by Julie Todaro
The 2000 2001 Conference Program Committee thought long and hard about my President's theme and our conference theme. When "21st Century Libraries: Unique and Unlimited" was chosen, I felt that it was the perfect phrase to introduce my vision for the activities of this "next century" Association. I know of only a few entities that have been as successful in providing the balance of what is needed for us now with what is needed for the future. The Texas Library Association of the 21st century is truly the forum for the design, development and exchange of the ideas of today and tomorrow. TLA offers the mechanism for honoring both the established and the new, as well as for celebrating the uniqueness of Texas libraries and the unlimited talents of librarians and those who support them. It combines research and practice, data and dancing, and technology, talent and technique to offer the professional the opportunity to provide the best services and resources for the youngest to the oldest patron.
TLA allows us to work together given our differences and similarities and position ourselves to compete in the information society, tackle ownership vs. access, and establish significant relationships among all types of libraries and librarians. Through Association initiatives, we expand partnerships with the broader world of professionals involved in technology and research and related commercial ventures. Through Association activities, we collaborate, educate and learn from friends, trustees and other supporters to be responsive, efficient, effective and proactive and make the most of the economic and political capital available.
What would I like to see happen this next year? I have five areas of interest and - if you think this might be impossible - please note that several of these areas build on our existing strengths.
One of my primary areas of interest has always been the importance of librarians and supporters working together no matter what the type or size of library. At first I had only a realization of the importance of "strength in numbers," but I have seen the reality of both suggested and required collaboration for funding opportunities; partnerships for efficient spending for technology; and, most importantly, the creation of partnerships to increase and enhance services and resources for patrons. During this year, I am committed to working with the TLA structure and related entities to increase discussion and action on digital/technological cooperative/collaborative initiatives; partnerships between libraries and museums and other entities; and program initiatives between U.S. libraries and libraries from other countries.
I never know if being President during a legislative year is a good thing or
a bad thing. I have realized, however, that another reality for our profession
is that there should never be a lull in our legislative involvement,
that is, it should always be a legislative year. I am hopeful that this
next session will prove to be a fruitful one for Texas libraries. It is critical
that we ALL accept "job responsibilities" during this next session
and work in our home districts and in Austin to send our message to the right
people. TLA can't and shouldn't do this alone. Legislators want to talk with
and listen to local constituents and their advocates at the state level, such
as our state library commissioners. Only by working together can we make our
needs known.
TLA has a strong public relations program, and we all need to use our collective message to call attention to ourselves and our services. This year TLA will "revisit" its PR campaign to see how it meets our needs in defining and articulating the role of the library in the quality of life in local communities, in our educational institutions, in the corporate sector and in the role of the library and information in the future information society in both the public and private sectors.
One very exciting discussion this year will be the vision of diversity within TLA. How best can we organize ourselves to maximize efforts to recruit and retain the best in our Association and in our libraries? I will hold a summit (a little lofty but I like the sound of it) at Assembly to discuss diversity "business" within TLA such as:
Watch TLACast for your invitation and plan to come to the Assembly Summit.
You can never say "thank you" too many times. And one of my goals is to increase the number of ways TLA members can recognize and say thank you to the myriad of local, regional, national and, yes, even international supporters of Texas libraries. I am convinced TLA can provide a mechanism at little or no cost to its members to provide librarians with the tools to thank those who "do" for you. Whether it is the person who helps build shelves, gives the library that personal collection you want, spends countless hours on your board or in your administration doing great things, or gives you the money, I think we can offer a state-level "thank you." We will be rolling this idea, program and process out before the spring conference so Texas libraries can enhance their "thank you" as quickly as possible.
And as for my conference? What can we say about San Antonio except plan to come (on Wednesday next year) and experience "What Works, What's Best, and What's Next" for 21st century libraries and librarians.