Volume 24, No. 4 · November 2005
 Published by the Texas Library Association
Katrina Book Drive a Huge Success

TLA has collected more than 60,000 pounds of books to help libraries in the Gulf Coast re-stock their shelves after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Tracy Day and Ron Swafford of the
Green Library Project add a few final
boxes to the truck before leaving
for Pass Christian, MS.

The book drive closed in early October, when the Association met its goal of 50,000 pounds of books. “We have been overwhelmed and gratified by the generosity of people in Texas and throughout the country in helping rebuild hope and the future for hurricane victims,” says Pat Smith, executive director of TLA.  “Our warehouse spaces, generously donated by Braker Self Storage and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Talking Book Program, are full to the brim.”

TLA is now working with several groups, including the Green Library Project and Freight Lines of Austin, to get books to those libraries able to receive the materials.  The first shipment is slated for Pass Christian, Mississippi. TLA thanks volunteers Donna Terpack-Palter, Sara Albert, and Jane Thomas for helping sort books.

TLA encourages those who still wish to help libraries to have a book sale and donate the proceeds to our disaster fund. The Association is still accepting monetary donations for its Disaster Relief Fund, 100 percent of which will be go to the state of the donor’s choice, including Texas.  So far, the Association has raised more than $10,000.   Some of the groups donating funds include Friends of the Tyler Public Library, Friends of the Brazoria Public Library, and the Fairfield Public Library Association.

Donations should be made payable to the Texas Library Association at 3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, TX 78746; or made online at www.txla.org. Donors should designate a state. Donations are also being accepted for Texas libraries that were damaged by Hurricane Rita. For more information, call 512/328-1518. 

Libraries throughout Texas have played a major role in hurricane relief efforts.  Libraries hosted hurricane evacuees, providing computers, storytimes, books and temporary library cards in temporary shelters. Many evacuees continue to use library resources to search for friends and loved ones, find housing, and look for jobs and support in their new communities. In many places, Texas libraries have offered additional free services and events for evacuees.

“Libraries have always been the center of their communities and a safe haven for those in need,” said TLA President Gretchen McCord Hoffmann. “Throughout the hurricanes and their aftermaths, people have turned to libraries as a central location for information and assistance.” 

For more information about the status of Texas libraries affected by Hurricane Rita and to make an online donation, go to: www.txla.org/temp/DisasterRelief.html.

 

Books arrived in envelopes and
boxes through the mail and
on pallets by truck.
 

Also in this Issue

 

Report on Texas
libraries affected by
Hurricane Rita
As of Nov. 1, 2005

  • Beaumont Public Library, opened Oct. 11

  • Tyrell Historical Library(Beaumont), closed

  • Miller Branch (Beaumont), closed

  • Williams Branch (Beaumont), open

  • Johns Branch (Beaumont), closed

  • Literacy Depot (Beaumont), open

  • Galveston Public Library, opened Sept. 28

  • Jefferson County Library, opened Oct. 19

  • Newton Public Library, closed

  • Deweyville Branch Library (Newton), closed

  • Orange Public Library, closed

  • Silsbee Public Library, (reopened in City Hall)

  • Sour Lake Library, closed

 

Want to be a TALL Texan? APPLY YOURSELF!

Don’t wait. Apply now. The deadline is 5 pm on Friday, December 2. You can get the application and information online. 

Quick, get out your pen—or at least your magic typing fingers! The TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute is now taking applications. Unlike previous years, when you had to wait for someone to nominate you, the process has changed.

Anyone wanting to be considered for TALL Texans SHOULD NOMINATE THEMSELVES (i.e., just apply)! It’s a brilliant notion! You are in control.

   School Libraries NOT instructional???

Commissioner of Education Shirley Neeley has convened two task forces to advise her on the issue of instructional costs, a topic that was debated in the State Legislature as part of education reform. The Educator Task Force was named in late August and includes superintendents, and the Citizens Task Force includes members of the state legislature and public citizens. The task forces met jointly on October 19 and October 25 to discuss the Governor’s executive order, which directs the Texas Education Agency to craft an administrative rule requiring districts to spend at least 65% of available revenue toward direct classroom instruction.

 The executive order directs TEA to use the National Center for Education Statistics standards as the definition for what should be considered direct instructional costs. That definition does not include library services (i.e., any of TEA Function Code 12).

 The purpose of the meetings was for Commissioner Neeley to hear feedback from task force members as to what should be included in the definition of eligible instructional costs. Although no public testimony was allowed during the meeting, several task force members spoke about the need to include library programs as eligible for the 65% of funding. They also spoke about the need to include funding for continuing education, counselors, and nurses.  The functions already considered direct instruction include Function Code 11 and Function Code 37, which covers activities such as band and football. Other meeting topics included the percentage which should be the target and the use of revenue vs. expenditure totals.

The Commissioner stated that she would work with task force members to gain additional input. While no timeline was established, a draft rule can be posted within three months. The only opportunity for public comment will come once the draft rule is posted.

Library supporters are urged to contact Commissioner Neeley, Governor Perry, and their state legislators to ask that library programs be included in the definition of instructional costs because librarians and media/learning centers do provide direct student instruction. The comments made during the meetings about the need to include school libraries were based on an assertion that school libraries are a needed support service. No mention was made that library programs, unlike the others programs discussed, do provide fundamental and ongoing student instruction.

To learn more about how to support school libraries in this matter, see Texline 200.
   TSLAC Legislative Sunset Review

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) will undergo a legislative Sunset Review in 2007. This Sunset process is a regularly scheduled evaluation of every state agency. Usually, Sunset Review takes place every 12 years.  The agency has completed its Self Evaluation Report, which was submitted to the Sunset Commission. You can view the report at the State Library’s Sunset Review site (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/agency/sunset/).

The Sunset Commission has tentatively scheduled March 2006 as the start time for the agency’s review. As part of the Sunset Review process, agencies, their clients and interest groups, and the Legislature identify ways in which the agency’s missions and programs can be refined to better meet the needs of the citizens of Texas.

As a major agency stakeholder, TLA will participate in this process and invites its members to provide feedback on the agency and its functions. As part of this effort, TLA held a public forum during Annual Assembly to hear feedback from the library community. Participants responded to a set of questions, which are also posted on the TLA website. Any TLA member is invited to answer these questions online. TLA will use public comments to help shape the association’s responses to the public Sunset process. To answer these questions, go to: http://www.txla.org/groups/forms/sunset.html. 

Additionally, you can find information about the Sunset process, including a timeline and information on how you or a group of stakeholders can participate in the process at: http://www.txla.org/html/legis/sunset.html.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is the central state government mechanism to foster library services in the state. Increasingly, the agency is working with all types of libraries. Everyone is encouraged to offer comments to help us craft a vision for what the agency should do over the next 12 years.

     TLA  News

It’s That Wonderful Time of the Year!

TLA membership renewal time is here! You have already received your email renewal notification. And, smart library people that you are, you’ve probably already renewed online. Pat yourself on the back for being efficient, prompt, and a good library citizen.

For the rest of us who are savoring the prospect of renewing, you will be getting a hardcopy form (snail mail) that will contain information on member benefits and a snazzy LEAF bookmark. Oh, boy!

If you want to be environmentally conscientious and not have to deal with more paper, just renew online. Go to the Members Only section of the TLA website . Best of all, if you renew online, you don’t have to fill in current information already on file. Just take a look at TLA’s member benefits for some added motivation.

So, kick off this special time of year by renewing your TLA membership. We need you! We want you! We love you! What other organization can say that and mean it?

 CE Position Available at TLA

The Texas Library Association is seeking its first-ever continuing education specialist to help ensure that Texas librarians receive quality continuing education experiences.  The application deadline is January 15, 2006, and the position becomes available on March 1, 2006. 

Continuing education and membership specialist

  1. Develop and coordinate the implementation of a continuing education (CE) plan for the Texas library community in consultation with other major CE providers, such as TSLAC, Amigos, systems, library schools, educational service centers, etc.

  2. Develop and promote continuing education offerings for Texas librarians using distance education as well as local face-to-face workshops and institutes.

  3. Ensure that the TLA annual conference, district meetings, and other CE opportunities provided by the Association provide the best training possible for all types of libraries.

  4. Oversee membership recruitment and retention activities for the Texas Library Association.

  5. Serve as staff liaison to the Awards Committee, Conference Program Committee, Continuing Education and Development Committee, CE Providers Interest Group, Leadership Development Committee, Membership Committee, and the District Planning Committee.

  6. Perform other duties as assigned.

A master's degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program is required and at least two years of experience in workshop design, training or staff development.  Demonstrated ability to analyze data, to formulate conclusions, to develop and manage budgets, to develop policies, and to write reports.  Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.  Frequent travel by airplane and personal automobile is required; some evening and weekend work is required.  Preferred requirements include:  Work experience in different types of libraries. 

Excellent benefit package.  EEO.  Salary range from $4,417 to $4,834 per month.  Request application packet from 800/580-2852.  The position will remain open until filled.

 TLA thanks its commercial members!

Next time you visit with these vendors, take a moment to thank them for their TLA commercial membership. 

Do you know a perfect candidate for commercial membership? Is your company interested in joining as a commercial member? For more information and benefits of commercial membership, see:  http://www.txla.org/html/membcom.html.  You may also contact Cindy Boyle at cindyb@txla.org or 512/328-1518 x16.

TBA News

TBA 2005-2006 Master List Revealed! Go to www.txla.org/groups/tba/nominees.html for this year’s master list.

 

TBA Committee Openings

The Texas Bluebonnet Selection Committee has openings for members from TLA districts 3, 4, and 7. If you are a member of one of these districts (and you can check by logging on to the “Members Only” section of the TLA website, www.txla.org, and entering your name), now is the time to apply for committee membership yourself or to encourage fine librarians you work with (in both school and public settings) to apply. 

Many librarians, devoted to both children and their reading, wonder if they have had enough experience or possess the skills to serve on a Bluebonnet Committee.  As their supervisors, you know they often do. For many professionals, it just takes a small push from you to give them the confidence they need to apply and serve.

The requirements for serving on the Selection Committee are: librarians must be involved in the delivery of library services to children; be members (but not current officers) of either TASL or CRT; be able to attend annual conference, annual assembly, and an October selection meeting; and not be formally affiliated with either a children’s book author or publisher.

The Selection Committee is best served by those individuals who have knowledge of children’s literature, book selection, and children’s reading processes.  And those librarians with an eye for detail and a strong sense of professional responsibility bring added value to their tenure.

Openings in these districts will not come around for three more years. Now is the time to spotlight the fine librarians in these three areas. If you have any questions, you may contact Jack Strawn (e028015@nisd.net), Connie Pace (ctpace@satx.rr.com), or Betty Carter (bcarter787@comcast.net). Application forms are available at www.txla.org/groups/tba. The deadline is November 15.

Texas Bluebonnet Coordinator Position

The Texas Library Association is now advertising for the next coordinator of the Texas Bluebonnet Award program.  The Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) coordinator is primarily responsible for guiding and directing the educational focus of the TBA program; reviewing and implementing the goals, objectives, guidelines, and policies and procedures of that program; chairing committee meetings of the Texas Bluebonnet Program Committee and the Texas Bluebonnet Selection Committee; preparing and overseeing the budget of the program; and working with Texas Library Association (TLA) staff and the Executive Boards of TLA, the Children’s Round Table, and the Texas Association of School Librarians.

During tenure of service, the coordinator shall attend annually:  the TLA conference, annual assembly, and the October selection meeting. The TBA coordinator is strongly encouraged to attend the American Library Association’s annual conferences and midwinter meetings.  Additional travel to Austin may also be required. There is provision for travel reimbursement for all these meetings/conferences with the exception of the TLA conference and annual assemblies.  The TBA coordinator must be a member of TLA and a member of either Children’s Round Table or Texas Association of School Librarians.

The position is a part-time, non-renewable one with a salary of $6,000 per each year the selected individual serves as TBA coordinator.  This position will be filled at the TLA annual conference in Houston, Texas (April 25 – 28, 2006) and will begin immediately as the individual serves a one-year (non-paid) term as intern coordinator and then begins a three-year tenure as coordinator.

An application and job description are posted on the Texas Bluebonnet website .  At the top of the website there is a blue bar with the link “Applications for Coordinator and Committees.”  Take this link to access the TBA Coordinator job description and application.  These documents are also available from Catherine Lee in the TLA office.

Applications should be returned to Catherine Lee either by email (catherinel@txla.org) or through U. S. Mail (Catherine Lee, Texas Library Association, 3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763) by April 1, 2006.

    A  W  A  R  D  S     &    G  R  A  N  T  S

Recognition: We need more of it!

Folks, we all need more recognition in our lives for the work we do - the furtherance of a civilized society. So why not put forth a nomination for one of the awards given by TLA itself that recognizes a lifetime of achievement, outstanding service, benefactor contributions, or an outstanding project?  Full details are available from the TLA awards page.

The deadline is January 26, 2006, and materials may be submitted in printed or electronic format. Shouldn't someone you know be honored for one of these prestigious awards at the 2006 TLA Conference in Houston? The time is right, start the nomination process today. Send you materials to Pam Spooner, Awards Committee Chair, 806 N. 11th St., Alpine, Texas, 79830 or pams@sulross.edu and be there in Houston when we recognize our own!

Highsmith

The Highsmith Library Award committee is seeking nominations for the 10th Annual Highsmith Library Award.  This award recognizes two Texas libraries, one school and one other (i.e., public, academic, or special library) that have implemented innovative projects or promotions to enhance their visibility to their clientele.  

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 2006 TLA Annual Conference.  Applications are due by January 31, 2006.  For details, go to http://www.txla.org/html/awards/high.html  or email Martha Knott, mknott@sanantonio.gov.  

NMRT Professional Development Award

Attending an ALA Annual Conference can be a tremendous career boost to a new librarian. Opportunities abound for continuing education, information exchange, and networking. 3M Library Systems continues its support of the 3M/NMRT Professional Development Grant this year by providing funding for registration, travel, lodging, and some incidental expenses for recipients to attend the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, in June 2006.

The application deadline is December 15, 2005. The selection of grant recipients will take place at the ALA Midwinter meeting in January 2006. To apply for the grant, go to the NMRT website at: http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/applyforfunds/3mawardinformation.htm or contact Sarah Robbins, srobbins@ou.edu.

HP Technology Grants

The HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative is designed to support the innovative use of mobile technology in K-16 education, and to help identify K-12 public schools and two- and four-year colleges and universities that HP might support with future grants. Based on the outcomes of the projects funded through this initiative in 2006, HP may offer some grant recipients additional, higher-value grants in 2007.

In 2006, HP will award over $8 million in cash and equipment to schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico through the HP Technology for Teaching Program, including reinvestment for projects previously funded. For full details, go to: http://grants.hp.com/us/programs/tech_teaching/index.html.

Jeannette Marquis Memorial MLS Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to increase the number of bilingual librarians working in Texas public or school libraries. The award amount is $1,000 and may be considered for renewal one time.

The award recipient must be bilingual (Spanish-English), a Texas resident, enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program, and taking at least two courses in a semester. The recipient must plan to or already be working in a public or school library that serves Latino patrons. The award recipient must have a degree plan that demonstrates a commitment to public or school libraries and must be a TLA member. For additional information and an application, go to: www.txla.org/html/awards/scholar.html#demco.
    Announcements

Grant Awarded for Digitizing Texas History

The Institute of Library and Museum Services has awarded the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) a $240,240 National Leadership Grant for Building Digital Resources to support the Texas Heritage Digitization Initiative (THDI). The TSLAC is partnering with 11 institutions in this effort.

The grant will be used to identify, describe, digitize, preserve, and make broadly accessible special collections materials of history and culture held by libraries, archives, museums, and historical societies throughout the state. The project’s goal is to provide seamless and integrated statewide access to resources.  The initiative will use open source software in support of international standards such as the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) and the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol.

The 11 partners for this project are Austin History Center, University of North Texas, Fort Bend County Museum, Texas General Land Office, Dallas Public Library, North Richland Hills Public Library, The University of Texas at Austin, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Historical Commission, Texas A&M University, and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

“Criminal Readers?”

The Chambers County Library in Anahuac received a "We the People Bookshelf" grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities this year. The Chambers County Library took this opportunity to showcase books highlighting the theme of freedom during Banned Books Week.  

To help publicize the effort, local teens, wearing prison garb, posed in pictures with the county sheriff. The local paper printed the image under the heading, "Criminal Readers?" The effort proved a success with many locals visiting the library.

Award to support school library services in Dallas

A $905,030 federal grant awarded to the Texas Woman's University School of Library and Information Studies will support a collaborative effort to improve school library services for an increasingly diverse student population in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).

The Institute of Museum and Library Services' Librarians for the 21st Century grant will support the A-PLUS project, a partnership between TWU, the DISD, and the Universities Center at Dallas. The project will add 45 new librarians to the DISD over the course of the three-year grant.

Through the A-PLUS project, 45 students will complete the alternative district-based school librarian certification program, then go on to complete all requirements for the TWU master's in library science degree.

The first cohort of 15 students began training this summer in Dallas. The students will complete nine hours of graduate coursework from TWU, with their tuition and fees covered by the grant. DISD specialists and consultants will provide additional training, with experienced DISD librarians serving as mentors to the students.

    A  L  A    News

ALA and it many divisions and units offer many awards. TLA encourages libraries to review these grant and award opportunities. To get a full list of national library awards, visit www.ala.org.

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA, a division of ALA) is currently accepting submissions for the awards listed below.

  1. ASCLA Exceptional Service Award recognizes exceptional service to patients and those working in health related areas.

  2. ASCLA/KLAS/National Organization on Disability Award grants a $1,000 award for a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities.

Submission deadline is December 15, 2005. Information and nomination form are available at www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclaawards/asclanominations/nominations.htm.

TLA Names in the News

  • Lea Bailey is the new library director for Irving ISD.

  • Christina Hoffman began working as undergraduate specialist librarian at Texas A&M Evans Library on October 17, 2005. 

  • Viccy Kemp has accepted the new position with the Irving Public Library.

  • Rhea Lawson is the new director of the Houston Public Library.

  • Juliet Machie is the new assistant director in charge of public services for Austin Public Library.

  • Dale McNeill, formerly of Dallas Public Library, is now director of extension services at the Queens Borough Public Library in New York City.

  • Miriam Rodriguez is the new assistant director of public services at Dallas Public Library.

  • Euless Public Library Director JoAnn Rogers will be moving to Oklahoma City in mid November.  

  • Bob Seal will be leaving TCU to become the new dean of libraries at Loyola University in Chicago.

  • Herman Totten has been named dean of the University of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences.

  • Amanda Williams, formerly of the Central Texas Library System, is now an assistant branch librarian with Austin Public Library.

 Deaths

  • Muriel Brown passed away. She served as a children’s librarian at Dallas Public Library for 22 years.

  • Virginia Miller, a former school librarian and former director of library services in Grand Prairie, died recently.

  • Ronnie Nagy, director of the Tye Preston Memorial Library (Canyon Lake) was released from her battle with cancer on October 31, 2005

UNSPAM TLA!

Well, since you are reading our online newsletter, you are way ahead of the tech curve! Please share the following information with any colleagues who don’t seem to know what has happened to their copy of TLACast:

  • We need to have a current and correct email address for all TLA members. Otherwise, individuals won’t get any email notices of newsletters or announcements. You can update information in the Members Only section of the TLA website.
  • Once we have your email, please be sure that your network administrator “un-spams” TLA messages. Believe it or not, not all networks understand that TLA messages are not spam! That’s almost un-American (at least, un-Texan), but it happens! So please ­ – advocate to your colleagues: UNSPAM TLA. (Quite cleverly, we will also be including this message in print publications.)