TLA Conference Exhibits
Products Worth Sharing

Exhibits at this year's TLA conference promise to be the most diverse ever, with products ranging from books-on-tape to Internet service providers, from CD-ROMs to security systems, from architectural services to storytelling. There is something for every type and size of library and products appropriate for every budget. And lest we forget books, the print culture will be very much in evidence with books and other materials in every genre, for every age group, in every language, and for every type of collection.

Over 400 vendors will fill nearly 700 booths in the exhibit halls in the Fort Worth/Tarrant County Convention Center, creating the third largest library trade show in the U.S. and the largest sponsored by a state-based library association.

More than just a library products exposition, however, TLA has become one of the most important information industry shows in the U.S., with hundreds of vendors of automation products and services, Internet services, materials in digital formats, networking services, and telecommunications services. In addition to being able to test products at any time at the vendors' booths, conferees are also invited to attend the New Technology Showcase, featuring special demonstrations of state-of-the-art applications held each hour of the conference in meeting rooms in the West Exhibit Hall.

Conference exhibits offer a unique opportunity for librarians to cost-effectively compare prices, test new products, examine the quality and suitability of merchandise, and evaluate the knowledge and responsiveness of sales and support personnel. For most shoppers, firsthand contact proves much more informative than browsing pictures in a brochure or catalog.

And while you're at the booths, be sure to thank your favorite companies and sales reps for being there. In addition to booth and member fees, many vendors support TLA in a number of important ways, including sponsoring special events and underwriting awards.

To see a clickable list of 1997 exhibitors, go here.