Volume 38 No. 5 | August 2019
#E-Books For All
Macmillan Publishers introduced a new library ebook lending model which will make it difficult for libraries to ensure access to information for all. Under the new model, a library may purchase one copy upon release of a new title in ebook format, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo on additional copies of that title sold to libraries. 

ALA is exploring all possible avenues to ensure that libraries can continue to purchase and lend at pricing models that are reasonable and flexible. As this trend continues to unfold, the library community must be prepared for a long journey. Add your voice to conversation if you agree that access to and use all published works—regardless of format—must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors, and publishers. LEARN MORE
 
LinkedIn Learning Changes to Terms of Service Impair Library Users’ Privacy  
LinkedIn Learning — formerly Lynda.com, a platform used by libraries to provide online learning opportunities to library users — plans to make substantial changes to its terms of service that would significantly impair library users’ privacy rights.

Under LinkedIn Learning’s new terms of service, a library cardholder will need to create a LinkedIn profile in order to access LinkedIn Learning. In addition to providing their library card number and PIN, users will have to disclose their full name and email address to create a new LinkedIn profile or connect to their existing profile. New users will have their LinkedIn profile set to public by default, allowing their full name to be searched on Google and LinkedIn.

Libraries and librarians who wish to share their concerns about the proposed changes in to LinkedIn Learning’s terms of service and to voice their support for protecting library users’ privacy rights should communicate with Farhan Syed, Vice President of Client Solutions at fsyed@linkedin.com. READ MORE

Texas Literary Landmarks
Currently there are only five literary landmarks in Texas. The Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission wants to help Texas establish more. A Literary Landmark can be the home of an author, a location of literary significance, or even a literary figure's hometown. It is important to note that if a landmark is focusing on a particular author, that author can no longer be living. However, if a landmark focuses on a place connected to a group of authors (majority deceased), a case can be made for designation. 

Texas Center for the Book hopes to identify and establish one new Texas Literary Landmark per year. There are many sites in Texas that deserve recognition. If readers have ideas for locations, please complete this online form. Recommend a Literary Landmark
TLA District Meetings
The TLA districts’ fall meetings are an opportunity for local librarians, para-professionals and trustees from all types of libraries to meet, network and collaborate on future projects and programs. (Information on website current as of August 12) LEARN MORE  
TLA News
Libraries Transform Texas Week October 7 - 11
Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the numerous ways libraries transform Texas! During the week of October 7 - 11 all libraries are invited to share how they transform their communities through innovative spaces, programs, education, technology, events, and more.

Libraries are the center of our communities - whether the community is a school, a campus, a neighborhood, a small town or a large city. They bring people together to learn, grow and connect in countless ways. Help us spread the word about the transformative power of Texas libraries during the first Libraries Transform Texas Week. LEARN MORE

Maximize Your TLA Membership
Dedicated TLA volunteers’ hard work and skill keep the association moving forward. We need your talents and knowledge to ensure that TLA continues to provide the best opportunities for library professionals in Texas. TLA President-elect Christian Gola will begin working on appointments to TLA committees this fall. If you are interested in getting involved please complete this online interest form and she will contact you with more information.

Thank You Donors!
 As a 501(c)(3) education non-profit, the Texas Library Association relies on the generosity of library supporters to enable us to carry out our mission. Thank you to all of the individuals, organizations, and foundations that donated this past fiscal year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019). 

Petition to Form TLA Art Librarian Discussion Group
The purpose of this proposed discussion group is to provide a forum wherein art librarians and others working in or interested in the arts can exchange ideas and learn from each other with the goal of creating access to and organization of arts materials in libraries and archives; to encourage idea exchange, inspire discussion and support projects that aim to inform, and education through activities and programs in the arts. This group is being organized by Tiffany Bailey, manager of the Dallas Public Library Fine Arts Division. Contact Tiffany with any questions.  SIGN THE PETITION

Tocker Foundation Seeking Great Stories
WANTED: Library grantees with a 'RIPPLE EFFECT' story to tell willing to be interviewed for a video on the impact of a Tocker Foundation grant. A graduate student from the UT iSchool will be working on this Capstone project for the fall semester. For more information or to volunteer, contact us through our website, or call the office directly.
Want Your Texas Library Stories Turned Into Comics for #txla20?
Share your favorite stories about working in a Texas library and they may be turned into a comic strip. Submit your stories via this online form by November 15 to Gene Ambaum (Unshelved, Library Comic) and he’ll turn his favorites into comic strips. 

Your stories can be weird, wonderful, touching, terrifying, hilarious, and/or heartwarming. Bonus points if yours is somehow a particularly Texas story!

Please don’t include the names or physical descriptions of the folks involved. Gene doesn't need to know exactly where it took place, either. Just write out what happened and let Gene do the rest.  

If your submission is chosen, you will be notified by email and will get a signed print of the comic adapted from their story.

Continuing Education
All webinars are FREE to TLA members. Visit the TLA Webinar  page for more information. (All times are Central Time.)
Names in the News
  • Yvonne Chandler, associate professor at UNT Department of Information Science and past-president of TLA is in the hospital in critical condition and the family asks for your prayers.
  • Larry Dowell, illustrator, passed away in June.
  • Heather Horner, librarian at Skyline High School, was named Dallas ISD Librarian of the Year.
  • Bill Wittliff, author and photographer, passed away in June.
  • Marvin Rich, long-time TLA and library advocate, passed away in Houston in August.
Texas Library Association
3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763
Phone: 512-328-1518 | Fax: 512-328-8852