Texas Library Association District III Meeting

Taylor City Hall, Taylor, Texas

October 13, 2001

Prior to the business meeting, Claire Maxwell, Taylor Public Library volunteer and member of the Main Street Association, welcomed the group to Taylor. The Taylor Main Street Association provided "gift bags" for all the attendees.

Also, Peggy Rudd, State Librarian, addressed the group. Peggy spoke about Loan Star Libraries and other changes at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). Gloria Meraz from the Texas Library Association (TLA) presented Peggy with a Resolution of Recognition from TLA for her Loan Star Libraries effort. Peggy referred to a book, Our Singular Strengths by Michael Gorman in her speech.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Diana Collins at 1:15 p.m. Approximately 42 people were in attendance and each person made an introduction to the group. The Officers at the head table also introduced themselves.

Gifts were given to the morning speakers and to Judy Reinhart in appreciation of her hard work as Chair of District III for two years.

Election of the Officers

Nominating Committee Chair, Judy Reinhart presented the slate and introduced the candidates for office for April 2002 – April 2003. Ballots were distributed and voting took place. The complete slate is filed with District III secretary’s records.

Reports

Minutes from the Annual Assembly District III Caucus were read by Secretary Amanda Williams and the minutes were approved as read.

Sarah Samson, Treasurer, reviewed the treasurer's report dated October 13, 2001.

Opening Balance: $2,186.55
Revenues: Unit Allotment 342.21
Fall Meeting 880.00 (projected)
Expenitures: ALA Legislative Day 669.15
Fall District III Mtg. 1300.00
Tall Texans 400.00
Ending Balance $1,039.61
Russell Keelin, Councilor, reported on information presented at Annual Assembly Council Meetings. The big topic was the recent vote to increase TLA membership dues. Only 9% of the Association voted. There were 278 for and 317 against. There has not been a dues increase since 1981, but there has been a 76% cost of living increase. TLA Executive Board has created a Frequently Asks Questions (FAQ) on the dues increase and the Fall issue of Library Journal President’s article discusses the issue. TLA has decided to re-submit the dues increase with the Spring ballot for TLA President Elect because the vote was so low and so close.

New Business/Greetings from Herman Totten from Julie Todaro

More information about the dues increase. Areas of Texas did not receive the ballot in a timely manner. Executive Board got permission from Council to have another election. Dues will still be a sliding scale based on the honor system. Emails will be going out to remind people to please vote.

Eva Poole and Rhoda Goldberg are the two candidates running for TLA President Elect.

It was a good Legislative Session.

Loan Star Libraries was funded for 2.9 million each biennium.

$.30 per child for school library materials

No Internet filtering bill passed Legislation

Staved off UCITA

Two new bills for Library Districts were passed.

Julie reminded us that lobbying issues are all year round. It is critical that public librarians and the public know what TIF is – Texas Infrastructure Fund, and that it is this fund that pays for the TSLAC databases and the remote access to those databases.

This is the Centennial Year and Texas Champions – dead or alive – will be honored at a Texas Tea in Dallas at Annual Conference. A tribute to a living person is called a "festschift."

Roxie Munro, author and illustrator of children's books, has donated a poster for the Centennial. Other pieces of her art will be auctioned as a fund raiser.

Centennial Conference theme is "Preserving the Past, Looking Towards the Future." Featured speakers include Steven Murdoc, Robert Caro, Major Owens (a member of U.S. Legislature and a librarian), Simson Garfinkel, and Tomi dePaola.

Herman’s "Conference within a Conference" will feature the future needs of library education.

Barry Bishop, President Elect is firming up committee for conference 2003.

Don’t forget the dues increase and be sure and vote in February.

Back to Reports

Susan Mann – Legislative Report for Gloria Meraz

Susan passed out two handouts which are on the TLA website.

2003 Library Legislative Handout
Importance of TIF to all libraries in Texas
Direct Aid
Money for School Libraries
Advocacy Tips – How to talk and write to Legislators
Susan made a plea for TLPAC. If you give $100.00 over the year, you will be invited to a breakfast at TLA in April.

TLA Centennial Report

Sue Soy was not at the meeting, but Sue asked that we all look at the site and contribute for our libraries. Website for District III is up. Web address is http://www.main.org/tla3/

New Business Continued

Carlyn Gray announced the Legislative Committee of TLA will have a pre-conference at Annual Conference in Dallas on copyright on Tuesday, April 23 and an Advocacy Panel on Wednesday, April 24.

Announcement of the New Officers for 2002-03

The new officers are Deanna Frazee, Chair Elect, Amanda Williams, Secretary, and Sarah Samson, Treasurer.

Announcements

Again, thanks to Taylor and the Taylor Public Library for being such wonderful hosts, and to Jane Sheaffer at the Central Texas Library System for helping with the continuing education certificates.

Judy Duer encouraged libraries to apply for Texas Book Festival Grants.

June Berry encouraged folks to apply to the Tall Texan Program.

Jackie Dodson mentioned the Waco-McLennan Public Library annual Book Sale on November 1 – 4. You can bring purchase orders.

Business meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Amanda Williams

TLA District III Secretary