RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
• From the Chair• Reference 2.0 Program to be Presented at Annual Conference • Reference Round Table Discussion Group on Virtual Reference
• 2008 Texas Reference Source Award to be Presented at Annual Conference • Reference Round Table Meetings at Annual Conference
• Volunteers Needed to Staff the RRT Exhibit Booth • RRT Seeks Newsletter Editor
• New RRT Webmaster Appointed • RRT Candidates on the 2008 Ballot
o RRT Candidates Biographical Information
• Lynne Hambric is Retiring
• Last Chance for Print Copy of Texas Reference Sources • Want to Get Involved with RRT? Volunteer!
• Call for Texas Reference Source Award Nominations • Call for Bebout Award Nominations
• LIRT is Seeking Nominations for Two Awards
BACK TO NEWSLETTERS
Copyright ©2008, Reference Round Table, TLA
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
FROM THE CHAIR
Hello RRT Members!I’d like to start my message by thanking Louanne Noel for her past service as Chair this last year and half – you may remember that Louanne stepped into the breach when the person elected Chair this year moved to another state. Unfortunately, Louanne stepped down from the role of chair due to life changes. Thankfully for me, then chair-elect, Louanne left me with a great program and things have been rolling along fairly smoothly.
The details of RRT programs and meetings are detailed elsewhere, so I’ll just mention that we have an excellent program put together on Reference 2.0 on Thursday from 8-9:50 a.m. (don’t let the early time keep you from coming – we are going to have a lively discussion!). RRT is actively seeking people to serve in leadership roles and I encourage everyone interested in leadership or in general RRT activities to attend our Executive Committee meeting. At the request of several of our members, we are initiating a new activity: a discussion group on virtual reference! This will occur Wednesday from 2-2:50 p.m. Please join us!
Lynne Hambric, who has been with RRT for a number of years and has served as member, co-chair, and chair of the Texas Reference Source Award Committee, is retiring and stepping down from the committee. I want to thank Lynne for her amazing service to the Texas Reference Source Award and her other RRT activities.
John Hepner, who has long served as RRT’s newsletter editor has decided to dedicate more time to his retirement and step down from this position.
Please e-mail me at bscott@library.unt.edu if you are interested in serving on the Texas Reference Source Award Committee or serving as Newsletter Editor.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Conference. --Beth Thomsett-Scott
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
REFERENCE 2.0 PROGRAM TO BE PRESENTED AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The RRT program "Reference 2.0: Using New Web Technologies to Enhance Public Services" will be presented 8:00-9:50 a.m. Thursday, 17 April, during the TLA Annual Conference in Dallas. A panel consisting of Miranda Bennett (Instruction Librarian, University of Houston Libraries), Susan Clarke (Director of Digital Projects, Stephen F. Austin State University Steen Library), and Eric Frierson (Instructional Technology Librarian, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor) will discuss how to implement the technology and assess patron use and satisfaction for practical applications of Web 2.0 inreference and public services. Time for questions and audience examples of using these technologies will be provided..
The 2008 Texas Reference Source Award will be presented at the start of the program. A short RRT Membership Meeting will follow the program.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
REFERENCE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION GROUP ON VIRTUAL REFERENCE
The Reference Round Table is supporting a new Discussion Group on Virtual Reference. The group will meet 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Wednesday (16 April) during the TLA Annual Conference in Dallas. Join colleagues in a stimulating discussion on virtual reference! For the inaugural discussion, we’ll be talking about the different systems/methods people are using and our joys and challenges with them.RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
2008 TEXAS REFERENCE SOURCE AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
The 2008 Texas Reference Source Award will be presented at the start of the RRT program 8:00-9:50 a.m. Thursday, 17 April, during the TLA Annual Conference in Dallas. Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas by George Oxford Miller published in 2006 by Voyageur Press was selected to receive the 2008 Texas Reference Source Award. The book was chosen out of 18 nominated titles for its wide range of uses and its appeal to a wide variety of libraries. Emphasizing the use of native Texas plants for year-round landscape value, chapters provide guidelines for selection, planting, maintenance, and design. Illustrated with photos, maps, charts, and design examples, plant descriptions provide detailed habitat requirements.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
REFERENCE ROUND TABLE MEETINGS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
In addition to the Reference Round Table program and discussion group sessions, three business meetings are scheduled. RRT Subcommittees will meet Wednesday (April 16) Noon-12:50 p.m. The RRT Executive Committee will meet Wednesday (April 16) 4:00-4:50 p.m. A short RRT general membership meeting will be held at the end of the RRT program (approximately 9:45 a.m.) Thursday (April 17). All RRT members (and potential members!) are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Check the conference program for locations.RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO STAFF THE RRT EXHIBIT BOOTH
RRT will have an exhibit space at the 2008 TLA Annual Conference, and we need some volunteers to help staff the booth for various hours during the conference. The exhibits will be open Wednesday (April 16) 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday (April 17) 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Friday (April 18) 9 a.m.-Noon. We especially need volunteers for 4-5 p.m. Wednesday and 8-10 a.m. Thursday. Please contribute an hour or two of your time to help us show everyone what RRT is doing for them. This is lots of fun and a great way to meet new and interesting people. Plus you get to promote membership in RRT - the more members we have, the more we can do. To volunteer some time, email John Hepner
(jhepner@mail.twu.edu or heplib@hotmail.com.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
RRT SEEKS NEWSLETTER EDITOR
John Hepner would like to be replaced as RRT Newsletter Editor. He has edited the newsletter for several years: 1990 to 1994 and 1999 to the present. Now he would like to give someone else the chance. The newsletter editor is expected to attend all meetings of the RRT Executive Committee at both Annual Conference and Annual Assembly, announce deadlines for issues, provide an annual report to the RRT Executive Committee, compile each issue for posting on the RRT website, solicit information to include in each issue, and announce the availability of each issue on the RRT
members listserv. If you would like to be considered for this appointed position, fill out the online Volunteer Form at http://www.txla.org/groups/forms/RRTvolunteer.html or contact Chair-elect Beth Thomsett-Scott at BScott@library.unt.edu.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
NEW RRT WEBMASTER APPOINTED
Alpana Sarangapani has been appointed to serve as the new RRT Webmaster, replacing Beth
Thomsett-Scott, who is now RRT Chair-elect. Alpana is a Reference Librarian at Lone Star College in Tomball, Texas. She has a Masters in Library Science and a Master's in Economics. In addition to her daily responsibilities as a reference librarian (responsibilities that include maintaining the library web pages), she has been an active member of the Lone Star College System. She has even found time to finish several computer and networking courses on Cisco technology.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
RRT CANDIDATES ON THE 2008 BALLOT
RRT election time is fast approaching! Peter Cortez (University of Texas Pan American) and Jan Tidwell (Texas State University-San Marcos) are vying for RRT Secretary/Treasurer and Karen Nichols (Lamar University) is the candidate for Vice-chair/Chair-elect. For background information about each candidate, go to Candidates Biographical Information.You also may see each candidate's biographical information by logging in to the "Members Only" section of the TLA website, selecting "User Officer Candidates", click "View Nominations" button, in the drop-down menu under "Round Tables" select the candidate, then click the "View" button. Balloting will be electronic.
Beginning February 20, ballots to vote in the 2008 election of the TLA Executive Board and participating units will be available to all TLA members whose membership status is current as of February 1. This year, the annual membership form specifically asked if you prefered to vote electronically or by paper. If you selected the electronic voting option, please be sure that TLA has your preferred email address accurately and that broadcast emails from TLA or the elections company (tlavote@directvote.net) are not being blocked by your spam filter. A paper ballot only for association-wide Executive Board elections will be sent to all members who did not indicate the preference for an electronic ballot or for whom TLA does not have a valid e-mail address. The paper ballot will indicate how to vote electronically for unit elections.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
RRT CANDIDATES BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Candidates for Chair-Elect:Karen B. Nichols
Candidates for Secretary/Treasurer: Peter Cortez
Jan Tidwell
CANDIDATES FOR CHAIR-ELECT: Karen B. Nichols
Instruction Coordinator Lamar University
Education:
MS Library Science, Univ of North Texas, Denton TX, 1988; MS Speech / Communication, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1983; BS Speech / Theatre, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1980; MS Library Science, Univ of North Texas, Denton TX, 1988; MS Speech / Communication, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1983; BS Speech / Theatre, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1980.
Professional Experience:
Instruction Coordinator, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1995 - ; Instruction Coordinator, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1995 - ; Interim Coordinator of Reference Services, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1999 - 2005; Electronic Reference Services Librarian, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1993 - 1995; Interlibrary Loan Librarian, Lamar University, Beaumont TX, 1991 - 1993; Public Services Librarian, Galveston College, Galveston TX, 1988 - 1991.
Professional Activities:
TLA: CULD, Councilor, 2007 -; Library Instruction RT, Program Chair, 2002 - 2003; Reference RT, Secretary, 2003 - 2004; Reference RT, Booth sub-committee chair, 2002 - 2003; Tall Texan RT, Selection Committee member, 2008
International Reading Association, member, 2002 - 2007 Popular Culture Association, member, 2002 - 2004
Publications:
Presentation: Using Blended Books to Teach Reading. International Reading Association, Reno, Nevada, 2004. Presentation: Using Picture Books to Teach and Enhance Reading with Middle School Students. International Reading Association, Orlando, Florida, 2003. Presentation: Mars in Film. Popular Culture Association, Toronto, Canada, 2002.
Honors:
Selected as a TALL Texan, 1996.
Statement of Concerns:
in being prepared for the challenges of the future. We need to band together to develop new and exciting ways to reach and assist patrons. They need our help more than ever with all of the new technologies and the massive amount of information available. RRT also needs to continue to work on recruiting new talent to our field.
Back to top
CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER: Peter Cortez
Head Reference Librarian
University of Texas Pan American
Education:
MBA, UT - Pan American, Fall 2008; MLS, University of North Texas, August 2000; BBA, UT - Pan American, May 1997.
Professional Experience:
Head Reference Librarian, UT - Pan American, Jan 2002 - Present; Outreach Services Librarian, UT - Pan American, Nov 2000 - Jan 2002; Reference Librarian, McAllen Memorial Library, June 1999 - Nov 2000.
Professional Activities:
TLA: TLA District 4, Chair, 2004; TALL Texan Selection Committee , Member, 2005, 2007; Professional Rights & Responsibilities Cte., Member , 2006 - Present.
Publications:
"A Library's role in Distance Education" - District 4 Meeting - October 2001 "Integrating the Library Into Your Course" [co-presenter] - IOL - May 2006
Honors:
TALL Texans, 2003.
Statement of Concerns:
Reference is my passion. I'm amazed at the pace of change facing librarians and library users with regard to library resources and amenities. I think its crucial and in our best interests to evolve and expand our offerings and modes of delivery in order to meet the needs of users today and in the future. By doing so, we'll add value to our organizations and will become invaluable to our constituents.
Back to top Jan Tidwell
Reference/Instruction Librarian Texas State Univ - San Marcos
Education:
B.A. English, University of Texas - Tyler, August 1995; MLIS, University of Texas - Austin, May 1997.
Professional Experience:
Literacy Coordinator, Texas State Univ - San Marcos, 07/2000 - 12/2006; Interim Head, Reference Department, Texas State Univ - San Marcos, 07/2003 - 02/2004; Reference Librarian, Bryan/College Station Public Library, 06/1997 - 12/1998; Library Assistant, Van Zandt County Public Library,
Canton, TX, 02/1986- 12/1993.
Professional Activities:
TLA: College and University Libraries, member, 2001; Government Documents, member, 2001; Acquisitions & Collection Development, member, 2001; Reference, member, 2001; Library
Instruction, member, 2001. ALA: ACRL, member, 2003; RUSA, member, 2003; ACRL-IS, member, 2003; RUSA-RSS, member, 2003; RUSA- HS, member, 2003.
Honors:
Unclassified Staff of the Year, 2002, 2002; IT Division Team Award, Bookmarks Library Newsletter Editorial Team, 2004.
Statement of Concerns:
My goal is to become more involved with the Reference Round Table in order to bring awareness to others in the library community the issues important to reference work for all types of libraries and their staff. Issues such as e-Books and publishing, digital collections, virtual reference, and most importantly, exploring new ways to reach patrons in order to provide useful and effective reference services.
Back to top
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
LYNNE HAMBRIC IS RETIRING
Lynne Hambric (Associate Professor, Education Curriculum Librarian, Sterling C. Evans Library) will be retiring from her position at Texas A&M University-College Station April 30. Lynne has been active in the Reference Round Table for many years, especially serving on the Texas Reference Source Award Committee since its creation - including many years as its Chair. She also served as RRT Secretary for 1987-88 and 1992-93 and on various other RRT committees - including the
Publications, Awards, and Lois Bebout Award committees. She will be sorely missed, but we wish her a restful and enjoyable retirement!
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
LAST CHANCE FOR PRINTED COPY OF
TEXAS REFERENCE SOURCES
The Reference Round Table will withdraw from TLA inventory all remaining copies of the printed 5th edition of Texas Reference Sources after the 2008 TLA Annual Conference in Dallas. The TRS Editor, John Hepner, has determined that the printed copy is now rather out of date. The print publication is now considered to be superceded by Texas Reference Sources Online. If anyone
particularly desires a copy of the print edition for historical or sentimental purposes, please either order it now from the TLA office or pick up a copy in the TLA Store during the conference.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
Want to Get Involved with RRT? Volunteer!
The Reference Round Table has a number of opportunities for members to get involved. We need volunteers to serve on our committees and to run for offices. This is the time of year when the Chair-elect starts preparing to make appointments to committees and to identify members to be considered by the next Nominating Committee to run for office in the 2009 election. RRT also will have an
opening to fill for a newsletter editor. Persons appointed to committees for 2008-2009 will begin their service after the 2008 TLA Annual Conference in Dallas. Appointees will need to be able to attend meetings during the 2008 TLA Annual Assembly in Austin July 8-10 and the 2009 TLA Annual Conference in Houston March 31-April 9. If you would like to be considered for a committee or newsletter editor appointment or would like to run for any officer position, please fill out the online
RRT Volunteer Form on the RRT website or email Chair-elect Beth Thomsett-Scott at
BScott@library.unt.edu.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
CALL FOR TEXAS REFERENCE SOURCE AWARD NOMINATIONS
Established by the Reference Round Table in 1996, the Texas Reference Source Award recognizes an outstanding reference tool in Texas history, culture or commerce. "Reference tool" encompasses bibliographies, indexes, encyclopedias and other scholarly apparatus. The purpose of the award is to encourage and acknowledge truly superior accomplishments in research and scholarship. The award may be granted to a distinguished reference tool, regardless of format, published or accepted for publication within the three years immediately preceding the closing date for nominations. Selection is based on scholarship, style and contribution as a Texas reference source. The Reference Round Table's Texas Reference Source Award Committee reviews all entries and recommends a recipient to the Executive Board of the Reference Round Table. Entries must be submitted on or before May 1 of each year in order to be eligible.
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
CALL FOR BEBOUT AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Lois Bebout Reference Service Award is bestowed by the Reference Round Table to recognize and honor a librarian for outstanding lifetime achievements in reference and public service. Nominees must be members of the Texas Library Association and the Reference Round Table. A nominee is expected to have achieved distinction by sustained or singular active and creative promotion of
reference and public services, by strengthening librarian/library roles and positions in communities, by providing recognized leadership in the professional community, and/or by scholarly contributions. To nominate a person for this award, the nominator must submit (1) a cover letter stating the award sought, the specific reason for nomination, and the name and address of both the nominator and nominee, and (2) a one-page listing of nominee qualifications, library accomplishments, library and other activities, and recognitions or awards relating to library activities. Two additional supporting statements may be included. To submit nominations, contact Beth Thomsett-Scott (Sci/Tech Librarian, University of North Texas) via email at bscott@library.unt.edu
Nominations must be received prior to April 1, 2008. All nominations are referred to the Lois Bebout Award Committee for review. If a suitable nominee is presented, the committee submits a
recommendation to the RRT Executive Board for action. If a recipient is selected, the award is presented at the RRT program/business meeting during the following TLA Annual Conference. Prior Lois Bebout Reference Service Award winners are Lois Bebout (1992), Jean Furr Tolbert (1993), Margaret Irby Nichols (1995), Claudette S. Hagle (1999), and John C. Hepner (2007).
RRT NEWSLETTER
Spring 2008
LIRT IS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR TWO AWARDS
Do you know an outstanding instruction librarian who deserves to be recognized? The Library Instruction Round Table is accepting nominations for the Outstanding Service in Library Instruction Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions related to the advancement of library instruction in Texas. This award, which may not be made every year, is made based on factors such as: the impact of the nominated person on multiple libraries and educational initiatives; the extent of the individual's contributions in the area of library instruction; and the innovation of ideas or projects developed by the nominated person.
LIRT is also soliciting nominations for the Library Instruction Project of the Year Award. This award recognizes an innovative or creative library instruction project or initiative in Texas. The project may relate to new models, methods, and techniques in areas such as:
• New services and resources developed for library instruction • Assessment of a library instruction class or program
• Marketing of a library instruction program or service
• Collaboration between library staff and other members of an institution or related organizations • Cooperative ventures between different institutions
Self nominations are encouraged for both awards and will receive equal consideration. Please visit http://www.txla.org/groups/lirt/awards.html for more information about each award including eligibility requirements, submissions, and selection criteria.
Nominations for both awards must be postmarked, emailed, or faxed by February 29, 2008. Nominations must be sent to the Awards Committee Chair:
Danielle Cunniff Plumer
Library Resource Sharing Division / THDI Texas State Library and Archives Commission P.O. Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711-2927 512.463.5852 (voice) 512.936.2306 (fax) dplumer@tsl.state.tx.us
A selection committee will review all nominations and notify awardees at least four weeks prior to the TLA Annual Conference.
