Volume 18, Number 5 - OCTOBER 1999
Published by the Texas Library Association
The Midwinter forecast this year includes a chili factor. Texans are accustomed to generally mild winters and to summers that get fiery hot. That’s pretty much the same temperature range that will be available for sampling at the Chili Cook-off in San Antonio during the ALA Midwinter conference. The event, a fundraiser for both the American Library Association and Texas Library Association Spectrum Scholarship programs, takes place Sunday, January 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Public Library.
Tickets will be available at the door and the $10 admission allows participants to sample four of the bowls o’ red. Texas-style entertainment will help folks cool their heels while waiting for tastebuds to recover between rounds of chili tasting.
Then comes the vote! The judges at this cook-off are the folks who ante up and sample the goods. The grand prize is a pair of airline tickets— to go somewhere warm in the winter or save for a cool summer getaway.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event. If you are attending Midwinter or live close enough to San Antonio to drive in for the evening, you can help give conferees a taste of Texas warmth and hospitality while TLA chefs are serving up their versions of this regional specialty. Call TLA at 512/328-1518 to sign on.
If you’re interested in entering your own concoction for the tasting and the judging, contact Patricia Smith for instructions (pats@txla.org). This would be a good time to fine tune your recipe for the chili cook-off planned for Annual Conference when TLA gathers in Houston next April.
The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee of the State Bar and its Dallas and Houston subcommittees have terminated the investigation begun in 1997 of Nolo Press, a leading publisher of legal self-help books and software. In February 1999 TLA signed on as a co-plaintiff in a suit filed by Nolo Press to curtail an anticipated legal action against Nolo. Based on recent legislative changes, the UPLC has asked that their subcommittees no longer pursue any pending investigations involving those self-help legal publications to which the legislation applies.
According to Pete Kennedy, a lawyer representing Nolo, "Given the termination of these investigations, I believe the proper course is to ‘declare victory and go home’." In a letter sharing the text of the message from the State Bar of Texas Office of the General Counsel, Kennedy also thanked TLA "for your willingness to get involved in this worthy effort."
The TLA Strategic Plan is reviewed and updated every three years. As part of the process that began this year at Annual Assembly in July and will conclude at Annual Assembly of 2000, members are being asked to identify items in the current strategic plan that their group is doing well, items that TLA is doing that benefits them individually or as part of a unit, and issues and initiatives that they would like to have added to an updated plan. Share your ideas by visiting the TLA website — http://www.txla.org/xtra/strategic.html — where a schedule for the planning process, a copy of the existing strategic plan, and a form to complete and send to TLA headquarters are available.
In December the Strategic Planning Committee and the Executive Board will draft a revised TLA Strategic Plan to be placed on the website by February 2000. Annual Conference in Houston will provide a forum for discussion of the plan, with final approval by the TLA Council expected at Annual Assembly 2000.
The Fourth Annual Texas Book Festival, a fundraiser for public libraries, promises more than 100 writers in attendance, appearances by literary characters, and readings and activities for all ages and literary tastes. The event has become one of the foremost festivals of its kind in the country.
Free public events — including book signings, readings, panels, and a street book sale and fair — will occupy the State Capitol and the grounds and streets nearby on November 6-7. Children can make book-related crafts and be entertained by storytellers and musicians; adults can hear their favorite Texan authors reading from their works or contributing to panel discussions. All ages will enjoy the Book Festival Tent where authors will be selling and signing their books. Exhibitors at the Book Fair include booksellers, nonprofit organizations, literary groups, publishers, and related retailers. Live music and food are also part of the festival experience, of course.
While the authors at the Festival are primarily Texan or have books with a Texas focus, the 1999 event also features a few national authors with new releases, including:
www.austin360.com/texasbookfestival
The Texas Book Festival website has an up-to-date listing of authors and their books, as well as a schedule of events, including activities for children K-12th grade. Teachers will also find lesson plans covering selected books written by some of the participating authors.
First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, serves as the Honorary Chair, and AT&T is the primary sponsor for the Festival. Call 512/477-4055 for more Festival information, and come to the Capitol grounds November 6 and 7 to celebrate books and Texas authors.
Ticketed Events:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 7-10 p.m.
A First Edition Literary Gala features three prominent authors reading from
their works. Larry L. King emcees this black-tie dinner and silent auction of
literary memorabilia.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 7-10 p.m.
An Authors Party at the Austin Music Hall allows book lovers to mingle
with the authors in a casual atmosphere.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 6-8 p.m.
A Cooks With Books evening features cookbook authors creating their specialties
and signing their latest literary offerings. Cookbook authors include Jeff Blank
(owner of Hudson’s on the Bend in Austin), and David Garrido (chef of Jeffrey’s
in Austin).
The 2000 Conference Program Committee seeks contributed papers for the annual conference in Houston. Share innovative projects or research with your colleagues in a paper that can be presented in a 20-minute period. Papers may be prepared by no more than two persons, and the author may present the paper at TLA Annual Conference or designate a presenter. All presenters must register for the conference.
Papers will be critiqued starting from the submissions of the abstract through the presentation of the paper at the Conference in Houston with eventual publication in mind. Presenters not interested in the pre-publication critiquing process have the option of declining it. If you request the critiquing option, a referee will provide written comments after the presentation.
The timetable for submitting papers is:
Direct correspondence to: Dale Fleeger, Northeast Texas Library System,
625 Austin Street, Garland, Texas 75040-6365
(w) 972/205-2568 • (h) 972/424-3180 • dfleeger@netls.org
The Texas Library Association graduated the sixth class of TALL Texans this summer. Twenty-four selected participants completed a course of intensive concentration on leadership processes with the guidance of six mentors and two facilitators. Facilitators for the Institute were Maureen Sullivan and Jack Siggins, nationally recognized presenters in the area of leadership development; and corporate sponsors were Hotho and Company and South-western Bell.
The seventh TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute will be held during
the week of June 5—9, 2000. If you are interested in participating or if
you know a worthy candidate, the nomination form and additional information
about the TALL Texan program are on the TLA website. Deadline for nominations
is December
2, 1999.
http://www.txla.org/html/tallldi.html
Months of reviewing applications, interviewing promising candidates, and deliberating have culminated in the hiring of Gloria Meraz as the Director of Communications. Ms. Meraz assumes her new post on October 15, replacing Mark Smith who left TLA in June. The Director of Communications has primary responsibilities for guiding TLA’s legislative efforts and serving as editor for association publications. The selection committee included TLA administrators Pat Smith and Catherine Lee as well as current and past executive officers of TLA: Gleniece Robinson, JoAnne Moore, and Julie Todaro.
Ms. Meraz holds an MLIS with an emphasis in Archival Enterprise from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked at Armstrong Browning Library, Lee Lockwood Scottish Rite Library and Museum, the National Museum of American History and the Special Collections at the University of Texas, El Paso. Most recently, Ms. Meraz has served as the TLA archivist and international representative.
Several TLA groups, including the Centennial Celebration Committee, Texas-Mexico Relations Committee and History of TLA Committee, have benefitted from Ms. Meraz’s participation and guidance. Her most recent publications appear in the Texas Library Journal and Provenance.
"Libraries are facing a critical and exciting time," commented Ms. Meraz. "The need for greater public and financial support and continued challenges to intellectual freedom require the vigilance of librarians everywhere. We have an extraordinary opportunity before us to advocate the cause of libraries. By continuing to promote an aggressive legislative agenda and by involving the public in our efforts, librarians can insure the vitality of libraries in the years to come."
Armstrong Browning Library, Lee Lockwood Scottish Rite Library and Museum, the National Museum of American History and the Special Collections at the University of Texas, El Paso. Most recently, Ms. Meraz has served as the TLA archivist and international representative.
Several TLA groups, including the Centennial Celebration Committee, Texas-Mexico Relations Committee and History of TLA Committee, have benefitted from Ms. Meraz’s participation and guidance. Her most recent publications appear in the Texas Library Journal and Provenance.
"Libraries are facing a critical and exciting time," commented Ms. Meraz. "The need for greater public and financial support and continued challenges to intellectual freedom require the vigilance of librarians everywhere. We have an extraordinary opportunity before us to advocate the cause of libraries. By continuing to promote an aggressive legislative agenda and by involving the public in our efforts, librarians can insure the vitality of libraries in the years to come."
The Nominating Committee has finalized a slate of officers. Detailed information on the candidates will be included with the February TLACast.
Vice-President/President-Elect
Judie Lutz: Compaq Computers/ Houston
Dr. Herman Totten: SLIS, UNT
ALA Councilor
Deinna Mims-Johnson: Hurst PL Jeanne Martinez: ESC, Region 20, San Antonio
Rep at Large - College and University Area
Dolores Owens: Lee College/ Baytown
Jill Zimmerman: St. Philips/San Antonio
Rep at Large - Public Library Area
Cathy Threadgill: Brazoria County Library System
Meller Langford: Houston Area Library System
The Texas Library Association Awards Committee is seeking nominees for the TLA awards that are presented each year at annual conference. The deadline is January 6, 2000. Categories are:
Kaylene Carr is the TLA Awards Committee Chair; call the TLA office at 800/580-2852 for more information. Nomination forms are available on the TLA website:
http://www.txla.org/awards/tlawards.html
In addition to the major TLA Awards, there are a variety of awards, grants, scholarships, and stipends provided by corporations and TLA units to honor outstanding programs of and service to libraries. Visit the TLA website for specific requirements, deadlines, and application forms.
• The SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes the contributions of an individual or group who has actively promoted intellectual freedom in Texas.
http://www.txla.org/html/awards/ifnomfrm.html
• Collaboration is the theme for the next two years for the Highsmith Award. The purpose is to encourage collaborative Texas library programs or services that have a measurable impact on users and that can be replicated. Two awards are given, and Texas libraries of any size are eligible. Each Highsmith Collaboration Award consists of $1000 and a plaque to be presented by Highsmith, Inc. at the Texas Library Association’s Annual Conference in Houston in April 2000. Application deadline is January 15, 2000. Guidelines and specific instructions for submitting applications are available at:
http://www.ci.round-rock.tx.us/library/highsmith.html
• The Hotho & Company Literacy Award recognizes a library in Texas that has worked hard to encourage and support the joy and benefits of reading. This annual award of $1000 is presented at the TLA Conference in the spring. Deadline for receiving applications is March 1, 2000.
http://www.txla.org/html/awards/hotho.html
• The Siddie Joe Johnson Award, presented by the Children’s Round Table, recognizes an outstanding Texas public or school librarian who works with children from preschool to eighth grade and who has been active within the last twelve months. The recipient will be honored at the 2000 Texas Bluebonnet Award luncheon at TLA in Houston. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2000.
http://www.txla.org/html/awards/sjj.html
• Escue Stipend for a library paraprofessional in the Austin/South Texas region — http://www.txla.org/awards/scholar/escappl.html
• Laura Edwards Memorial Stipend, awarded through the Texas Association of School Librarians and the Children’s Round Table to a librarian involved in youth services in a public or school library — http://www.txla.org/awards/scholar/edwards.html
• Public Libraries Division Conference Stipend for public library employees who are attending their first TLA conference — http://www.txla.org/groups/pld/html/stipends.html
• Automation and Technology Round Table Conference Stipend for library employees who are involved in library automation and technology services
• New Members Round Table/Quality Books, Inc. Professional Development Grant for a TLA member in the first five years of a professional library career — http://www.txla.org/groups/nmrt/grant.html
• TASL Scholarships for students pursuing graduate-level coursework in school librarianship — http://www.txla.org/html/awards/scholar/taslscol.html
• Tocker Foundation Conference Stipend (new) to a small town public librarian from each TLA district
Additional opportunities include:
A trip to the TLA website will provide you with the information you need to apply for or nominate someone else for a well-deserved honor.
The Texas Library Association is committed to insuring that the state of Texas has a diverse workforce of professional librarians. Therefore, the Association will provide a $2,000 scholarship to each American Library Association Spectrum Scholar who enrolls in a master’s program at a Texas university and meets the following criteria:
A printable application form is on the TLA website. Information on the ALA Spectrum Scholarship program is found at http://www.ala.org/spectrum/.
The award is payable in two equal installments. Upon receipt of application and verification of enrollment for the fall semester, a check for $1,000 will be forwarded. The second payment of $1,000 will be made after receipt of verification of enrollment for the spring semester.
Questions regarding the scholarship or the application process may be directed to Catherine W. Lee, TLA Director of Administration, 3355 Bee Cave Road - Suite 401, Austin, TX 78746; or e-mail: catherinel@txla.org.
http:www.txla/html/awards/scholar/spectapp.html
Texas Media Awards information and forms are available on the TLA website: http://www.txla.org/groups/tma/tma.html
TBA influence reaches a long way! Debbie Whitbeck, previously an active member of the TBA Committee, reports that at her interview for her new job in Michigan (see Names in the News), a "librarian explained to the principals what the Bluebonnet Award was, saying she always got the list from book jobbers and it was quite impressive."
The 2000-2001 Texas Bluebonnet Award master reading list will be released November 19. The list will be available on the TASL webpage and will be published in the December TLACast. Fax copies of the new master list may be requested from TBA/TLA Assistant, Carolyn Reynolds at 800-580-2852, ext. 18, and anyone wishing to receive the list via email should send their request to Annette Nall, anall@tenet.edu, after November 18.
A videocassette of the 1999 Texas Bluebonnet Award acceptance speech by Janell Cannon for her winning book Verdi is now available and can be ordered from the Texas Education Agency. Institutions wishing to obtain tapes should:
Order from VIDEO CENTER, Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701-1494.
School is back in full swing, and it’s time to start planning for your next summer reading program. While planning, consider applying for the 2000 ALSC/Book Wholesalers Summer Reading Program Grant. This grant provides $3000 to a library to support an outstanding summer reading program for children.
Applications are due December 1, 1999. For more information on the 1999 winner, or to obtain application information, visit the ALSC webpage at http://www.ala.org/alsc/ or contact Crystal Weirich Faris, Committee Chair, at Nassau Library System, 900 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553.
Resolutions of Appreciation
Other resolutions included:
Meeting at Annual Assembly in Austin in July, the Executive Board:
If you are in the Austin area, plan to attend a program presented by Rosemary Wells at the Wells Branch Community Library on October 24. Ms. Wells and five of her publishers are again showing their support of Texas public libraries by helping Wells Branch build a quality children’s collection. Five publishers, Simon and Schuster, Penguin, Hyperion/Disney, Candlewick, and Scholastic, are donating more than 600 children’s books to this newly established public library. They are also donating expenses to bring Ms. Wells to the library.
Rosemary Wells will speak from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Wells Branch Community Library, 14735 Bratton Lane, Austin on Sunday, October 24. The public program is free and activities will be provided for children. Books by Rosemary Wells will also be available for purchase and autographing. For more information, contact the library at 512-989-3188.
Texas Library Disaster Relief Fund grows with gumbo and good art
A gumbo cookoff at TLA Annual Assembly and an online auction of artwork donated by illustrator/author Rosemary Wells have boosted the new fund created to provide relief to Texas libraries that are impacted by disasters such as fires, floods, and storms. On Sunday, July 11, the new office suite and conference area at TLA headquarters hosted a hungry crowd of more than 200 who each contributed $10 to sample gumbo prepared by TLA chefs. The Grand Prix winner — determined by popular vote — was Ruth Semrau with her "Almost Louisiana Gumbo."
On August 31, a group of TLA staff members were in that same conference room until midnight visiting, eating, and watching for last minute bids as the online auction of a set of illustrations by Rosemary Wells for a Penguin Putnam edition of Itsy, Bitsy Spider came to a close, adding almost $5000 to the fund.
Another complete set of book illustrations — The Bear Went Over the Mountain — is now being offered online. Visit http://www.txla.org/wells/gallery.html for the latest information and to participate in the auction action.
The cover art for a new release of Morris’s Disappearing Bag, a children’s classic by Rosemary Wells, will be raffled between now and the end of January 2000. Raffle tickets will also be available at Texas Book Festival in Austin, November 6-7, and at ALA Midwinter in San Antonio, January 15-17, as well as on the TLA website: http://www.txla.org/wells/raffle.html.
Deaths
