From the Texas State Library and Archives Commission: With the pandemic shutting down libraries and local budgets decreasing, many are concerned about a loss of public library accreditation based on current rules. At its fall meeting on November 9, 2020, the agency commission reviewed and passed an emergency rule. This new rule, which is now in effect, allows TSLAC to waive one or more accreditation criteria if a library shows good cause, such as a pandemic. Read their full blog post.

The Governor's Broadband Development Council, established during the last legislative session, has issued its first report, which recommends the creation of a state-wide broadband plan, the establishment of a state broadband office, and the development of a broadband funding plan. Eddy Smith, director of the Abilene Library Consortium, represents libraries on the Council. Read the report.

The Texas Library Association’s 2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List was announced at the online Texas Book Festival on Monday, November 2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the list was announced virtually. Read the full list here. To see the video of the announcement featuring children from across Texas, go here. Thanks to the TBA Committee for their hard work reading through 800+ books to create this list!

Interested in the TALL Texans leadership program? TALL Texans participants study strategic planning, risk-taking, conflict negotiation, team building, coaching, ethics, advocacy, personal career planning, and more. Mentors, selected by the TLA Executive Board serve as coaches, counselors and role models, sharing their experiences as veteran library leaders. Apply online here; deadline is January 31. View the webinar "How to Apply to the TALL Texans Leadership Institute" for detailed guidance.

Nominations are open for Librarian of the Year, Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Awards, plus many more! Learn about the various awards and the nomination process here. We have many Unit Awards as well, we encourage you to nominate all the deserving librarians you know. Find out more here.

We are delighted to announce the premiere of the Libraries Transform Texas Podcast. This monthly podcast is a production of the Texas Library Association Public Relations and Marketing Committee. It’s designed to showcase the amazing work of Texas librarians and the influence of Texas libraries. Listen to the podcast.

In 2021, members will elect a president-elect, two representatives-at-large, and an ALA Councilor to serve on the Executive Board. Meet the board candidates. View the videos from our two candidates for President-Elect; Marty Rossi and Mary Woodard. Join TLA or renew your membership by January 31, 2021, to be able to vote.

Viral sensation Curbside Larry (who's had millions of YouTube views and counting) reminded everyone of how much they love libraries. We are delighted that "Curbside Larry" (in real life, library staffer John Schaffer) is also a fan of the Texas Library Association. Watch this video and find out why you should be a part of TLA! Thanks to Harris County Public Library for creating this video. Watch it here.

TLA Leadership LAUNCH is a seminar for people new to the library profession, with less than 5 years of work experience. The program is designed for all types of libraries. Currently, there is a fall version taking place; registration is now open for the Winter session: January 29 through February 26. Participants will earn 15 hours Continuing Education credit, TSLAC & SBEC. Cost is $145 for TLA members, $195 for non-members. This online course will meet on Fridays from 1 to 4 pm. Deadline to register is January 22. For more information, please contact Ted Wanner. Register here.

This year, the Texas Library Journal will be all-digital. Previously, members received a Fall and Winter printed magazine, and digital Spring and Summer versions. To be more budget-conscious and environmentally friendly, all future editions of TLJ will be digital. Click here for our latest issue. All issues will be downloadable.

December 9 | 3 - 4pm CT | Register

Cost: FREE

REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) is a research project conducted by OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle to produce science-based information about how materials can be handled to mitigate COVID-19 exposure to staff and visitors of archives, libraries, and museums. Members of OCLC’s research team will share the latest resources and best practices for re-opening during the pandemic. Learn more about OCLC.

Asher Price on Earl Campbell: Yards After Contact

December 15 | 2 - 3pm CT | Register

CE Credit:1 hr SBEC only

Cost: FREE

Earl Campbell was a force in American football, winning a state championship in high school, rushing his way to a Heisman trophy for the University of Texas, and earning MVP as he took the Houston Oilers to the brink of the Super Bowl. An exhilarating blend of biography and history, Earl Campbell chronicles the challenges and sacrifices one supremely gifted athlete faced in his journey to the Hall of Fame. Journalist and author Asher Price will discuss his book on NFL legend and former Longhorn Earl Campbell, in a conversation with TLA staffer Michele Chan Santos.