TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with TLA President Elizabeth Howard and conference planning co-chairs Zinnia Bayardo and Erica Richardson to help attendees maximize their Texas Library Association (TLA) Annual Conference experience. They offer networking tips, scheduling strategies, and key insights for first-time attendees, as well as specialized sessions for small and rural libraries like community roundtables and journey maps. Plus, they highlight the value of after-hours events and unique networking opportunities for seasoned attendees.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, chats with Angelina Corona, a library clerk whose journey into librarianship took an unexpected turn. Angelina shares how she joined the library in 2020, navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found her passion for programming and community engagement. She reflects on how leadership opportunities, like the Texas Stars Leadership course and the TLA conference, helped her grow in confidence and expertise. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career growth, overcoming challenges, and the impact of libraries on both staff and community.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, sits down with Shannon Trevino, a licensed professional counselor associate, to explore strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. They discuss the key differences between stress and burnout, their physical and emotional impacts, and practical techniques to address them. Shannon shares valuable tips, including the importance of quality sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, goal-setting, and mindfulness practices. The conversation also highlights how employers can foster supportive environments to help staff avoid burnout. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care, building resilience, and seeking professional support when necessary.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Wendy Woodland, director of advocacy and communications at the Texas Library Association, chats with Gloria Meraz, state librarian and director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. They dive into the proposed accreditation rules for public libraries, highlighting major changes such as updated local expenditure requirements and clarified accreditation processes, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder feedback. The discussion also explores TSLAC's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which focuses on education, economic development, community engagement, and open government. Gloria shares insights into budget priorities, including IT support, cybersecurity training, and broadband expansion, with a particular focus on improving digital literacy and rural broadband access. Throughout the episode, Gloria underscores the transformative role of libraries in fostering education, economic growth, and community connections in the digital age.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and president-elect of the Texas Library Association, sits down with Katie Prentice, executive director of the Texas Medical Center Library, to discuss the dynamic field of medical librarianship. Katie shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of the profession, from staying up-to-date with ever-evolving resources and technologies to fostering strong communication and active listening skills. She offers valuable advice for aspiring medical librarians, emphasizing the importance of specialized training, including the benefits of exploring PubMed resources to enhance expertise and improve services.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Warren Davis, community engagement and outreach coordinator at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as he chats with Bertha Gomez, adult services librarian in the Brownsville Public Library system, to explore how libraries can promote digital literacy. They discuss Bertha's journey from a geography major to a digital navigator, the importance of addressing the digital divide, and the challenges and successes of teaching computer skills to adults. Bertha shares her teaching philosophy, the collaborative efforts of the library staff, and the joy of seeing community members gain confidence in using technology.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Katherine Counterman, a school librarian from the Houston area, as she talks with Anna Skalka, former president of the Fielder Elementary PTA in Katy, Texas, about building a strong collaboration between the PTA and the school library. They explore the key role of a library liaison and discuss how a successful partnership can promote consistency, boost community involvement, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Jean Darnell, a librarian at Dessau Middle School in Pflugerville ISD, as she chats with Da'Taeveyon Daniels, partnership director at Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, about student advocacy and activism. Da'Taeveyon shares how the lack of representation in his high school library inspired his activism. He discusses the significance of representation, his involvement with the National Coalition Against Censorship, and his work with SEAT. The conversation also explores how his heritage, particularly the influence of his grandmother, shaped his leadership qualities. Da'Taeveyon talks about collaborating with librarians to combat book bans and censorship and outlines SEAT's future goals to ensure intellectual freedom.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Kendra Harrell, library director at the Atlanta, Texas, Public Library, as she chats with Maggie Dumont, librarian at Brown Crossing Library in Boise, Idaho, about the flavorful world of spice kits and spice programming. They share ideas on creating spice kits, selecting the best spices, and offering innovative food programs in libraries. Tune in for a tasty discussion on how to add some zest to your library's offerings!