NETLS
NEWS
NORTHEAST TEXAS
LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWSLETTER
#137
Sep./Oct./Nov. 2004
Online Newsletter Subscription Renewal
Library Advocates: Friends Raising Their Voices
Mark Twain once said, “Every time you stop a school, you have to build a jail. What you gain at one end, you lose at the other. It’s like feeding a dog on his own tail. It won’t fatten the dog.” Without using too much imagination, Mr. Twain could very well have been referring to public library funding.
The very nature of public library funding is uneven at best, a patchwork of different sources and factors. A tax appropriation here, a book sale there, a legislative grant, help from your library system, a grant from the state library – all sorts of funding contribute to sustaining library operating costs. It never seems to be enough though, does it?
The American Library Assn. (ALA) Report on Library Funding in the United States found that libraries in at least 41 states (82 percent) report funding cuts of as much as 50 percent. Most of the data accumulated from published reports reflects deep cuts to library budgets on the federal, state, and local levels. Many “positive” news stories describe a status quo situation – library staff are relieved that their limited budgets aren’t reduced further or that fundraising efforts are underway to close funding gaps.
Here are some general trends: libraries report reductions of library personnel; salary freezes; reductions in operating hours (including some library closings); elimination of some programs and services such as bookmobiles and interlibrary loans; decreased books and materials budgets; minimal hiring of library professionals and staff; and an increased dependence on volunteers and part-time employees.
There is an increased trend in fundraising by Friends of the Library organizations, volunteers, and community supporters. More importantly, revenues from these campaigns are supplementing operating expenses instead of supporting programs, services, or long-term projects.
A small number of libraries are reporting positive impacts such as new construction of libraries, expansion of hours, small pay increases, and reinstatement of previously cut hours or services.
This is a critical time for library advocacy. Decisions are being made at all levels of government about funding, copyright, telecommunications, intellectual freedom, and other policy issues that will shape libraries and public access to information.
Libraries need their Friends and patrons to act as advocates for several reasons. Pressures on local, county, and state budgets make it harder than ever for libraries to obtain adequate funding.
As a representative of the general public, you can make a more effective case on the importance of adequate funding for the library than library staff members who may be viewed as having a vested interest in a larger budget.
One of your major responsibilities as a public library representative is to act as an advocate for the library. In simple terms, a library advocate is someone who understands the value and importance of public library service and who communicates that value and importance to the community, government leaders, and other decision-makers.
The primary function of a library advocate is to provide clear, accurate, and timely information on library issues to people who need it in order to make sound decisions on those issues. This information can be provided orally or in writing. It may have such diverse objectives as shaping public opinion in a general way or influencing a specific vote on a library issue by the local unit of government.
Because public libraries have a unique place in local government, their needs may not be as readily understood by government officials as those of other units of government, and a greater effort is needed to tell the library story. In addition, because library systems primarily provide “behind the scenes” services, an extra effort is sometimes needed to make government officials aware of their services and the value of those services to the public.
Your goal as an advocate is to shape the local decision-making process, which requires an understanding of how decisions are made in the community and who must be influenced in order to achieve favorable outcomes. As an advocate, you can influence decision-makers by:
· Speaking to civic groups about library needs and issues.
· Talking to friends about the library, its role in the community and its needs;
· Writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper;
· Testifying at local and state budget hearings;
· Talking and writing to state and federal legislators about the needs of the library;
· Contributing to a library newsletter that is sent to decision-makers.
The 79th Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 11. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has submitted their budget request for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 to the Governor’s Office and the Legislative Budget Board. This budget requests $6,550,000 in SFY 06 and $7,550,000 in SFY 07 for the TexShare programs as well as $5,000,000 in SFY 06 and $6,000,000 in SFY 07 for the Loan Star Libraries direct-aid grant program.
These
increases would add more databases to the TexShare core collection and
would yield much larger direct-aid grants to public libraries, generally
tripling the amount they currently receive. NETLS member libraries would
acquire more current materials, be better able to sustain their computer
technology, increase their public programming and hours of operation, and
be able to offer a better facility for patron use.
Take a moment to contact your state legislator and request their support on these important budget issues. Make plans now to attend the Texas Library Assn. (TLA) Legislative Day events on Feb. 16.
Steve
Greenberg for the Ventura County Star, Calif.
Advocates contribute so much to the process of informing elected officials. You, as constituents and advocates, can identify the key issues in your community and can present them with a view to the potential impact of legislative action or inaction.
Fraud Alert!!
NETLS has received recent reports from several libraries regarding a company that attempts to sell an “American Business Directory” over the phone. This company, which goes by several names, is engaged in deceptive business practices. The company representative asks the staff member who answers the call to confirm the library’s name and mailing address, either to be listed in the directory or to receive a complimentary copy.
The “directory” contains the same information as any standard telephone book, and once the company has the library’s mailing address, they proceed to bill the library for the directory, whether or not it is ever actually received.
In one case, the library was repeatedly billed and the staff received harassing phone calls for a supposed unpaid balance of over $300 for a “reference book” that was never ordered or received.
NETLS advises library staff members not to give out mailing address information or agree to “preview” any materials that a telephone solicitor is trying to sell unless you are acquainted with the company and/or have dealt with them previously. If you think that the material being sold could be useful for your collection, request print information on the materials be faxed to you before you commit yourself or give out any more information on your library.
NETLS Inventory Guidelines
In an attempt to update NETLS records for State and City purposes, we are asking those libraries who have purchased equipment through Collection Development funds or received equipment through NETLS grants, to please prepare a complete inventory of all equipment, including: item description, City of Garland (COG) number and cost (if this information is available) and send it to Judy Fagan at NETLS, 625 Austin Street, Garland, TX 75040, by Jan. 31, 2005.
If your library has outdated or broken equipment that was received through NETLS which you wish to dispose of, please contact Judy Fagan at 972.205.2572 or email <jfagan@netls.org> for directions on how these items should be processed.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
Collection “Developments”
Now That I Have This Policy - What Do I Do With It?
In the month of December, Marsha Barker, NETLS Asst. Coordinator/Collection Development Consultant will be presenting four half-day work-shops across the system to look at ways to put your new or revised Collection Development policy into action.
She will share tips and tools for developing a quality collection. Come prepared to share your own tips and suggestions at one of the following workshops:
· Mon., Dec. 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NEW BOSTON PUBLIC
· Wed., Dec. 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NICHOLAS SIMS LIBRARY (Waxahachie)
· Thur., Dec. 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. KILGORE PUBLIC
· Fri., Dec. 17, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ROCKWALL COUNTY
Also, be sure to put this very timely workshop on your calendar:
What to Throw Away and Where to Throw It: Your Trash May be Someone Else’s Treasure
Presented by Kathryn St. Claire
· Thur., Dec. 9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SULPHUR SPRINGS PUBLIC
For additional information contact, Marsha Barker, Asst. Coordinator/Collection Development Consultant; 972.205.2567; <mbarker@netls.org>.
Project Rotate News!!
We’re doing something new! NETLS has begun purchasing Young Adult titles for Project Rotate. Libraries that would like to begin receiving Young Adult titles in their packets are asked to contact Lori Mullins at <lmullins@netls.org>, 972.205.2574 or 877.463.8537 toll free, or Marsha Barker at <mbarker@netls.org>, 972.205.2567.
Here are just a few of the new YA titles:
Lyra’s Oxford
Girl 15 Charming But Insane
Inkheart
The Amber Spyglass
The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Giver
Eragon
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Walk Two Moons
Artemis Fowl
The Tale of Despereaux
Island of the Blue Dolphins
A Great & Terrible Beauty
Aleutian Sparrow
Texas Reading Club Materials
The evaluation form for the 2004 Texas Reading Club is now online at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/trc/forms/eval.html>.
The theme for the 2005 Texas Reading Club is Go Wild…Read!/¡Vuélvete loco por leer!. The artist is Michael Austin who illustrated The Horn Toad Prince by Jackie Hopkins.
The 2005 TRC Manual will be a collaborative effort with different chapters by individual authors. To reduce the cost of production and distribution of the Reading Club program, the manual will be produced in CD-Rom format.
A list of the materials available for the 2005 Texas Reading Club and an order form for supplies are available at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/trc/forms/index/html>. Library staff members are encouraged to place their orders as soon as possible. In November, TSLAC must estimate the number of items (manuals, posters, bookmarks, etc.). Manuals will be shipped in late January and the artwork is due to be shipped in late March.
To request additional information on the Texas Reading Club, contact Youth Services Consultant Christine McNew; TSLAC; 512.463.6623; <cmsnew@tsl.state.tx.us>.
New Children’s Books for Small Libraries
Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in low-income or underserved areas may send a letter to the Lisa Libraries, POB 430; Boiceville, NY 12412; requesting books for children’s programming.
For additional information, visit the Web site: <http://lisalibraries.org/frames.html>.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Idaho State Library Tutorials Available
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) will award two (2) hours of continuing education credit to Texas library staff for the completion of select online tutorials created by the Idaho State Library. These online tutorials pertain to basic library education topics. They are offered free of charge.
The Idaho State Library offers two online programs - the Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) program and the Supplemental Alternative Basic Library Education (SABLE) program.
Three SABLE tutorials are for library staff members who work with children. They are: Early Childhood Services, Services to School Aged Children, and Young Adult Services. Each course provides information about child development, library collections, services and programming, and outreach. The courses are self-paced and may be completed in approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Upon completion of a tutorial, library staff members may print a congratulatory letter and mail it to Christine McNew, Youth Services Consultant, TSLAC, to request two (2) hours of continuing education credit. A continuing education certificate will be mailed by the Texas State Library within 4 to 6 weeks.
For more information, please visit <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/index.html> or contact Youth Services Consultant Christine McNew, Library Development Div.; TSLAC; 1201 Brazos; Austin 78701; <cmcnew@tsl.state.tx.us>; 512.463.6623.
College of DuPage Teleconference Programs
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has purchased unlimited downlink rights for College of DuPage Soaring to Excellence teleconferences. These events may be broadcast to an unlimited number of library staff members at any participating host site in the state.
A new series of teleconferences packed with practical information will be presented this year; titles and dates are listed below. Broadcast times for all teleconferences are: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., CST.
v Jan. 21 -- Dealing with Difficult People
Speaker: Debra Wilcox Johnson
In the Age of Information, people have come to expect results immediately! Perennial favorite Deb Johnson provides some practical advice on how to deal with impatient and frustrated patrons.
v Mar. 11 -- Reference Tools for the Information Age
Speaker: Michelle Kraft
What are the best reference tools available, both in print and online? This final teleconference for 2005 covers a number of areas related to reference, and provides library staff with the best and most up-to-date tools available, with a special focus on consumer medical information.
Other teleconferences from the College of DuPage will be:
v Feb. 18 -- Library Marketing
Speaker: Richard Dougherty
Richard Dougherty, former University Librarian at the Univ. of Michigan, and a panel of experienced professionals will discuss marketing issues peculiar to librarians in both public and academic settings.
v Mar. 18 -- Library Transformation: Library as Place
The idea for this program came from an article called 'The Deserted Library' which inferred that everything is networked and online so the library as place is less important. This program challenges that notion and addresses how libraries are transforming themselves through services, and how they continue to be relevant as physical places within their communities.
v Apr. 29 -- Library Hot Topics for Today and Tomorrow.
Speaker: Richard Dougherty
Richard Dougherty, former University Librarian at the Univ. of Michigan, assembles a panel to review the latest issues and challenging trends in this magazine format presentation.
v June 3 -- Information Literacy
This teleconference will be sponsored by the ALA Office for Information Technology and the Network of Illinois Learning Resources in Community Colleges (NILRC). More program information will be available soon.
For more information on the College of DuPage teleconferences, contact Naomi Dominguez; Distance Learning Consultant; Library Development Division; TSLAC; POB 12927; Austin 78711-2927; 512.936.2586; fax 512.463.8000; <naomi.dominguez@tsl.state.tx.us> .
LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY
Tech Support Available for NETLS Members
Does your library have a technical support team or IT department? Can your librarians solve those pesky little errors that pop up frequently even though the computer seems to work just fine? If not, have no fear.
NETLS now has a limited amount of technical support for libraries that need it. The program is called Desktop Support.
An announcement concerning the new program was made at the Oct. 7 NETLS Membership Meeting in Quitman. At that meeting, a packet which included an instruction sheet for how to use this service was distributed to each library director. However, in case you have misplaced those instructions, here they are again for your convenience.
Here is how it works: if your computer can
connect to the Internet, but problems still exist, simply call
972.422.5077 ext. 204 to place
your support request. Then, log on to <http://www.macertechnology.com>
and click on the yellow icon at the bottom of the page. Enter the location
for the customer name and the customer number.
The customer number is available only to NETLS member libraries (this service is not for home use). To locate your library’s customer number, follow the instructions in your membership meeting packet.
A session will be created and a technician will be able to see your desktop and, with your permission, control your desktop. This way the technician can fix whatever problem exists.
That’s all there is to it. If you need further assistance, please contact NETLS Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley at 972.205.2569; <jmcculley@netls.org> .
TANG Emergency Technology Support and Training
In SFY 2005, the TANG grant will include components similar to last year’s grant. Plans are underway to provide Windows™ XP and Windows™ 2000 training for NETLS members. We expect these training sessions to be available in March.
However, Emergency Technology Support (ETS) Grants are available now to NETLS members. Libraries that have technology needs such as computer repair, troubleshooting or limited upgrades may apply. The grant guidelines and an application are available on the NETLS Web site in both Adobe and Word formats at <http://www.netls.org/Technology/TANG/default.htm>. A checklist is also available at this same link to assist library staff members in planning the best use of grant funds.
Emergency Technology Support Grants can be used for a variety of projects. As the guidelines suggest, ETS funds can be used to repair monitors, printers or computers. They may also be used for miscellaneous troubleshooting.
Librarians who experience computer problems during the year may want to consider purchasing a block of time or pre-paid labor time from their selected vendor for emergency use. For example, a library pre-purchases a block of 10 hours of labor at $90 an hour. The library can have a technician from that vendor work on library computer problems as needed. If parts are needed, the library would need to pay for the cost of the part, but the labor would already have been paid for. However, librarians that purchase labor time should make sure the time is used up by the end of August 2005.
How does it work? Go to the NETLS website and download the guidelines and application. Read the guidelines to get an idea of what kind of project you might like to develop. Complete the application and have it signed and dated by the library director or representative. All applications must by postmarked by Dec. 31.
Applications received with a postmark date after that date deadline will not be accepted.
The ETS grant award process will be competitive. Approvals are not automatic. The NETLS Technology Committee will score the grants and select 15 applicants to receive grant funds.
If you have any questions about this grant or your project, please contact Library Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley at 972.205.2569; <jmcculley@netls.org>.
Microsoft™ Donation Program at TechSoup Provides Software for Public Libraries
TechSoup is an organization that provides discounted software to non-profit 501(C)3 organizations. In the past, public libraries were not eligible for this program unless they had non-profit 501(C)3 status.
However, Microsoft™ now has a donation program available through TechSoup that provides discounted software to U.S. public libraries. An announcement of this program and a list of products are available at the TechSoup Web site,
<http://www.techsoup.org/stock/libraries/default.asp?cg=searchterms&sg=public%20libraries>.
Interested libraries should review eligibility requirements, which are available at <http://www.techsoup.org/stock/restrictions.asp#mslib>. There are a few limitations. Most notably libraries are limited to up to six titles per library and up to 50 licenses per title for a two-year period. Libraries may place an order for software and licenses one time in a one-year period. Taking this into consideration, libraries interested in obtaining software from TechSoup should plan ahead. A library technology plan may need to be modified to include a purchasing schedule that accommodates this rule.
Microsoft™ requires the use of a passport.net account when libraries are retrieving software and licenses. Registrants who do not have a passport.net account may obtain one at the eOpen Web site, <https://eopen.microsoft.com/EN/default.asp>. The only information required to create a new account at the eOpen Web site is an email address, password, country name and zip code.
More information about the Microsoft™ U.S. Public Libraries Software Donation Program is available at the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page at <http://www.techsoup.org/stock/libraries/ microsoft/faq.asp>.
For more information about this topic or other technology questions, please contact Library Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley at 972.205.2569; <jmcculley@netls.org>.
MEDIA
Libraries and Human Rights Programming
The ALA Public Programs Office and National Video Resources (NVR) have selected more than 200 libraries in 44 states to receive the Human Rights Video Project grant. Supported by a major grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation, participating libraries will receive packages of 12 videos and supporting materials on human rights topics.
A panel of librarians, filmmakers, and human rights professionals selected the video collection, which covers topics such as globalization and labor rights, landmines, the prison industry in the United States, sexual violence in war, police brutality, disability rights, and rights to education, among others.
Participating libraries in Texas are Austin Public, DUNCANVILLE PUBLIC, IRVING PUBLIC, PLANO PUBLIC, Pharr Memorial Library, Waco-McLennan County Public Library, and Weslaco Public Library.
NOTEWORTHY
Names in the News
Toni Beckett is interim library director of SACHSE PUBLIC.
Kay Bishop has been named acting director at COOKE COUNTY LIBRARY (Gainesville).
Sue Clayton is the new library manager of ROYSE CITY LIBRARY.
Karen Ellis, Assistant Director of Public Services for NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland) is resigning to take the position of director at the Taylor Public Library in Taylor.
Rachel Feltenberger has joined the staff of NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland) as children’s librarian at the Walnut Creek Branch.
Mary Ann Kitchens, manager of the Lakewood Branch of DALLAS PUBLIC, retired in August after more that 15 years of service with the DALLAS PUBLIC system.
Jennifer Lee has re-joined the staff of NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland) as children’s librarian.
Patricia McAnally is the interim library director for PARIS PUBLIC.
Barbara Perkins, director of SACHSE PUBLIC, passed away in October.
Donna Senter is the new director of CELINA COMMUNITY LIBRARY.
Ann Woods, longtime director of COOKE COUNTY LIBRARY (Gainesville), passed away in September after a long illness.
Happenings at Area Libraries
BONHAM PUBLIC; Barbara McCutcheon, director; 903.583.3128
BONHAM PUBLIC has received a donation of $15,000 to construct a building with a climate-controlled environment that will safely house the library’s historical documents and microfilm. The donation was given by a local couple who are library “fans”.
BULLARD COMMUNITY; Debbie Brown, director; 903.894.6125
The staff and supporters of BULLARD COMMUNITY kicked off a building campaign in September. Plans are being made to build a 10,000 square foot building on land that the city has donated. The theme of the campaign is “Expanding Minds…Building Dreams”.
W. WALWORTH HARRISON PUBLIC (Greenville); Cynthia A. Gray, director; 903.457.2992
W. WALWORTH HARRISON PUBLIC has entered into a partnership with the local Altrusa club to deliver books to shut-ins. The program is called Books Around Town – for Seniors. Library staff members interview participants and develop a reader’s profile for each. Altrusa volunteers pick up and deliver the materials in a special bag that advertises both the library and Altrusa.
RUSK COUNTY LIBRARY (Henderson); Pam Pipkin, director; 903.657.8557
In October, the Friends of Rusk County Library sponsored “Thundering Sneakers”, a sanctioned race that featured 5K and 10 K races as well as a Fun Run. The races all started and finished at the library.
LINDALE LIBRARY; Carrie Custer, director; 903.882.1900
The Friends of Lindale Library raised over $4,000 in August by planning and sponsoring the first Annual Crossroads Classic Car Show. Over 100 cars, trucks, and motorcycles were entered in the event.
MELISSA PUBLIC; Jan Clark, director; 972.837.4540
City officials, citizens, library staff members and other supporters celebrated the 10th anniversary of MELISSA PUBLIC at a gathering organized by the Friends of the Melissa Public Library in November.
RITER C. HULSEY LIBRARY (Terrell); Rebecca Sullivan, director; 972.551.6663
TERRELL PUBLIC has been renamed RITER C. HULSEY LIBRARY in honor of a long-time board member and library supporter. In a ceremony in November, State Representative Betty Brown, city officials, other board members, library staff members, friends and family gathered to honor Hulsey for his 56 years of service to the city of Terrell and the library.
TEXARKANA PUBLIC; Alice Coleman, director; 903.794.2149
TEXARKANA PUBLIC received $50,000 from the Horace C. Gabe Foundation and an additional $30,000 from the Library Foundation to fund building renovations that are due to begin in spring 2005.
NETLS SFY 2005 Minigrant Recipients
Congratulations to the winners of NETLS Special Services Minigrants:
· ATWELL PUBLIC (Hutchins) - $500, Children’s life skills
· COMMERCE PUBLIC - $2,500, Literacy
· FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE - $2,700, Youth Services outreach
· FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE - $1,200, Teen Tutoring
· FERRIS PUBLIC - $4,000, Document archiving
· W. WALWORTH HARRISON PUBLIC (Greenville) - $5,000, Community outreach
· IRVING PUBLIC - $3,000, Geriatric health education
· LONGVIEW PUBLIC - $3,000, Teen outreach
· MCKINNEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC - $3,000, Literacy/ESL
· ROCKWALL COUNTY - $1,500, Teen resources
· ROWLETT PUBLIC - $2,600, Literacy/ESL
· VAN ZANDT COUNTY (Canton) - $1,000, Art community collaboration
NETLS Marketing Minigrant winners:
· DALLAS PUBLIC - $2,000, Multi-language signage
· FERRIS PUBLIC - $1,800, Web design
· ROCKWALL COUNTY - $3,700, Informational materials
· ZULA B. WYLIE LIBRARY (Cedar Hill) - $2,500, Coupon ad project
NETLS Audiovisual Playback Equipment Minigrant winner:
· MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC - Data Projection Unit/Media Cart
NETLS Die Cutting Machine Minigrant winners:
· Arcadia Park Branch, DALLAS PUBLIC
· Kleberg Riley Branch, DALLAS PUBLIC
· Park Forest Branch, DALLAS PUBLIC
· Skyline Branch, DALLAS PUBLIC
· UPSHUR COUNTY (Gilmer)
· WASKOM PUBLIC
Special Congratulations!
ALLEN PUBLIC received a $3,000 NETLS Marketing Minigrant last year to produce a teen volunteer recruitment video. The video, “WANTED: Teen Volunteers,” won first place in the Library Category of the Nat. Assn. of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Awards. Heading up the project was Youth Services Clerk Reggie Burns.
NATOA recognizes excellence in broadcast, cable and multimedia programming developed by municipal agencies through its Government Programming Awards. The Library Category had 24 entries from libraries around the country, some of which had budgets of up to $400,000.
Congratulations to Reggie, the ALLEN PUBLIC teens and everyone involved for executing an award-winning and successful production!
AWARDS & GRANTS
AWARDS
TLA Awards
The Texas Library Assn. (TLA) Awards Committee is requesting help from TLA members to identify those individuals, organizations and projects most worthy of recognition for having advanced the cause of Texas libraries. The committee is presently accepting nominations and supporting documentation for the annual awards listed below.
¹ Texas Librarian of the Year
Recognizes a member librarian who, by sustained or singular activity, has provided outstanding service in one or more areas of the library profession
¹ Distinguished Service Award
Recognizes a TLA member librarian for distinguished service to librarianship and active participation in professional organizations in Texas extending over a number of years
¹ Outstanding Services to Libraries Award
Recognizes outstanding lay advocates of libraries who have made significant contributions to library services, practices and legislation
¹ Library Project of the Year
Recognizes the project by any type of library that best exemplifies the highest levels of achievement, professional standards and inspiration to other libraries
¹ Benefactor Award
Recognizes substantial donations to Texas libraries and their programs
For information or nomination forms, go to the TLA Web site, <http://www.txla.org/html/tlawards.html> or contact TLA Awards Committee Chair Elizabeth Polk; 30708 Berry Creek Dr.; Georgetown 78628. Nomination forms are NOT to be mailed to the TLA office.
Deadline for nominations is Jan. 5.
J. Frank Dobie Trust Awards
Applications are being accepted for the 2005 J. Frank Dobie Trust Awards. Established by the author, the trust provides financial assistance for qualifying public libraries which serve a population of 20,000 or less, are legally established and are open for service at least 20 hours a week.
The number and amount of the awards depend on the net income produced by the Trust.
According to the terms of the Trust, funds may be used solely for the purchase of books. (Books which have been reformatted for ease of use, i.e. books on audiotape, CD or CD-ROM are eligible.)
At Mr. Dobie’s request, award checks are presented at the annual Texas Library Assn. Conference.
To request additional information, contact James B. Stewart, Chairman; J. Frank Dobie Library Trust; Victoria Public; 302 N. Main; Victoria 77901-6592; <stewart@victoria.lib.tx.us>. To request print copies of the guidelines and application, libraries may contact Michelle Wendel <mwendel@victoria.lib.tx.us>.
Applications must be received by mail (no faxes) in triplicate by Dec. 15.
Highsmith Library Award
The ninth annual Highsmith Library Award will be given to two libraries, one school library and one for all other library types (i.e., public, academic, special) that have implemented creative marketing projects and/or promotions to enhance their visibility with in their service community.
Two awards, each consisting of $1,000 and a plaque, will be presented by a Highsmith, Inc. representative at the Texas Library Assn. Conference in Austin.
Application forms are available on the TLA Web site, <http://www.txla.org/html/awards/high.html>.
Completed applications should be sent via email or fax to Martha Knott, System Manager; San Antonio Public Library; 600 Soledad; San Antonio 78205; 210.207.2628; fax 210.207.2508; <mknott@sanantonio>.
Deadline for applications is Jan. 31.
Christina B. Woll Memorial Fund Awards
The Christina B. Woll Memorial Fund was established by the Texas Library Assn. (TLA) as a tribute to the many contributions that Christina Woll made to the field of children’s literature in Texas during her lifetime.
The fund, administered by the TLA Executive Board, is used to endow grants to libraries for the purchase of children’s books.
Awards of $1,000 each will be granted to school or public libraries that demonstrate one or more of the following:
· A commitment to provide a collection of quality children’s literature;
· A need to develop or enhance a particular part of the overall collection;
· A need to develop or enhance a particular program;
· A need to support a particular curriculum.
To receive more information or applications, go to the TLA Web site <http://www.txla.org/html/awards/scholar/wolldesc.html> or contact Sharon Amastae, Chair, Christina B. Woll Memorial Fund Committee; 3531 Fort Blvd.; El Paso 79930; 915.565.2152 (home) or 915.434.8350 (school) <samastae@yahoo.com> -or- the TLA Office at 800.580.2852.
Proquest/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award
The Proquest/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award is given annually, recognizing the contribution of an individual or group that has actively promoted intellectual freedom in Texas. Anyone actively promoting intellectual freedom in Texas during the last ten years is eligible. The award, donated by Social Issues Resources Series (SIRS), Inc., consists of:
· $500 to the award recipient;
· $500 to the library of the recipient's choice;
· A plaque commemorating the award.
Nominations for the award are judged on active promotion of intellectual freedom, the exemplifying of the spirit of intellectual freedom and the impact of efforts to promote intellectual freedom. Examples might be written and approved policies, programming or special activities, or ongoing promotion of intellectual freedom.
To receive additional information or applications, go to the TLA Web page, <http://www.txla.org/html/awards/ifaward.html>.
Deadline for nominations is Jan. 1.
Young Adult Reading Incentive Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the Young Adult Reading Incentive (YARI) Award. The Texas Library Assn./Young Adult Round Table (TLA/YART) sponsors the award annually to honor a librarian who has shown exceptional ability in motivating young adults to read by developing and implementing a reading incentive program for grades 6-12.
The award will consist of an engraved plaque and a stipend of $250, to be presented at the TLA Annual Conference.
For additional information or to request a nomination form, go to the TLA Web page, <http://www.txla.org/groups/yart/yari.html>.
Brett Butler Entrepreneurship Award
The Library and Information Technology Assn. (LITA)/Brett Butler Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Thomson Gale is awarded annually to recognize a librarian or library demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurship by providing an innovative product or service designed to meet the needs of the library world through the skillful and practical application of information technology.
Candidates for the award are selected based on the following criteria: effectiveness and adequate detail in the written application/ nomination, including relevance and usefulness of the product/service to libraries; appropriate and creative use of information technology in its development; and significance of its contribution to the functioning of libraries and/or librarians.
Applications should evidence timeliness in product/service development, originality of ideas, persuasiveness of arguments, quality of writing, and clarity of presentation. Applications must include references with knowledge of the product/service that may be consulted by the Committee and potential sites that may be visited or queried.
Nominations may be emailed to Chair Russ Bailey at <rbailey@email.uncc.edu>, or mailed to Russ Bailey, Associate University Librarian for Information Commons; J. Murrey Atkins Library; Univ. of North Carolina; 9201 University City Blvd.; Charlotte, NC 28223-0001.
For more information, contact Brenda Robertson at Amigos, 800.843.8482 (972.851.8000 in the Dallas area), ext. 2805, or <robertson@amigos.org>.
Deadline for applications is Dec. 1.
Thomson Gale Award
The Thomson Gale Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Library Services is sponsored by Thomson Gale Publishing and administered by the Reference and User Services Assn. (RUSA) division of the American Library Assn. (ALA). The award, $3,000 and a citation, is given to a library or library system for developing an imaginative and unique resource to meet patrons' reference needs.
The resource can be a bibliography, a guide to the literature of a specific subject, a directory, a database, or any other project that has helped the library meet adult or children's reference needs. Tools, guides, or databases that have been developed for reader's advisory or adult service questions and needs are also eligible for the award.
Nominations are to be made in writing, stating in detail how the resource has contributed to meeting patrons' reference needs. All nominations should include the following:
· Description of the resource;
· Description of the format, e.g., card file, database, etc.;
· List of sources used to compile the resource;
· Target audience;
· Criteria used in selecting material for inclusion (if the resource is inclusive, please state so clearly);
· Breadth of coverage, i.e., time and subject;
· Explanation of what makes the resource imaginative or unique.
A sample of the resource (or entry, pages, printout, etc.) must accompany the nomination. Letters of nomination should be sent to Committee Chair Lori S. Thornton; Public Services Program Manager; Washington State Library; POB 42460; Olympia, WA 98504-2460; 360.704.7135; fax 360.586.7575 <lthornton@secstate.wa.gov>.
Statements are due to the Committee chair by Dec. 15.
GRANTS
Texas Book Festival Grants Available
Each year, the proceeds from the Texas Book Festival are awarded as $2,500 grants to public libraries across Texas.
This year the Texas Book Festival is offering grants to accomplish three distinct goals: initiate or continue literacy programs, install new technology, and buy more books.
Applications for each of the three types of grants are available on the Texas Book Festival Web site, <http://www.texasbookfestival.org/ library_grants/application.html>.
Deadline for applications is Jan. 12.
Staying Connected: Gates Library Foundation Challenge Grants
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has received $907,520 from