TSLAC which study recommendations should be implemented, including priorities for implementation, a feasible timeline, and resources required.
- A Task Force on Library Resource Sharing headed by Rhoda Goldberg began working on strategies for dealing with resource sharing issues, including marketing and long term cooperation. The task force will develop a roadmap for resource sharing and will make recommendations on legislative strategy.
- A joint TSLAC/TLA Task Force on Public Library Standards and Accreditation began reviewing recommendations from the Public Library Study related to minimum criteria for system membership. The task force will also examine current Texas standards and make recommendations on the relationship between standards and Texas Library System membership. Dale Fleeger is chair of this task force.
A W A R D S
Highsmith Library Award
The Highsmith Library Award Committee is now accepting nominations. The award will recognize two Texas libraries, one school and one public/academic/or special for their innovative programming. The application process is simple and may be emailed, mailed, or faxed. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a plaque presented by Highsmith, Inc. at the 2004 TLA Annual Conference. Nominations are due by December 31, 2003. For details, please go to www.txla.org/html/awards/high.html or email Lucile Dade (lucile.dade@cityofcarrollton.com).
Siddie Joe Johnson Award
The Siddie Joe Johnson Award recognizes an outstanding Texas librarian and member of Children's Round Table who works with children from preschool to eighth grade and who has been active within the last 12 months. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of outstanding or innovative programs, a sustained high level of performance, leadership ability, involvement in professional organizations, community involvement, and cooperation with parents and other libraries, especially outside their own system.
The recipient will be honored at the 2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon at TLA Annual Conference. For additional information, contact Amanda Williams at amanda@ctls.net. The nomination form and procedures can be accessed at http://www.txla.org/html/awards/sjj.html. The deadline is January 15, 2004.
J. Frank Dobie Library Trust Awards
J. Frank Dobie Library Trust Awards are monetary awards given each spring to library applicants selected by the Award Committee. Application is open to public libraries in Texas which (1) serve a population of 20,000 or less, (2) are legally established, and (3) are open for service at least 20 hours a week. The number and amount of awards depend on net income produced by the Trust. In 2003 five libraries received an award of $7,000.00 and one an award of $5,000.00.
Funds awarded may be used solely for the purchase of books. (Note: books which have been reformatted for ease of use, i.e., books on audio tape or CD-ROM are eligible.) Guidelines and application information can be found at http://www.txla.org/html/awards/dobie.html. The deadline is December 15, 2003.
and speaking of awards
Please remember that TLA and TLA units offer many different awards. Most of these awards (including stipends and research grants) are presented at conference, so the application deadline is approaching fast. To see all of the awards, stipends, grants, and scholarships available and learn about nomination information, go to the awards page of txla.org.
TLA Elections
The following TLA members have been nominated to run for TLA offices. Detailed information on the candidates will be included with the February TLACast.
President-Elect:
Kathryn Hoffman, Librarian
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)Gretchen McCord Hoffmann, J.D.
Fulbright and Jaworski (Austin)
Representative-at-Large (School):
Sharon Carr, Director of Library Services
El Paso ISDCaroline Kienzle, Director of Library Services
Irving ISD
Under TLA policy, a member may run for office by petition. The deadline for a candidate to file his/her petition is December 1. Twenty-five (25) current members must sign the petition for it to be valid. Current members as of February 1, 2004, will be eligible to vote. The ballot will be distributed with the February TLACast.
2003 District Meetings
- Saturday, September 27 • Abilene (with the West Texas Book & Author Festival)
- Friday, September 19 • Amarillo ISD Education Support Center
- Friday, October 24 • Temple Public Library
- Friday, October 17 • University of Houston at Victoria
- Saturday, September 20 • Robert E. Lee High School (Tyler)
- Saturday, September 27 • El Paso (with Border Regional Library Assn.)
- Saturday, October 25 • Tarrant County College (Fort Worth)
- Saturday, October 4 • Taylor High School (Houston)9
- Saturday, October 18 • Lamesa
- Saturday, October 25 • University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio)
Check the TLA website for more details and for contact information for your district.
What's Your Library Brand?
Well, those crazy, creative librarians are at it again! They want a brand not just any ol' brand but one that fits TLA. Over the past few months, the TLA Executive Board and TLA's Public Relations Committee have been discussing various options for a TLA brand. They opened up the discussion during Annual Assembly. Now, we would like to know what you think.
TLA is looking for a brand. What is a brand? It's a slogan of sorts, one that captures what the association means, what it does, why it's here. In short, a brand identifies who we are. For example, here are some famous brands:
- Coke: "The Real Thing"
- American Red Cross: "Together, We Can Save a Life"
- McDonald's: "You Deserve a Break Today"
- Texas Council for the Humanities: "Giving Wings to Ideas Since 1973"
- Visa: "Don't Leave Home Without It"
- Disney: "A Place Where Magic Lives"
Here are some that have been suggested for TLA:
- Standing Strong for Texas Libraries
- Standing for Texas Libraries Since 1902
- We're All about You
- Making Your Story Count
What are some directions? Think about the brand as something that tells the world what TLA does. Try to make it brief -- no more than six or seven words. Be creative and let us know what you think. Send your ideas to Pat Smith at pats@txla.org. We'll post the submissions on the TLA website. If your brand is selected, you will receive 2 complimentary tickets to Evening with the Authors during TLA's 2004 annual conference.
TALL Texans
The Texas Library Association graduated the ninth class of TALL Texans during the week of June 2-6, 2003. Participants completed a course of intensive concentration on leadership processes with the guidance of five mentors and two facilitators. The facilitators for the Institute were Maureen Sullivan and Jack Siggins, nationally recognized presenters in the area of leadership development. The corporate sponsor for the TALL Texans Institute was Hotho and Company.
The participants at the 2003 TALL Texans Institute were Jeana Actkinson, Irving High School, Irving ISD; Linda Alexander, Shadow Oaks Elementary, Spring Branch ISD; Amanda Barrera, North Texas Regional Library System, Ft. Worth; Holly Blaylock, Elsik High School, Alief ISD; Vaughn Branom, Spring Branch ISD; Mary Christmas, Corpus Christi ISD; Jane Claes, Davis Elementary School, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD; Peter Cortez, University of Texas/Pan American, Edinburg; Jane Darling, Wm. T. Cozby Public Library, Coppell; Robin Dwight, Beasley Elementary School, Mesquite ISD; Kathleen Green, Harris County Public Library; Ric Hasenyager, McRoberts Elementary, Katy ISD; Juanita Hazelton, Van Alstyne Public Library; Jennifer LaBoon, M. L. Phillips Elementary, Ft. Worth ISD; Dawn Lovett, Maribelle Davis Public Library, Plano; Leslie Anne Navarro, Austin Community College; Gretchen Pruett, Round Rock Public Library System; Renee Rick, Ridglea Hills Elementary, Ft. Worth ISD; Martha Rinn, Texas Lutheran University; Angela Skaggs, Angelo State University, San Angelo; Katherine Stack, Victoria Public Library; Beth Thomsett-Scott, University of North Texas; Joe Weaver, Moore County Libraries, Dumas; and Margaret Whitehead, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
The mentors for the Institute were Dale Fleeger, Northeast Texas Library System; Jim Hundemer, Houston ISD; Carrie Kienzle, Irving ISD; Eva D. Poole, Denton Public Library and TLA president; and Dana Rooks, University of Houston and TLA president-elect. The project manager was June Kahler Berry.
Many of the TLA units generously assisted members with participation expenses. These units were the College and University Libraries Division, the Public Libraries Division; Texas Association of School Librarians; Acquisitions and Collection Development Round Table; Administration Round Table; Archives and Local History Round Table; Children's Round Table; Library Friends, Trustees and Advocates Round Table; Library Instruction Round Table; Media & Related Technologies Round Table; New Members Round Table; Reference Round Table; Small Community Libraries Round Table; TALL Texans Round Table; Texas Regional Group of Classifiers and Catalogers Round Table; Young Adult Round Table; Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
The 2004 TALL Texans Institute will be held May 31June 4, 2004 at Canyon Oaks Ranch near Wimberley, Texas. The program provides leadership training for mid-career library and information science practitioners (degreed and non-degreed) who are currently employed in the field and have at least five years experience in library and/or information science. Library laypersons with at least three years of service to the library community are also eligible. You may nominate yourself or be nominated by someone else. Nomination forms may be obtained through the TLA website. The deadline is December 1, 2003.
Hot News!
YALSA, a division of the American Library Association, announced that Austin Public Library's Wired for Youth Program has been named as one of the 20 "best of the rest" in the Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults project. Five library projects were recognized as the top five, and an additional 20 were recognized as the best of the rest. The projects will be featured at a program during the 2004 ALA Conference and in a publication called Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults (4th edition) to be published by ALA next summer. APL is the only Texas library named for this honor.
The University of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences (Denton) has received a 2003 National Leadership Grant for libraries, education, and training. The School will partner with the Northeast Texas Library System to create Web-based courseware for continuing education for public librarians. Over the course of two years, the project partners will collaborate to develop, test, and refine Web-based courseware on continuing education topics for librarians and staff working in public libraries.
This year's YARI Award was presented to librarian Nelda Nance of the Denton Public Library at the opening of the new North Branch Library on June 24. Nance received the award for her work creating the Hard Cover Café, a program that provides young adult readers a place to share their love of reading. The purpose of the YARI Award is to honor a librarian who has shown exceptional ability in motivating young adults to read by developing and implementing a reading incentive program for young adults in grades 6-12.
The eighth annual Texas Book Festival will take place November 7-9 in Austin, Texas. Featured authors will include Herman Wouk, Scott Turrow, Amy Tan, and Ann Richards. For updates, visit the TBF website at www.texasbookfestival.org. TLA will again sponsor a table during the First Edition Literary Gala on Friday, November 7. Call or email Lynda Becker at 800/580-2852 or lyndab@txla.org if you are interested in joining other librarians during this dinner celebration at the Austin Marriott at the Capitol. Prices are the discounted rate of $200 per person.
During Annual Assembly, members of the Association joined to honor June Berry, as she retired as coordinator of the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute. June has guided the Institute since it first began in 1994. To honor her, alums of the TALL Texans classes joined to give her a quilt commemorating her tenure with TALL Texans. Additionally, library supporters joined in creating the June Berry Leadership Fund, which was started with an $8,000 endowment.
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In keeping with the high standards set by the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute, Jan Moltzan has been selected as the new coordinator of the program. Jan worked at Dallas Public Library, The Center for the Book, and as an adjunct professor at Texas Woman's University. She has been a longtime TLA member and served on countless TLA committees. She had dedicated much of her retirement time to coordinating Friends projects throughout the state.
Betty Carter has been selected at the 2004-2007 Texas Bluebonnet Award Coordinator. She is currently serving an intern year with TBA Coordinator Pat Jefferson. Betty taught reading for seven years and then served as school librarian for another seven. After moving to Dallas in 1988, she taught children's and young adult literature in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman's University. She has served on a number of book selection committees, including Best Books for Young Adults, the 1999 Newbery Committee, and the 2003 Sibert. She is presently retired from university teaching and working as a reviewer for Horn Book.
Names in the News
- Jane Gamez Vargas will begin a doctoral program at Texas A&M this fall and is moving to Surfside.
- Noemi Garza has been named director of the Brownsville Public Library.
- Mary D. Lankford has retired from the Texas
Education Agency. - Linda Lupro is now the director of library and
information services at Cy-Fair Library. - Tanya Tullos has relocated to Houston and now works for the Spring Branch ISD.
