Volume 37 No. 5 | November 2018
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Midterm Election Update
More than 8.3 million registered Texas voters turned out for the midterm elections, almost double the 4.6 million who voted in the 2014 midterms. Democrats flipped 12 seats in the Texas House, the biggest shift in that chamber since the 2010 midterm elections, reducing the Republican majority to 83-67. Two Texas Senate Republican incumbents (Konni Burton, Colleyville, and Don Huffines, Dallas) were defeated by Democratic challengers. All Republican incumbents retained their statewide offices, and State Board of Education incumbents also were reelected. Open seats on the SBOE were won by the party which previously held the seat.
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Texas Speaker of the House Race
On November 12,
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R- Angleton) announced that he has more than 100 votes in support of his candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Bonnen served in leadership positions under former Speaker Joe Straus, twice as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and three times as the House’s Speaker pro tempore. Electing the Speaker is the first order of business for the House when the Texas Legislature convenes on January 8.
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TSLAC Sunset Review
The Sunset Commission met on November 14 to adopt recommendations for the Legislature to consider in the 2019 Session. Commission members voted to continue the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for another 12 years with no major operational changes. Members accepted the
recommendations from the Sunset staff report, and added a new recommendation to allow TSLAC to advertise the agency’s programs and services, and develop educational materials for the public and for sale. Overall they Sunset process has been very positive. Thank you to everyone that submitted comments, testified, and provided feedback to the Sunset staff and Commission members.
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It's Awards, Scholarship, Grants & Stipend Season!
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TLA Awards
TLA’s awards honor excellence in, and contributions to, the library profession. The awards celebrate leadership, lifetime achievement, library service, advocacy, outstanding projects, innovative partnerships that change communities, and more! Nominations are due January 15.
Learn more and nominate an outstanding librarian today!
TLA Scholarships
TLA’s scholarships support library education, and encourage future librarians. All applicants must be Texas residents, and current TLA members. February 2, 20 19 is the deadline for all applications and letters of recommendation. Applicants will be notified about their status by March 31, 2019.
Learn more and apply.
Branding Iron Award
Whether they have substantial marketing funds and staff, or a shoe-string budget, librarians are creating amazing work to promote their services, programs, and events. TLA’s Branding Iron Awards honor this inspiring and creative work with awards presented in several categories, and one overall Best of Show winner. The deadline to apply is February 15.
Learn more and apply today!
Unit Awards, Scholarships & Stipends
Many of TLA’s divisions, districts and round tables present awards to recognize outstanding achievement by librarians of all types, scholarships to support those pursuing a MLS degree, and
stipends to off-set the cost of attending the TLA Annual Conference.
Learn more and apply.
J. Frank Dobie Library Trust Awards
When famed Texas author and folklorist J. Frank Dobie passed away in 1964; he left the majority of his estate to create the J. Frank Dobie Library Trust for the purpose of assisting small Texas libraries in purchasing books. Applications are open to Texas public libraries that serve a population of 20,000 or less, are legally established, and are open for service at least 20 hours per week. Applications are due December 15, 2018.
Learn more and apply today.
Jeanette & Jim Larson Grant
Longtime TLA member Jeanette Larson and her architect husband, Jim, established this fund to help a public library or public library branch acquire materials in the mystery genre. Applications are open to any public library in the state of Texas, including individual branch libraries of a larger library system. The deadline is January 20, 2019.
Learn more and apply today.
Woll Memorial Fund
This fund was established to perpetuate Christina Woll’s love of reading and commitment to providing quality literature for children. Applications are open to any Texas public or school library that serves children 12 or under. Application deadline is January 31, 2019.
Learn more and apply today.
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Use Your Library Voice: Personalizing Advocacy
All politics is local and all successful advocacy is personal. Building relationships with elected officials is essential to making sure your message is heard. Learn how to make the first move, and put the lessons into practice with a visit to the Texas Capitol.
Registration is only $25 for TLA members.
Learn more
Contributed Papers
Collaboration Space
Have you identified a hot topic, innovative concept, or knowledgeable individual that will prompt great group discussions?
Send us your proposal to host a 60 minute facilitated small group discussion about topics relevant to libraries or librarians. The submission deadline is January 30, 2019.
Learn more
Teacher Day @ TLA
Chips and Queso. Bert and Ernie. Teachers and librarians. Some things are just better together. Do you know a classroom teacher who would enjoy the TLA Annual Conference? On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, classroom teachers will have the opportunity to experience a special one-day event during the TLA conference, comprised of speakers, activities, and pricing designed just for them.
Here is your chance to help. You, as a sponsoring school librarian, will play a crucial role by identifying interested teachers, helping them secure permission and funding for their attendance, guiding them through the registration process, and ensuring our guest teachers have a positive experience.
Learn more and
apply today!
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December 5 | 1 – 2pm
AZ: Mentoring and Being a Mentee
Library careers rarely happen in isolation. Mentoring represents fulfilling opportunities for both new and experienced people. Get an overview of the mentoring process and learn how it differs from coaching, shadowing, and counseling. This webinar will explain how to connect to potential mentors or mentees.
Register
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- Ann Jerabek, associate professor and head of interlibrary and copy services/microforms at Sam Houston State University, and long-time active TLA member passed away in October.
- Sue Penny, a retired school librarian, former president of the Border Regional Library Association, chair of TLA District 6, and member of the Texas Bluebonnet Award selection committee, passed away in October.
- Pete Randles of Southwest Book Company has retired his business. We thank Pete for his 35 years as a TLA exhibitor and for all his support with TLA conference events.
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Texas Library Association
3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763
Phone: 512-328-1518 | Fax: 512-328-8852
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