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.

Today's post is from Carol Brey-Casiano, director of El Paso Public Library:

Looking to improve your advocacy skills? Want to meet fellow library supporters from across the state? Get the tools to become an effective library advocate at the Advocacy Institute. Attendees will leave with an action plan that they can implement in their communities or campuses.

We will hear from TLA's own Gloria Meraz, as well as ALA's new Director of the Office for Library Advocacy, Marci Merola.

It’s not too late to sign up for the ALA Advocacy Institute—the deadline has been extended through Monday, March 31!

Hope to see you there!

The Advocacy Institute
Tuesday - April 15, 2008
1:00 to 4:30

Go to www.txla.org to register now!

Today's post is from Dreanna Belden at UNT:

Please join us for a special one day event, the Digitization Expo 2008 at the Texas Library Association's Annual Convention, sponsored by the Digital Libraries Round Table. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the cost is just $15 at the door. Are you interested in Digitization, but don't know where to start? Visit the Digitization Expo to learn from practitioners, talk with vendors, and see live demonstrations of equipment and software. From digital cameras to high end scanners, you can see it all here!

When? Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9 am - 4:30 pm
Where? Dallas Convention Center, corner of Young and Griffin, Ballroom A, 3
Who? Anyone interested in digitization, you do not need to be a TLA member, you do not need to be registered for the full conference.
What? From digital cameras to high end scanners, you can see it all here!
How? $15 at the door of the ballroom.

Vendors:
Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
Backstage Library Works
Archetype Digital Imaging Alliance
S-T Imaging Inc
Zytron Imaging
Amigos Library Services
IImage Retrieval
Safe Sound
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas Heritage Digitization Initiative
Portal to Texas History

Speakers:
Danielle Cuniff Plumer, TSLAC
Lisa Spiro, Rice University
Susan Clarke, Stephen F. Austin University
Laura Zavala Garcia, Corpus Christi Public Library
Alex Hatley, Corpus Christi Public Library
Mark Phillips, University of North Texas
George Blood, Safe Sound
Larry Guyer, Archetype Digital Imaging Alliance
Derek Jenkins, IImage Retrieval
Julianne Smith, Backstage Library Works