Don’t have the funds to attend the conference? Apply for a grant! This is just one being offered:

TLA/NMRT Professional Development Grant

This professional development grant is sponsored by Quality Books Inc. and the TLA New Members Round Table Endowment Fund. The grant provides assistance to attend the annual TLA Conference by covering conference registration, travel expenses, lodging, and $50 per diem, up to $1000 total expenses. Eligible recipients include those Texas Library Association members in the first 5 years of their professional career, currently working in a library setting, and in the first 5 years of TLA membership. Applications must be submitted on or before January 4, 2008.

The application form and grant guidelines are available on the NMRT website .

There are several stipends available for the conference. Check out these sites and see if you qualify:

Automation & Technology Round Table

Laura Edwards TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend

Escue Annual Conference Stipend

Genealogy Round Table

Public Libraries Conference Stipends

Today's post is from Viki Ash at San Antonio Public Library:

Looking for something to do in between work, family chores, and holiday shopping? Why not let somebody else wrap the presents while you apply for TLA's Laura Edwards Stipend?

The Edwards Stipend is awarded to first time TLA attendees to help offset conference costs -- and TLA dues if necessary. The stipend is given to as many as four librarians who serve children in school or public libraries. Full details and the stipend application are available at the TLA website. Applications must be emailed or postmarked no later than December 19.

If you are an experienced TLA conference-goer, please assist us by forwarding this message to a new librarian you know.

Happy Holidays -- and get those applications in the mail!

Today's post is from Angela Skaggs at Angelo State University:

The TLA Automation and Technology Roundtable is accepting applications for a $700 stipend to attend the 2008 Annual Conference in Dallas, April 15-18. ATRT encourages all to apply, the requirements are:

1. Involvement in library automation and technology activities.
2. Membership in TLA, the stipend may be used to pay for membership if the stipend winner is not already a member.
3. Membership in the Automation and Technology Round Table, a part of the stipend may be used toward membership if stipend winner is not already a member.
4. Attendance at and recognition at A&TRT's annual business meeting during the TLA conference.
5. Volunteer four hours during the TLA Conference at A&TRT sponsored activities -- the New Technology Showcase or the Net Fair.
6. Submit a report evaluating the TLA Conference, telling whether it fulfilled expectations and what, if anything, you learned that you will be able to put to use in your library. This report must be written and submitted to the A&TRT Chair within 30 days of the conference.
7. Expectation of ongoing interest in and involvement with A&TRT activities.

Applications must be received by February 15, 2008.

Your application can be sent to:
Christina Hoffman Gola
Instructional Services
Texas A&M University Libraries
Email: chgola@tamu.edu
Fax: 979-458-0112
Phone: 979-862-1902