Handouts and photos from the 2012 Library Supporters Conference are now posted online.
Texas libraries can become NTLP Partners now! Learn how.
Supporters Conference Handouts
Executive Director's Report
Back from PLA and planning for TLA……..
I was very fortunate to be selected to present a program at the Public Library Association Conference in Philadelphia last week. My program was Help! I’m a Librarian, Not a Social Worker. I had presented this a few times in Texas, and it seemed to go very well. It was a great experience to present at PLA and even better was the networking opportunity with librarians from around the United States. It is the vision of NTLP to serve libraries regardless of their geographic location, so the time spent in Philadelphia provided me the chance to share what NTLP is doing and our future goals.
Public Library Annual Reports
TSLAC just released the Public Library Annual Report Form for fiscal year 2011. Completing the annual report is important for maintaining your library's accreditation.
With the recent budget changes, we have heard some librarians questioning the value of completing the report. NTLP encourages all Texas Public Libraries to complete the annual report, both for the sake of staying accredited and in order to add to the growing body of statistics that relate public library usage to community economic trends.
From
Paul Waak: Why Do We Have Annual Library Statistics? The federal government has been collecting library statistics since 1994, and in a few more years there will be enough data to prove trends that show the economic value of a good library in the community. It is important to continue providing the statistics so that there can be sound statistical proof that libraries matter. Read more ...
From Carolyn Brewer: Is Accreditation Really Important for Public Libraries? The purpose of accreditation is to set standards for quality library services. Your city, county, and state funders need a way to see that the local public library is an establishment which meets recognized standards for services to the community. Read more ...
Changes Coming to NTLP and the Texas Library Systems
What's happening to NTRLS and the other Texas Regional Library Systems?
Why is NTLP asking my library to become a member? Aren't we already an NTRLS member?
We're hearing these questions a lot these days. So much that we're visting 14 Texas locations in November and December to meet with librarians and discuss the changing face of regional library support organizations in Texas.
The End of Texas Library Systems
Because of the Texas budget cuts for the 2012 – 2013 biennium, funding for the regional library systems has been reduced drastically for fiscal year 2012 and will be eliminated entirely in fiscal year 2013
Upcoming Meetings
Overdrive Consortium Meeting - Friday, June 1 at the Keller Public Library
NTLP Proposes New Protocol for eBook Distribution Through Libraries
Recognizing that publishers and libraries alike must learn new ways to continue what we do best, NTLP proposes a new protocol for distributing ebooks through libraries. Please read our Statement of Common Understanding and the Example describing how it would be used in practice. Both documents are open to public comment and will be revised responsively.
Anyone with an interest in this project should please express it by March 5, 2012.
State and Federal Funding for Texas Public Libraries for 2012 - 2013
The Texas state budget for the 2012 - 2013 biennium includes an 88% cut to state funding for TSLAC's programs supporting Texas libraries, including the elimination of the Loan Star Libraries program, cuts and cost increases in the Texshare databases, and a reduction in federal funding for the state's regional library systems program.
Status of Texas Library Systems for 2012 - 2013
The Texas Library Systems program will be reduced for the 2012 state fiscal year and eliminated for 2013. Starting in 2012, Continuing Education will be coordinated by the Texas State Library. As of 2013, services previously provided by Systems will be provided by third party entities on a contract basis.
