President's Perspective
Barbara Immroth

Update your professional skills, visit with the librarians from down the street, meet colleagues from Mexico, see internationally recognized media personalities, hear dozens of authors and have a great time in Texas’ most historic, international city at the 1998 TLA Annual Conference.

The 1998 Conference Program Committee has been working for two years to present a timely, diverse program with something new and interesting for everyone. The TLA Local Arrangements Committee has been making lists and checking every detail to ensure a wonderful conference. The TLA Store will be stocked with TLA publications and conference souvenirs that you will want to take home.

Our theme reflects the duality of librarians at their local library serving individuals, families, and community groups while using the latest technology to obtain information from the farthest corners of the world. Enhance your local touch by learning about "Tribal Warfare in Libraries"—and how to become a peacemaker—from Peg Neuhauser, organizational development specialist. Explore the latest in fund-raising techniques, Texas school library standards, Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund initiatives, legislative strategies, and job hunting tips. First Lady of Texas Laura Bush will once again honor TLA with her presence and will present the Texas Book Festival Awards to strengthen public libraries around the state. Socialize at the Welcome Party at the San Antonio Art Museum and the All-Conference Party at the San Antonio Public Library. Experience the charms of spring in one of the most enjoyable cities anywhere.

To expand your global reach, hear Dan Rather, CBS Evening News anchor and native Texan, talk about his adventurous career. Visit the New Technology Showcase, hear about American Library Association initiatives and the work of AMBAC, the Mexican library association. In an exciting new development, TLA is working with the San Antonio International Business Office to bring Mexican publishers and distributors to exhibit. Examine Spanish language materials that are appropriate for the citizens of Texas and share information with Mexican librarians and book people. Attend the programs and meeting of the Texas-Mexico Relations Committee to discuss the projects collaborating with our Mexican colleagues.

TLA maintains bragging rights for the size of our conference. Over 400 exhibitors have signed up to exhibit at this conference, making TLA larger than the ALA midwinter exhibits and double the size of the 1998 PLA conference in Kansas City. I want to take this opportunity to thank the energetic, committed, fun-loving 1998 Conference Program Committee and Local Arrangements Committee members who have generously given untold hours to prepare a conference of this magnitude, the magnificent corporate sponsors who underwrite conference programs and activities, keeping the cost affordable for members and the incredibly hard-working TLA staff for their dedication to making Texas Library Association’s conference the best in the world.

On behalf of the Texas Library Association, I invite you to share in Texas Libraries: Local Touch, Global Reach. I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.