Volume 25, No. 3 - SEPTEMBER 2006
 Published by the Texas Library Association
Advocacy Workshops


We the people of libraries in order to
form a more perfect library community…

Whether you are from a Public, School, or Academic Library

All librarians, friends, board members, and supporters share a
common goal to GET STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR LIBRARIES.

 As we face a critical time for our own libraries—

  • Will our local budgets be cut?

  • Will we be ultimately categorized as instructional
    (The Commissioner changed the rule)?

  • Who will speak for us?

  • How can we effectively speak for ourselves?

  • What is the right message?

  • What issues are just around the corner?

The time for ACTION is now! Join your colleagues for an important event designed to help us increase support for libraries. “Advanced Communication Strategies” with Ellen Miller is a workshop that TLA, public library systems, ESCs, and TSLAC are producing around the state. There is no registration fee.

 What you will have at the end of this workshop:

  • A persuasive piece you draft during the workshop, which states your case for improved funding and support.

  • An action plan for getting your library message out to local media and decision-makers.

  • Information from TLA you can carry to your board on current policy issues for which citizen involvement is needed.

  • Communication strategies you can use to strengthen your library’s funding position.

Workshop Agenda

  1. Communications basics

  2. Getting out your library message

  3. State and national policy issues from TLA

  4. Do’s and don’ts for persuasive and effective messages

  5. “Let’s Do It!” action plan to take home

Ellen Miller is a nationally-known consultant whose recent workshops include: “Partnership ABCs,” “Getting the $$ and staff your library needs: Mission impossible?” and “Trustee Roles and Tools.” Ellen’s website and participant comments can be viewed at www.ellenmillergroup.com. Her recent clients include the Urban Libraries Council and the Kansas Research and Education Network. She is senior author of the upcoming book Library board strategic guide: Going to the next level, which will be published in 2007 by Scarecrow Press. 

  


 Advocacy Workshops

TLA Awards

TLA News
 Branding Iron PR Awards
Texas Media Awards
Men of TLA Calendar
Blogs
Assembly
Elections

District Meetings

Legislative Update

Library/Literacy Events 

Grants & Awards

Names in the News


I’d like to thank everyone who
made this possible…

It’s awards season again. Remember, now is the time to begin thinking about all of the great library work being accomplished and making plans to have good work rewarded. TLA and its many units present awards at annual conference. Awards include

Librarian of the Year, Wayne Williams Library Project of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Service to Libraries, Benefactor, and numerous division and unit awards and stipends.

Check out the TLA Awards website to find out how to make nominations. The deadline for most awards is December 1.

Coming to a location near you!

All workshops will be held from 9:00 am (9-9:30 am registration) to 3:30 pm. Participants will receive five hours of CE credits meeting TSLAC and SBEC requirements.

Houston Area

Panhandle and West Texas

Central Texas/San Antonio

North Texas and Northeast Texas

  • Oct. 24 - Mansfield: Mansfield Public Library, 104 S. Wisteria, Mansfield. For registration information, go to: http://www.ntrls2.org/workshop_registration.asp.
  • Oct. 25 - Kilgore: Educational Service Center 7, 1909 N. Longview Street, Kilgore. For registration information, go to: http://www.netls.org.
  • Oct. 26 - Irving: Irving Public Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving. For registration information, go to: http://www.netls.org.

South Texas

Come and get your “I’ll see you in February 2007” ribbon and learn details about TLA’s cash award to the friends group (school or public) or foundation that generates the biggest letter-writing campaign between now and February 2007. Also, don’t miss your chance to get the packet of templates and issue papers.

TLA News

TLA PR Branding Iron Awards

As part of TLA’s effort to solicit examples of Texas PR activities, the Association is announcing the Texas Library PR Branding Iron Awards. TLA will offer PR awards in each of 10 categories, with one Best of Show prize, which will be announced at the TLA 2007 Annual Conference in San Antonio.

To enter, participants must submit entries to the TLA Office, ATTN: Texas Branding Iron Awards, 3355 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 401, Austin, TX 78746. The deadline is December 1, 2006.

Cover letters

All entries must include a cover letter. Letters must:

  • be signed by an administrator of the library, organization, or group;
  • describe the PR activity in 100 words or less;
  • include the name, phone number, and email of a contact person; and
  • specify the category for which the entry is submitted. (See the list under “Categories.”)

Eligible period and supporting materials

Entries may cover PR activities conducted since 2000. All entries and supporting materials will remain with TLA. The Association reserves the right to publish any and all entries on the TLA website as part of the “best practices” section of the TLA PR Rx Toolkit website. Only items for which the sender has copyright ownership may be sent.

Format of entries

Entries should include no more than two pages of description. The bulk of the entry should include the actual products and examples of the PR effort. Supplemental materials may include, but are not limited to, photographs, scrapbooks, CDs, DVDs, announcements, and documents. Please note that all audio and visual materials must be submitted in digital form. No audiotapes or video tapes will be accepted.

Judging

The entries will be judged by public relations professionals and be scored according to the quality of the final product.

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 Plan 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.

Texas Media Awards

The Texas Media Awards promotes excellence in student media production and its importance in life-long learning. School and public librarians can sponsor student entries in nine categories, listed below. Any individual student or group project created between January 14, 2006 and January 19, 2007 is eligible for the Texas Media Awards Program, which will be held during the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in San Antonio in April 2007. The most outstanding entry over all earns the Bob Bennett "Best of Show" Award.

  • Animation
  • Black/White Photograph
  • Color Photograph
  • Digital Photograph
  • Digital Music Composition
  • Graphic Design
  • Multimedia Presentation
  • Video Recording
  • Web Page Design

So, think back to spring and encourage your teachers and young artists to pull out some of those great projects for entry in this year's program and think ahead this fall when new project opportunities arise.

The Texas Media Awards program is sponsored by the Texas Media Awards Committee and the Media and Related Technologies Round Table of the Texas Library Association.

For further information, see the Texas Media Awards site at http://www.txla.org/groups/tma/tma.html

The Men of TLA Calendar

Before a calendar featuring the men of TLA was even proposed, everyone knew there were plenty of fascinating and photogenic men in the association. The concern was whether or not they would be willing subjects for the project. Turns out that wasn’t a problem; in fact, the calendar will now be a real bargain, charting out a full 18 months f rom January 2007 all the way through June 2008.

What will the men be wearing (or not)?  Who will be Mr. February? Who posed in a bubble bath? Which TLA dignitary plays a tuba? Preorder your calendar; don't miss this chance to spend your days and weeks and months with the Men of TLA.  Printing is scheduled for October with a November delivery. By the way, the calendars make great holiday gifts!

Blogs

TLA will soon be offering all its units access to blogs. This new service will premier in October. Information will be posted on the TLA website. Randy May (randym@txla.org), TLA’s network coordinator, will be responsible for working with any units interested in maintaining a blog.

Annual Assembly

Almost 500 librarians and library supporters participated in the 2006 Annual Assembly at the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake in Austin. The hectic schedule of meetings was highlighted by a hilarious presentation by journalist and author Molly Ivins, who spoke at the assembly-wide luncheon. She praised librarians for their courage and discussed the pressing need to protect democracy and First Amendment rights.

Other special events included a spirited discussion on the state’s continuing education needs. The focus group meeting was ledby Julie Todaro and Ted Wanner. TLA also set a benchmark for Assembly entertainment. The first-ever riverboat excursion was a sold-out success. Free homemade beer and sangria provided by Steve Brown and James Stewart set the tone for the evening. (We’re just glad no one landed in the water!)

TLA Elections

The Nominating Committee announces the following slate of candidates for the TLA Executive Board.

 President Elect (academic)

  •   Jeanne Pyle (UT-Tyler)

  •   Melody Kelly (UNT)

Representative-at-Large (school)

  •   Carlyn Gray (Round Rock ISD)

  •   Mary Woodard (Mesquite ISD)

If anyone wishes to run in any TLA-wide election, you must submit a written petition to the TLA office no later than December 1, 2006.

TLA elections will be held in February 2007. To be eligible to vote, you must renew your TLA membership for 2007 by February 1. Elections will be held online. Any member who wishes to submit a traditional paper ballot will have the option of doing so.

District Meetings

For additional information, including links on registration are on the district meeting website.

District 1
Saturday, September 30
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
Linda Rees, Chair
325/884-2854

 District 6
Friday & Saturday, September 29 & 30
(With Border Regional Library Assn)
 El Paso Community College-NW Campus
Patricia Hernandez, Chair
915/857-0594
District 2
Friday, September 29
Hereford, Deaf Smith County Library
Sue Powell, Chair
806/363-7620, ext 1220		 District 7
Saturday, November 4; 10 am – 5 pm (approx.)
Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum
Jennifer Rike, Chair
817/299-6929

District 3
 Friday, October 13
Round Rock Higher Education Center
Laura Stiles, Chair
512/428-2321

District 8
Saturday, October 21
Bellaire, Pin Oak Middle School
Mary Alford, Chair
713/662-8161

District 4
Friday, October 13
Laredo, Texas A&M International University
Rodney Webb, Chair-elect
956/326-2400

District 9
Saturday, September 16
Lubbock, Region XVII Education Service Center
Francy Rains, Chair
806/637-4523
 
District 5
Saturday, September 23
Dallas Public Library
Miriam Rodriguez, Chair
214/671-9282		 District 10
Saturday, November 4
Seguin, Texas Lutheran University
Dede Rios, Chair
210/434-6711, ext. 2575

Legislative Update

65% Rule

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the final language for the “65% solution” rule at the end of July. The final rule became effective August 13, 2006. For background information, see Texline issues 199, 200, 202, 203, and 204.

The final rule differs from the posted rule in several ways. Most notably for librarians, the indicator which included librarians (and not nurses and counselors) in the definition of instructional costs was divided into two separate indicators which school districts must meet.

One indicator (Indicator 13) removes librarians/libraries and eligible costs and reverts back to the National Center for Education Statistics (which does not cover Function Code 12 – i.e., librarians). The impact of this indicator was lowered from a total of five points to three and will be phased in over three years, with the first benchmark set at 55% (2006-2007) of costs attributable to instructional expenditures (as defined above). The standard will then be set for 60% in 2007-2008 and 65% in 2008-2009.

 The other indicator (Indicator 14) includes librarians, counselors, and nurses (Function Codes 11, 12, 31, 33, 36, 93, and 95) and is also worth three points on the ratings system. This indicator goes into effect immediately and will not be implemented over three years. In other words, districts will also be rated on their instructional expenditures including librarians, counselors, and nurses.

 Impact

The new rule improves somewhat the rating system for districts as a whole in terms of providing greater flexibility. However, the new language (prompted by testimony at the hearing on the need to include other groups besides librarians in the definition) reverts back to the federal definition.

 Given the discussion at the end of the last Special Session of the 79th Legislature, there is strong legislative interest in eliminating the impact of the rule completely. TLA maintains that any definition of instruction that does not include school library programs and librarians is incomplete. The likelihood of additional school reform legislation in the upcoming session will offer an opportunity for the education community to continue addressing this issue.

 To view the full rule, go to: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/home/coeadopt.html. Go to Adopted Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 109, Budgeting, Accounting, and Auditing, Subchapter AA, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Financial Accountability Rating System.

 Telecommunications Discounts

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) is finalizing a review of state required telecommunications discounts for libraries, schools, and institutions of higher education. These discounts (originally a part of the broad legislation that created state support mechanisms for distance education and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund back in 1995) were continued through 2012 last summer.

 The PUC held a workshop in late June to hear public comments and had invited written filings, which were due in late May. Based on these responses and comments, the PUC staff is working on a recommendation that may result in some legislative proposals. Some of the topics for consideration include the possible creation of a new mechanism to support discounted rates to libraries and schools either through some central fund or another as yet unspecified means. The final report is due in legislative office by the middle of November.

 To track developments and official filings, you may access the project’s website at http://www.puc.state.tx.us/telecomm/projects/31925/31925.cfm. All documents filed in this proceeding may be obtained, free of charge, at the Commission’s document retrieval website: http://interchange.puc.state.tx.us/WebApp/Interchange/application/dbapps/filings/pgSearch.asp. [In the Control Number field, type in 31925, then click the Search Now button to retrieve all documents].

 State Library Sunset

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission staff is currently finalizing their report on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Once a draft report is completed, stakeholders will be offered the opportunity to comment on the draft. For information, go to http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/80.htm#lac.

The Sunset Advisory Commission will hold a hearing to consider the State Library on Nov. 14 and 15, 2006 in Austin. The Commission will make its decision on December 13 and 14, 2006.

TSL Budget Hearings

On August 4, the Texas State Library Archives Commission approved the staff recommendations for the agency budget for fiscal years 2007-2008. The Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) includes a mandated 10% reduction in state funds. The bulk of the cut was taken in library development (one of the few programs where state funds were not tied directly to salaries). The agency requested two exceptional items: 1) approximately $11 million per year for Loan Star Libraries (including funds to “reinstate” much of the funding eliminated in the base budget due to the cut) and 2) approximately $20 million for continued renovations of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Library building. No new funding requests were made for TexShare or K-12 school library database access.

The Legislative Budget Board will consider the State Library budget on September 6 at 2:30 pm in the Capitol, E2-030.

The Senate Finance Committee will consider the State Library budget at 9 am on October 2 in Rm. E1.036 in the Capitol Extension.

Library and Literacy Events


Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival will welcome Gore Vidal and Senator Barack Obama to the Texas Capitol. The TBF will be held October 27-29, 2006 and will feature acclaimed authors from around the state and country. The Opening Session on Saturday, October 28, will include presentation of the Bookend Awards to Louis Sachar and Texas Monthly.

The Texas Book Festival benefits Texas public libraries. With funds from last year’s event, the Festival has awarded close to $2 million in total grant funds to public libraries since its inception in 1996. First Lady Laura Bush continues to serve as Honorary Chairman of the event.

For detailed information on programs, authors, and events, go to: http://www.texasbookfestival.org/.

West Texas Book and Music Festival

The sixth annual West Texas Book and Music Festival will be a week-long event (Sept. 19-23) in Abilene at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th. Featured authors include Elmer Kelton, Jane Roberts Wood, Donna Ingham, Carlton Stowers, Lori Wilde, Dixie Cash, Christopher Oglesby, Karen Wright and Wayne Edwards. Author sessions are free. 

Two new events and a new award for authors are being inaugurated during this year’s Festival. Friday night, Sept. 22, “An Evening of West Texas Music” is a free concert at the Paramount Theatre downtown featuring Catclaw Creek, Happy Fat, Jamison Priest, the Literary Jazz Quintet, Sonny West, and Slim Chance and the Survivors.  On Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, the “West Texas Gospel Hymnfest” is a free concert/sing-along of old gospel favorites. Everyone who shows up will get a songbook put together especially for the occasion.

WordWright.biz and the Festival sponsor the brand new Abilene Book Award. It costs nothing to enter and the winner receives a publishing contract with WordWright.biz.  Details on the award and all the events are available at www.abilenetx.com/apl by clicking on the Boots & Books logo.

Scheduled activities include:

Local author reception: Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 6-8 p.m.  Abilene authors who have had a book published in the past year will be honored at a reception at the library.

Brown bag lunch series:  Three free noontime programs at the Abilene Public Library.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 20 - Tom Wideman, author, Texas Rattlesnake Tales and music by Michael Henry Martin.

  • Thursday, Sept. 21 - Bob Fink, author, Twilight Innings: A West Texan on Grace and Survival, Carlton Stowers, author of more than thirty books, mostly true crime and sports and music by Victoria Moore.

  • Friday, Sept. 22 - Christopher Oglesby & Joe Specht on West Texas music, with singer/songwriter Tony Barker.

The Texas Cookbook Gala: Thursday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Abilene Country Club. A formal dinner raises funds for library programs. Menu features recipes from cookbooks by Texas authors:

Paula Lambert: The Cheese Lover’s Cookbook and Guide, Chef Randy Evans: The Kitchen Table -- Brennan’s of Houston, Matt Martinez: Matt Martinez MexTex and Linda & Steve Bauer: Recipes from Historic America, Recipes from Historic Texas, Recipes from Historic Louisiana. 
Wine from Texas wineries: Becker’s Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Cap*Rock, La Buena Vida, Llano Estacado, McPherson Cellars. Tickets are $100-$150 per person.

Authors in Schools: Friday, Sept. 22. All day.  Authors will present programs at local schools and universities. All AISD second graders will participate.

Cooking Demonstration with Paula Lambert & Camille McBee: Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. at the MCM Eleganté.  Lambert, the “Mozzarella Queen” prepares dishes, wine expert McBee selects wine to go with them and attendees get to sample on Sept. 22.  Tickets are $30 per person in advance.

A Little Poetry: Friday, Sept. 22, 1:15 p.m.  Poets Wayne Edwards and Jim Wilson, with music by Greg Young.

West Texas Poetry Sampler: Friday, Sept. 22 beginning at 2:15.  Area poets may sign up to read three poems or for three minutes (whichever comes first). Register to participate by e-mailing Glenn Dromgoole at g.dromgoole@cox.net                 

An Evening of West Texas Music: Friday night, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. at the historic Paramount Theatre.  Free concert featuring Catclaw Creek, Happy Fat, JamisonPriest, Sonny West, Slim Chance & the Survivors and the Literary Jazz Quintet.    

Hall of Texas Authors: Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m.  Texas authors and publishers display, sell and sign books in the Civic Center exhibit hall.  Musical performers will be on hand throughout the day.  Featured authors participate in panel discussions and programs on many aspects of writing and literature.

Boots and Books Luncheon: Saturday, Sept. 23, noon, Conference Center.  The A.C. Greene Award will be presented to Jane Roberts Wood during this luncheon.  Previous winners are John Graves, Walt McDonald, Elmer Kelton, Sandra Brown and Liz Carpenter. Reservations are required – Tickets are $25 per person in advance.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

West Texas Gospel Hymnfest: Saturday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m., Conference Center.  A celebration of gospel music and the old, well-loved hymns led by Catclaw Creek, Sharon Leyerle, Lee Hamilton and Harold Christian.

Audience participation is encouraged.

The festival, presented by the Friends of the Abilene Public Library and the Abilene Reporter-News, has raised more than $100,000 for library programs in its first five years. More than 1,000 readers and writers are expected to attend the various sessions throughout festival week.

For more complete information, see the festival web site at http://www.abilenetx.com/apl.  Click on the Boots & Books logo.

ACLU Foundation of Texas Announces 10th Annual Banned Books Report

The ACLU Foundation of Texas raises awareness of censorship - and promotes the free exchange of ideas - during national Banned Books Week each fall. The annual report, "Free People Speak Freely," of the ACLU of Texas Banned Books Project, is released during Banned Books Week, and numerous local ACLU chapters host readings in bookstores and libraries. The Banned Books Project 2006 Leaders are Kerry Dolan and Sarah Sulak.

This year's is the 10th annual report. The Texas Banned Books Project exists:

  • To raise awareness about the level of book challenges and bans in Texas public school libraries;
  • To encourage school officials to use professional librarian standards when confronted with a challenge;
  • To encourage other ACLU affiliates, library associations, and similar freedom of expression interest groups to conducting similar surveys in their own states.

 The ACLU Foundation of Texas this week submits Open Records Requests to all school districts and charter schools in Texas, requesting information about any and all books banned or challenged in Texas schools.

Whether a book is challenged by a parent, student, teacher or administrator, all books under threat of removal or restriction in a school are subject to reporting in ACLU's annual banned books report. The report lists whether a books is banned, its use restricted, or that it remains eligible for students to read. In addition, our open records requests seek information about whether challenged books were in the library or on a class reading list. 

Texas schools are notorious for banning books such as The Color Purple, the Harry Potter series, and books by Judy Blume. At the same time, conscientious librarians and administrators each year stand firm in opposition to censorship and keep challenged books on school shelves and reading lists.

For additional information, visit http://www.aclutx.org/projects/bannedbooks.php.

Outside Grants & Awards

School Library Federal Awards

The following Texas school library programs received grants under the federal Improving Literary through School Libraries Act. Congratulations to all!

  •  Ft. Worth Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $299,997

  •  Education Service Center, Region 2 - Recommended Grant: $299,974

  •  Hereford Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $299,125

  •  Wharton Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $299,259

  • Kenedy Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $299,810

  • South San Antonio Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $299,998

  • Robstown Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $204,341

    •

  • Luling Independent School District - Recommended Grant: $218,992

HPL Awarded Grant

Houston Public Library was recently awarded a $435,200 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and will be used for its Fountain of Youth project.  The Library is one of 35 recipients nationwide who received this grant, of which only two are located in Texas. The Houston Public Library is the only public library to be awarded a grant through this program.   

The Fountain of Youth will help project participants with scholarships to enroll in the University of North Texas' Master of Library Science (MLS) online degree program. They will attend specialized trainings related to youth services and receive ongoing mentoring from designated library staff.

Abilene Consortium Received Grant

The Abilene Library Consortium has been awarded $2.2 million to begin a Digital Archives project.  The Consortium members are Abilene Christian University, Abilene Public Library, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, and Howard Payne University. The five-library group will build a digital repository to preserve and present historically significant materials that tell the stories of people within their communities.  The repository will be available to the public and to each home institution.  Staff will schedule workshops to assist individuals and agencies in preserving their historical records.

The Dodge Jones Foundation has awarded $2 million dollars and the Dian Graves Owen Foundation awarded $200 thousand dollars to begin the project and sustain it for the first three years.  The grants include funding for equipment, staff, training and outsourced services.

Humanities Texas Grants

Grants are still available from the Humanities Texas Hurricane Rita Relief Fund for Texas libraries recovering from Hurricane Rita.

Recovery grants

Texas cultural and educational organizations affected by Hurricane Rita may request recovery grants of up to $5,000 for immediate needs resulting from the storm. Recovery grants support collection replacement, conservation work, professional consultation, and even institutional expenses such as replacing shelving and roofing.

Book replacement grants

Texas public and school libraries that suffered losses to their collections as a result of the hurricane may apply for book replacement grants of up to $1,000 to support collection development in such humanities fields as literature and history. Purchases may include books, media resources, and other educational materials. Libraries may request an additional $500 to purchase materials that strengthen the teaching and study of U.S. history and culture. These additional funds are made possible by the NEH's We the People initiative.

No application forms are necessary. For instructions in writing an application letter, please see our website:

http://www.humanitiestexas.org/grants/hurricane.htm

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 1, 2007, until grant funds have been exhausted. The Humanities Texas Hurricane Rita Relief Fund is supported in part by a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

For further information about Humanities Texas programs, please visit our website: http://www.humanitiestexas.org/. Please direct any questions to Eric Lupfer, Humanities Texas Director of Grants and Education, at (512) 440-1991 or grants@humanitiestexas.org.

School Librarian Research Grant

The ALSC Bechtel Fellowship Committee will select a qualified children's librarian to spend a month or more reading and studying at the Baldwin Library at the University of Florida, Gainesville. The Baldwin Library contains a special collection of 85,000 volumes of children's literature published mostly before 1950. The fellowship provides a stipend of $4,000.

To be considered the candidate must have the following qualifications:

  • Personal membership in the Association for Library Service to Children.
  • Currently working in direct service to children.
  • At least 8 years professional experience in direct service to children.
  • A graduate degree from an ALA accredited program.
  • Willingness to write a report about his/her study. The report will be submitted to the ALSC office for distribution to the Bechtel Committee and for possible inclusion in Children and Libraries.

Applications must include a description of the topic of study for the fellowship period and demonstration of ongoing commitment to motivating children to read. For additional information, go to:

http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/profawards/bechtel/bechtelfellows

Tech Awards

The Best Buy te@ch Program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms. Winning te@ch programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology.

Up to 1200 qualifying K-12 schools will be selected to receive $2,500 Best Buy te@ch gift cards. From those 1200 schools, 36 schools will be awarded an additional Best Buy te@ch award, valued at $15,000 each. One U.S. public school district will be awarded a National te@ch Award worth $250,000.

  • All accredited public, private, parochial and nonprofit charter schools that are within 50 miles of a U.S. Best Buy store are eligible to apply.
  • Applications must be submitted online by September 30, 2006.

For more information, please visit: https://bestbuyteach.scholarshipamerica.org/.
 

TLA Names in the News

  • Walter Betts has accepted the position of systems librarian for Texas Christian University

  • Sherilyn Bird is the new director of libraries at Texas Woman’s University.

    •

  • Marilyn Goff of Texas Woman’s University Institute of Health Sciences Houston now has charge of the new Academic Resource Center (ARC) located in a new facility in the Texas Medical Center.

    •

  • Mark Gretchen is the new assistant director for public services at San Antonio Public Library.

  • Viccy Kemp is the new technical services manager at Flower Mound Public Library.

  • Carrie Kienzle has retired from the Irving ISD.

  • Elaine Klobe has retired from the Richardson Public Library.

  • Toni Lambert of Houston Public Library has accepted the position of deputy director for Austin Public Library.

    •

  • Terese Morgan has taken a job with Austin Community College’s new South Campus.

  • Chris Salerno has announced his retirement.

  • Donna Savage became the University Librarian of Tarleton State University Library on June 1, 2006, upon the retirement of Kenneth W. Jones.

  • Pat Smith was a finalist in the Austin Business Journal's Profiles in Power.

  • Tracey Westmoreland is returning to Texas after a couple of years in Georgia. She will be moving to San Antonio and working for the Alamo Community College District.