Two more entries in the foodie sweepstakes at the '08 Dallas conference:

Downtown at 600 N Akard is Dakota's Steakhouse. New American cuisine is served in this underground oasis with a waterfall on the patio. Find it connected to the Fairmont Hotel via a tunnel. One diner described it as "a shangri-la experience." 214-740-4001.

Another Greenville Avenue foreign country dining adventure is Royal Thai at 5500 Greenville Avenue, just above Lover's Lane, a taxi ride from conference hotels. Very reasonable prices and a luscious atmosphere contribute to an evening's pleasure. The wait staff is dressed in shimmering Thai silk gowns,and the decor includes intricately carved screens and brocaded chairs. The menu lists such things as tulip dumplings, swimming angels (chicken breast with shrimp filling over sauteed spinach), golden sacks (fried rice wrappers of minced chicken), and a four-alarm calamari for those who appreciate plenty of spicy heat. 214-691-3555.

Be sure to call for reservations and further information at any of these establishments

Today's post is from Kathy Edwards, Director of the William T. Cozby Public Library in Coppell:

The Local Arrangements’ Exhibits Team, is looking for volunteers to serve the vendors who exhibit at TLA. Needed are volunteers who are willing to work in vendor registration for a four-hour minimum shift. Volunteers are needed all day Wednesday and Thursday (8:30-5:30) and Friday (8:30-2:30). Please complete the volunteer form and indicate that you are willing to serve in “Exhibits” and write in Registration in the date/time area along with your date and time preference. As requested, forms should be sent to Tish Mulkey. Please copy Kathy Edwards and let her know if you have any questions on exhibitor registration times or duties.

The Exhibits team also needs boothsitting volunteers. Boothsitters “sit” in a booth to allow a single-vendor to register for next year’s conference and to take a break. Boothsitters have more flexibility in their schedules. If you are interested in boothsitting, please complete a volunteer form indicating that you are willing to serve in “Exhibits” and write in Boothsitting in the date/time area along with your date and time preference and send to Tish Mulkey. Please copy Leora Kemp and let her know if you have any questions on boothsitter duties or times.

Today’s Post is from Maryanne Moore, web developer for TLA :

A Little History
In years past, TLA has provided an internet service, called Jobline, on its website which allows employers to post information about available jobs. Prior to each conference, those seeking jobs could also enter resume information about themselves. Employers and job seekers attending the conference could log on and view the information, send limited messages back and forth, and set up interviews. Once conference began, the internet service was no longer available and users had to go to the Placement Center to view or enter information.

Enhancements for 2008
In an effort to improve the usefulness, accessibility, and reliability of the Placement Center at the next conference, the employer and job seeker web pages will be available on the internet through the TLA secure website. This will allow conference registrants to view jobs and/or job applicants from their homes, hotel rooms, or any other internet hot spot. Job seekers will still be able to request that their personal information be hidden. The computers in the Placement Center will be connected to the internet so that those registrants who do not have their own computer can access the same resources.

Placement Center web pages will only allow access to those users who are registered for the conference. (If you register for the conference on-site you’ll need to stop by the Placement Center to get a username and password.)

Using the internet will also enable employers and job seekers to communicate with one another via email. This will be an improvement over the messaging service provided in the Placement Center in the past. A simple messaging service will still be provided in case there are users who do not have access to their email accounts. If an employer wishes to use the Placement Center for an interview, there will be a web interface set up where they can see what spaces are available when and make a reservation in real time.

The Placement Center will still provide face-to-face services such as resume advice as before.

If you have questions please contact Jeffrey Levy, Business co-liaison in the Research and Instructional Services Department, Willis Library, University of North Texas Libraries.

To volunteer for the placement center please fill out the volunteer form.

Today's post is from Annie Frank , a librarian at Parr Library in Plano:

If you have time for a side trip while at TLA, here’s a suggested itinerary: The Japanese Garden in Ft. Worth, followed by lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s, and then a stroll through the Water Garden. Total time: 4-6 hours, depending on how enchanted you are with the Gardens.

The Japanese Garden is part of the Ft. Worth Botanic Garden, and is worth visiting in any season. Multi-level pathways of stone and wood wind through Japanese maples, pines, and flowering cherries donated by Ft. Worth’s sister city Nagaoka, Japan. Around each hill or corner is an everchanging landscape of bridges, pavilions, decks, and statuary. Connecting the entire garden is a system of ponds full of giant, colorful koi. These are fun to feed—fish food stations are scattered about the Garden, and the koi will almost eat out of your hand. Any left over fish food is quickly devoured by the tame squirrels. It’s truly an enchanting place, full of peace and serenity. And admission is only $3.00 for adults! For directions and hours of operation: http://www.fwbg.org/japanese.htm. For detailed information on the Garden itself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Japanese_Garden.

Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant is a Ft. Worth landmark. It started operation in 1935 and is still going strong. The menu is limited to enchiladas, tacos and fajitas, but the food is handmade and good. It gets a 4 out of 5 on Trip Advisor. And it’s HUGE, so even if there’s a line, the wait is short. More information at www.joets.com.

Finally, end your Ft. Worth adventure by strolling through the Water Garden, next to the Ft. Worth Convention Center. There are three featured fountains: the Meditation Pool, which we call the Wall of Water, because that’s what it is; the Aerating Pool (fun to walk around and spot the rainbows cast by the spray); and the main attraction, the Active Pool. The Active Pool has terraced steps leading down 38 feet, with water cascading all around. By the time you get to the bottom, you are surrounded by thundering water. Address: 1502 Commerce Street, 817-871-5755, Free. For more information on the Water Garden itself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Water_Gardens.

Today's post is from Annie Frank , a librarian at Parr Library in Plano:

There’s an Arts and Letters Live program on April 14 that might lure you into arriving a day early for the 2008 TLA Conference. It’s called Cowgirl vs. Cowboy Cuisine with Paula Disbrowe and Robb Walsh, a showdown between two chefs “celebrating Texas cuisine” (I don’t know about that “cuisine” part).

Paula Disbrowe is a former New Yorker (she couldn’t help where she was born) who had the good sense to move to Texas. Her book, Cowgirl Cuisine: Rustic Recipes and Cowgirl Adventures from a Texas Ranch, mixes great recipes (Watermelon Margaritas) with humorous anecdotes about ranch life. Robb Walsh is the restaurant critic for the Houston Press. He has written several cookbooks, the latest being the Texas Cowboy Cookbook (2006), described by NPR’s Kitchen Sisters as like “a collaboration by John Wayne, Larry McMurtry and Emiliano Zapata.”

The event includes a luncheon buffet and cook-off at Dallas Museum of Art’s Seventeen Seventeen Restaurant, serving recipes from the above cited cookbooks, and costs $45. The authors’ presentation in the Horchow Auditorium afterwards costs an additional $30. You can go to both or to either one, depending on your budget. Reservations are required.

Today's post is from Annie Frank , a librarian at Parr Library in Plano:

The Welcome Party for the TLA Conference will be held at the Nasher Sculpture Center on April 15th. Located in the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher is an oasis of peace and beauty in the middle of downtown. The collection contains works by Rodin, Matisse, Picasso, Miro, Giacometti, Liechtenstein, among many others. The pieces are positioned both inside the gallery and outside. The sculpture garden is lovely and reflective, surrounded by crepe myrtles, willows, and magnolias, with three fountains, benches, and numerous sculptures. Don’t miss the “skyscape” room, called Tending (Blue) by James Turrell. A serene retreat.

Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St.
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 242-5100

Are you a history junkie? Want to nourish your mind between sessions?

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a true Dallas icon, dedicated to documenting the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is housed in the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated Kennedy, according to several government investigations.

The museum welcomes visitors from around the world who seek understanding about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

The current special exhibit is titled "Filming Kennedy: Home Movies from Dallas," and will remain open during the annual conference.

The Sixth Floor Museum is open Monday, 12 pm - 6 pm and Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm. Adult admission is $13.50.

For directions and parking information, see:
http://www.jfk.org/General_Information.htm

This is for those who are serious about fine food, no others need apply.

The Mansion on Turtle Creek is Dallas' only 5-star hotel and its dining room is a major reason for those stars. Start with a warm inviting atmosphere graced with Palladian windows looking out on the patio. The menu of contemporary American cuisine includes such things as slow braised shortribs of beef served with root vegetables and maple-braised collards as well as the more exotic things you would expect in a fine restaurant. Relax, give yourself enough time to enjoy the rich ambiance and the wondeful food slowly. The Mansion is at 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard. Avoid disappointment and call for reservations at 214-443-4747.

Closer to the Convention Center is the Adolphus Hotel. The French Room at the Adolphus has been given top ranking by Gourmet Magazine year after year. It is decorated in Rococo style -- think Ornate! The fantastic menu includes Gulf Red Snapper in caramelized onions with wild mushrooms and kumquat confit. The dessert menu is out of this world. One of my most memorable -ever- dining experiences happened at the French Room and was completed with a Grand Marnier souffe. Words almost fail me. It was simply exquisite. Expect to pay -- it's worth every penny. Years from now you'll still be talking of your meal at the French Room. Call 214-742-8200 for reservations, and don't wait until late in the day.

The gorgeously-modern Angelika Film Center is a great place to see indie, art-house, and/or foreign films. There are actually two locations in the DFW Metroplex; one in Dallas and a newer one a little north in Plano.

Both locations feature stylish decor, upscale food, and an all-around more luxurious experience than your typical movie theater. The Dallas location is also conveniently located near the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) Mockingbird Station, making it easy to get to. The station itself is quite attractive.

You can find information and current showings here:
Dallas Angelika: http://angelikafilmcenter.com/angelika_index.asp?hID=7915
Plano Angelica: http://angelikafilmcenter.com/angelika_index.asp?hID=8774

For more information on DART and the Mockingbird Station:
http://www.dart.org/riding/stations/mockingbirdstation.asp

Today's post is from Cindy Boyle at TLA:

We are very pleased to introduce you to the TLA 2008 Conference Sponsors. Please be sure to convey your appreciation to these companies and their representatives when you see them at their booths at the annual TLA Conference and as you work with them throughout the year. They help make TLA strong.

Authors Area - Librarian’s Yellow Pages

Author Session with TBA Award Winner - Bound To Stay Bound

Badge Holders - Capstone Press/Compass Point Books/Picture Window Books/
Stone Arch Books

Black Caucus Round Table Author Session - Follett Library Resources,Renaissance Learning, Inc., & Stone Arch Books

Book Cart Competition - DEMCO, Inc.

Closing Author Session - SMART Technologies

Conference Information Center - Gumdrop Books

CONFERENCE TIMES Newsletter - Gumdrop Books

Conference Programs
Designing Projects for 21st Century Learners - Highsmith, Inc
Oh No, I Have to Catalog, too? - Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Getting Them Where They Live - Garrett Book Company

Diversity Fair - DEMCO, Inc.

Exhibits Directory & Buyers Guide - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Exhibit Hall B Café - Davidson Titles, Inc.

General Session I - netTrekker d.i.

General Session II - Brodart Company

Hetherington Fun Run/Walk - ProQuest

Internet Room - MAXIMUM RIDE

Net Fair - netTrekker d.i.

Pocket Program - Gumdrop Books

President’s Party - Baker & Taylor
President’s Party Spirits - EBSCO Information Services & Encyclopedia Britannica

Small Community Libraries Dessert Social - Star Book Sales

TALL Texans Leadership Institute - DEMCO, Inc.

TLA/TBA Store - Sentry Technology Corporation & Library Design Systems

Welcome Party - Ingram Library Services Inc.

Scholarships, Awards, Grants & Conference Stipends
Biblionix – Small Community Libraries Round Table Conference Stipend

DEMCO, Inc./TLA Research Grant

Escue Annual Conference Stipend

Garrett Scholarship

Highsmith Library Awards
“Letters about Literature” for 2008 – Texas Center for the Book and Texas Association of School Librarians

ProQuest/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award

Quality Books – NMRT Professional Development Grant

Texas Book Festival Grants

Tocker Foundation Conference Stipends

Van Dusen-Brady-Tobin Scholarship

Walter H. Escue Memorial Scholarship

Contributions to divisions, round tables, interest groups, and districts are recognized
by the individual units.

TLA thanks the following exhibiting companies for their support of the “Strong Libraries, Strong Scores” mini-conference on April 16:
ABC-CLIO
Follett Library Resources
Perma-Bound
Tandem Library Books

Looking for someplace special to eat one night? Or just hungry for some really, really good steak?

If you've got a little cash to spend, III Forks (yes, that's "three forks") is the Dallas legend of choice. Classed as "Texas French cuisine," you won't find a better place to order a steak and a bottle of wine. You'll want to take advantage of the valet parking, particularly as its location and popularity can make parking tricky. Meals are in the $30 - 50 range, although depending on your beverage of choice you can easily spend more.

It's the perfect crowning evening to your trip, particularly if you bring a few friends.

Directions from downtown Dallas:
http://www.iiiforks.com/directions.php?c=0&n=5&g=0

Today's post is from Cyd Sheffy:

Build it so they’ll come! New libraries are being built across Texas and if you are involved in that effort, “Facilities for Books, Bytes, and Beyond” on 15 April 2008, in Dallas should be on your “Must Do” list.

Seize this opportunity to hear an innovative library planning specialist and a library-friendly, award-winning architect present trends in library facilities design for assessing library needs and translating service goals into buildings that work in a changing information environment. This presentation offers decision makers suggestions for effective strategies that develop naturally into creative yet functional buildings that foster quality library services.

Nationally known space planner Anders Dahlgren and architect Jeffrey Scherer will lead a full day seminar on planning and executing library facilities. Mr. Dahlgren, President of Library Planning Associates, Inc., will present his seven step strategy for planning and designing libraries that address today’s realities and tomorrow’s trends. ALA-award recipient Jeffrey Scherer, architect and CEO, Meyer, Scherer, & Rockcastle, LTD, has designed libraries across the country including the North Branch of the Denton Public Library. Director Eva Poole states she was “completely amazed by his creativity and positive ‘can do’ attitude about the possibilities available...” Texas academic, public and school librarians will share their experiences, strategies, and applications for successful facilities improvements projects. Breakout sessions will explore the special issues of each type of library.

Plan now to be a part of this pre-conference jointly sponsored by the 2008 Conference Program Committee, CULD, PLD and TASL. As soon as preliminary conference materials reach your inbox, register for this not-to-be-missed facilities summit. Learn the possibilities for your building project.