Wednesday, June 8, 2011 • • News Release
2001 News Releases
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10-22-01 - State Library debuts exhibit with 24-hour access, Portraits of Texas Governors
10-17-01 - Texas State Library recognizes radio talk show host and long-time supporter of Liberty, Texas, libraries
09-13-01 - Texas State Library awarded $13.3 million grant from Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to implement the Library of Texas
09-08-01 - Scott McDonald, Troy Hoyles selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
06-20-01 - Texas joins the list of states that offer direct state aid to public libraries
06-15-01 - Texas State Library expands database program, offers new services for all Texans
06-05-01 - Venus Booker, Pat Fowler selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
05-31-01 - Texas Libraries Kick Off Summer
03-19-01 - Texas Treasures opens the Texas State Archives to anyone with Internet access
03-19-01 - State Librarian Appoints Two Division Directors
03-19-01 - David Ray, Brian Clinger selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
03-13-01 - Libraries and Archives in Texas gain more Friends
03-08-01 - Renovations and Paving Project begin at the Sam Houston Center: Work may inconvenience visitors and researchers
01-26-01 -"The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in the Southeast Texas" a new exhibit at the Sam Houston Center
01-26-01 - The Don Kelly Southeast Texas Post Card Collection on display in "The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in Southeast Texas" exhibit at the Sam Houston Center
01-09-01 - LaFaye Black, Allen Mullen selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
01-02-01 - State Librarian appoints Deborah Littrell director of Library Development Division
Current News
News Releases Archive
October 22, 2001
State Library debuts exhibit with 24-hour access, Portraits of Texas Governors
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces the debut of its newest online history exhibit Portraits of Texas Governors (www.tsl.texas.gov/governors/). The online exhibit features a unique and extensive collection of official records of Texas governors, including correspondence, speeches, press releases, reports and proclamations, beginning with Texas statehood in 1846.
Texas is the first state archives to create such an extensive online exhibit, according to Digital Imaging Specialist Liz Clare, who coordinated the project. Portraits includes a biography of each governor, his or her official portrait, revealing documents from the official papers, rare photos, and a timeline of events that puts each governor's term into historical perspective. The majority of the original documents and images displayed are part of the Texas State Archives in Austin.
Clare chose documents to help visitors learn about the challenges and controversies faced by each governor, and how Texas and the role of the governor changed over the years. Visitors to the site can view original documents concerning Indian raids, outlaws, the desperate situation in Texas during the Civil War, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. Rare photographs include Reconstruction Governor Edmund J. Davis in his Federal uniform, big Jim Hogg sitting on a tree stump, Depression-era Governor James Allred water-skiing and socializing with Ginger Rogers, and Pappy O'Daniel leading his band, the Hillbilly Boys.
"Portraits of Texas Governors has something for everyone, whether you're a student, a historian, or just interested in the history of Texas," notes Clare. "This exhibit was especially satisfying because many of these governors are not household names today. In a way, this exhibit can help bring them back to life by giving people a chance to learn about their lives and times and what was important to people back then."
Portraits is the second online history exhibit available on the State Library's Web site. Visitors to the site may also tour the popular Texas Treasures exhibit, which highlights some of the most significant aspects of Texas history. Texas Treasures expands periodically with new topics. Visit www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures often to view the newest topics.
The State Library and Archives plans to showcase more of the Texas State Archives with its third online exhibit The McArdle Notebooks, slated to debut in spring 2002. Artist Henry McArdle created the renowned battle paintings "Dawn at the Alamo" and "The Battle of San Jacinto" which hang in the Texas Senate Chamber.
October 17, 2001
Texas State Library recognizes radio talk show host and long-time supporter of Liberty, Texas, libraries
Liberty, TX - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission formally recognized President and General Manager of KSHN-FM 99.9 William R. Buchanan of Liberty, Texas, during a live broadcast at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in September. Commission Chair Carolyn Palmer surprised the host by presenting and reading aloud an official resolution in honor of Mr. Buchanan's 24 years of community service in Southeast Texas.
Throughout his tenure at KSHN-FM 99.9, Buchanan has devoted monthly half-hour radio shows for both the Liberty Municipal Library and the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, amounting to more than 500 hours of air time and resulting in an increase of citizens' knowledge of these two community resources. In addition, KSHN-FM 99.9/KPXE AM broadcast live the dedication of the Sam Houston Center on May 7, 1977.
The financial support of Mr. Buchanan and KSHN-FM 99.9 has aided in the completion of many projects of the Liberty Municipal Library as well as in the restoration of the historical structures located on the grounds of the Sam Houston Center.
The Commission's resolution commended Buchanan for his steadfast stewardship of Liberty County libraries and the mission of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for almost a quarter of a century.
September 13, 2001
Texas State Library awarded $13.3 million grant from Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to implement the Library of Texas
-State Library to implement innovative initiative over the next four years.
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission received an approximate $13.3 million grant from the Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to implement phase two of the Library of Texas project, a four-year project to expand library and information services to all Texans when, where and how they need it.
The State Library will use the funds during the next year to provide content-rich online databases available to all Texans through their local public or academic libraries; provide an online government information archive to preserve Texas government information on the Web; create a virtual library to allow library patrons to search the holdings of all libraries in Texas in one search session; and deliver extensive training to librarians and patrons to help them gain full benefit from the Library of Texas services.
"The Library of Texas brings the unlimited potential of libraries in Texas to each workstation in public and academic libraries, as well as individuals' home and work computers. It will be easier than ever to get the information you need," stated Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd.
Phase one of the Library of Texas project began earlier this year with approximately $10 million in funds from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board and the State Library to purchase subscriptions to more than 60 online information databases.
The State Library has provided subscription databases available to Texans through their local public or academic libraries since 1997. The grant from the TIFB allowed the State Library to more than double the number of online databases available to all Texans. In addition, the new subscriptions allow for patrons to access the databases from home or work after receiving a login and password from their local libraries. A portion of the $13.3 million grant will sustain the database subscriptions through Jun. 2003.
A special part of the Library of Texas is the creation of a virtual library, which will give the people of Texas the power of searching across online library catalogs, licensed commercial databases, electronic government information, and digital image and records databases, in ONE search session. Said Rudd, "We will be doing something that no state has done before. There is some risk involved with implementing anything new, but a virtual library has tremendous potential for Texans."
The State Library hopes to receive more than $40 million in total funds over the next four years to fully implement the Library of Texas. The training component will be implemented within the next six months, and Rudd hopes to implement the virtual library within a year. Notes Rudd, "We've got this little bud of telecommunications infrastructure and information services, and over the next year this bud is going to flower into the future of information access for the people of Texas, further breaking down the digital divide."
Learn more about the Library of Texas project at http://www.tsl.texas.gov/lot.
September 8, 2001
Scott McDonald, Troy Hoyles selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces the selection of Scott McDonald, State and Local Records Management division, and Troy Hoyles of the Talking Book Program as Employees of the Quarter for the fourth quarter, fiscal year 2001.
Data Support Center Specialist Scott McDonald continually acquires new computer skills and knowledge to assist the staff of State and Local Records Management resolve computer-related problems. His technology skills are a valuable asset to the staff, whose work processes have become increasingly automated. McDonald is known for his patient and thorough training style, and his peers respect and appreciate his ability to explain technical concepts simply.
Reader Services Manager Troy Hoyles served as acting director of the Talking Book Program for six months while the agency recruited a new director. Hoyles aptly handled the duties of director while maintaining the high level of customer service he is responsible for in the Reader Serves unit. In addition, Hoyles facilitated a smooth transition for the staff and patrons when the agency hired new Talking Book Director Ava Smith. He earned the respect and appreciation of his peers with his can-do attitude and work ethic.
Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd recognized McDonald and Hoyles in an awards ceremony, where she presented them Certificates of Merit and awarded them one day of administrative leave.
June 20, 2001
Texas joins the list of states that offer direct state aid to public libraries
Austin - Texas is no longer on the short list of states that do not provide some direct assistance to public libraries. The 77th Texas Legislature approved funding for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to implement Loan Star Libraries, a direct state aid program for public libraries.
The Texas State Library will receive $2.9 million each year of the 2002/2003 biennium, which will be distributed to eligible Texas public libraries. One-quarter of the funds will be distributed as a base grant; the remaining three-quarters will be a match on local operating expenditures. The program includes incentives to local communities to extend public library services without charge to those residing outside each public library's legal service area.
Library Development Division Director Deborah Littrell notes, "More than 1.4 million Texans still don't have access to library services. Loan Star Libraries is a good start to changing that. We had requested $40 million for the program from the Texas Legislature, and obviously, $2.9 million will be stretched thin among Texas' 518 public libraries. However, we're delighted the Texas Legislature has shown its support of Texas public libraries. We'll be looking to build and expand the program over the next years."
June 15, 2001
Texas State Library expands database program, offers new services for all Texans
-State Library purchases $10 million in subscriptions to information databases available to all Texans in the first phase of a new initiative.
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission significantly expands the online information databases available to Texans at their local libraries. Beginning July 1, 2001, Texans will have access to 60 information databases on a variety of educational and cultural subjects, more than double the number of databases available last year.
A visit to the local library is all it takes to access maps, encyclopedias, local land records, poetry, genealogy, health information, American history, Spanish language resources and much more. In addition, a new feature is coming soon that will enable customers to access the databases from their homes and offices after receiving a login and password from their local libraries. New services will also allow patrons to download and read entire books online.
According to Texas State Library Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd, "The value of these databases is in their rich content. So much of what we find on the Internet today is unverified, inaccurate or inappropriate for children. We selected these databases for their authoritative, accurate and diverse content. Texans will be pleased with the capacity of these resources."
The cooperative purchase of information databases by the State Library enables libraries to significantly expand their collection with resources that would normally be priced out of their reach. The statewide contracts negotiated by the State Library saved individual libraries approximately $40 million in subscription costs in just one year. More than 950 library buildings in Texas are expected to benefit from the databases this year.
"We have truly become a library without walls," said Richland College Librarian John Ferguson. "Close to 5,000 of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators each year are made aware of the online resources available to both local and remote users. This next year (2001-2002) should prove to be particularly productive, given the incredible expansion of resources."
A partnership between the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board made the database expansion possible as part of a new initiative, the Library of Texas. The State Library will use money from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to implement the Library of Texas over the next five years. In addition to information database expansion, the Library of Texas will include a virtual statewide library catalog containing library holdings from throughout the state. An electronic state government information clearinghouse will archive electronic government information, and intensive training programs will help librarians and their customers gain full benefit from the Library of Texas services. Learn more about the Library of Texas project at http://www.tsl.texas.gov/lot.
June 5, 2001
Venus Booker, Pat Fowler selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces the selection of Venus Booker and Pat Fowler, both of the Archives and Information Services Division, as Employees of the Quarter for the third quarter, fiscal year 2001.
Research Assistant Venus Booker's energetic approach to her work creates a positive atmosphere for patrons of the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas. Booker never hesitates to lend a hand during peak times at the Center. In the midst of a renovation project at the Center, she volunteered to arrive early each morning to open the gates and disarm the security system for the crews. Moreover, Venus personally reboxed and relocated 756 cubic feet of records in one month to provide room for the interior painting crew.
Pat Fowler, cataloging head, is cited for her consistently excellent work during her three year tenure with the agency. A competent and inspiring leader, Fowler coordinated several successful projects in the genealogy unit, including the acquisition and installation of a security system, the development of a cross-training program for staff, and the redesign of the genealogy sections of the Web site. Her peers describe her at an excellent manager with a positive, supportive attitude.
Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd recognized Booker and Fowler in an awards ceremony, where she presented them Certificates of Merit and awarded them one day of administrative leave.
May 31, 2001
Texas Libraries Kick Off Summer
- 425,000 children expected to participate in statewide summer reading program
Austin - Texas children can practice their reading skills and participate in a variety of fun activities free of charge this summer at their local libraries as part of the Texas Reading Club. A partnership between the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Texas libraries, the Texas Reading Club is a summer reading program that encourages children and their families to become library users and lifelong readers. More than 425,000 Texas children are expected to participate this summer.
Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd notes, "Research has shown that children maintain or improve their reading skills if they participate in some kind of summer reading program. That's what makes the Texas Reading Club so important. The interactive programs offered at the local level stimulate kids mentally, physically and culturally, while fostering a lifelong love of books and reading."
Almost 700 Texas libraries are hosting creative summer reading programs for their communities using the Texas Reading Club 2001 theme "To the Library and Beyond!". The theme invites children to explore the world, past, present and future through the portal of books and their libraries. Local libraries bring the theme to life with special storytimes for all ages, reading incentives and prizes donated by local businesses, reading certificates, special speakers and programs, and prize drawings.
The Texas Reading Club often brings the whole community together. The local schools begin promoting the program through announcements and posters before the school year ends. Local businesses donate money or in-kind gifts for use during the program. Speakers from local businesses and organizations such as the police department, hospitals and veterinary offices volunteer to host educational programs at the library. Library volunteers and Friends of the Library groups help plan special events such as hot air balloon demonstrations, community-wide picnics, and magic shows. The Texas Reading Club focuses entire communities on a common goal: to foster the love of reading and books in children.
Particularly in smaller communities, where there may be few free or inexpensive activities available for families, the Texas Reading Club provides an array of free educational and fun activities for the duration of the summer. In addition, children practice their reading skills so they begin school again prepared for success. As Betty Thompson of Taylor Public Library notes, "Teachers tell us that children who join the reading club do better with maintaining and improving their reading skills over the summer."
The Texas Reading Club officially kicks off on June 1, 2001, proclaimed "Texas Reading Club Day" by Governor Rick Perry, and runs throughout June and July.
Since 1958, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission has worked with local libraries to implement the Texas Reading Club. The State Library provides each year's theme, along with an idea manual, posters, bookmarks, reading logs and certificates to local libraries. The libraries use the materials to plan programs for their communities. Visit http://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/projects/trc/2001/index.html.
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March 19, 2001
David Ray, Brian Clinger selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
Austin - The Texas State Library & Archives Commission announces the selection of David Ray, Talking Book Program, and Brian Clinger of its State & Local Records Management Division as Employees of the Quarter for the second quarter, fiscal year 2001.
David Ray, circulation supervisor, oversees the intake of materials returned from patrons and ensures their quick return to circulation within the Talking Book Program. During the past several months, Ray volunteered to assist the Circulation Unit in other areas while the program director worked to fill several vacancies. Ray performed the duties of his own job, as well as interim manager and outbound circulation supervisor. He also assisted the Machine Lending Unit. He remained flexible during this critical time period, performing all of these duties exceptionally and efficiently. His outstanding dedication ensured that patrons of the Talking Book Program continued to receive the high level of customer service the program is known for.
Facilities Manager Brian Clinger plays an important role in the level of customer service provided by the State & Local Records Management Division. He supports all building system services at the State Records Center. His responsibilities include evaluating and responding to maintenance requests, maintaining the division's truck and delivery vans, and looking out for the safety of staff who perform high risk job activities. Clinger performs all of these duties exceptionally. His proactive approach to preventing environmental or security problems saves the division money as well as ensures the safety of the records in storage at the facility. The State Library has reduced accidents by 30% over last year, and Clinger's efforts contributed to this dramatic improvement.
Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd will recognize Ray and Clinger at the Quarterly Awards Ceremony on March 21, where she will present them Certificates of Merit and award them one day of administrative leave.
March 19,2001
State Librarian Appoints Two Division Directors
Austin -Texas State Library and Archives Commission Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd announced the appointments of Beverley Shirley as director of the Library Resource Sharing Division and Troy Hoyles as acting director of the Talking Book Program.
Rudd stated, "Both of these individuals have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability. These key appointments allow the State Library to continue forward in fulfilling its mission and providing excellent customer service to our constituents."
As director of the Library Resource Sharing Division, Beverley Shirley will oversee the development and management of library partnerships and Internet-based and electronic library services for Texas academic and public libraries. She previously negotiated $3 million worth of information database contracts on behalf of the State Library for public library use. In 2000, she served as program chair for the State Agency Librarians of Texas. Shirley holds a Masters of Education from the University of Missouri at St. Louis, as well as a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Texas.
Acting Talking Book Program Director Troy Hoyles will manage all aspects of the State Library's program that provides free library materials in alternate formats to individuals who cannot read standard print because of a disability. Hoyles' varied experience includes reference work, library management and new media and technology services. Hoyles has served as reader services manager for the Talking Book Program Division since 1999. He holds a Masters of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Shirley and Hoyles filled positions created by the departure of two distinguished leaders within the agency. Michael Piper directed the Library Resource Sharing Division admirably since 1998. He left the State Library in February to become the director of the Detroit Area Library Network in Detroit, MI. Former Talking Book Program Director Jenifer O. Flaxbart also left in February to be the communication bibliographer and off-campus library services coordinator for the University of Texas at Austin, after eight productive years with the Talking Book Program.
March 19, 2001
Texas Treasures opens the Texas State Archives to anyone with Internet access
Austin - You don't have to come to the State Library in Austin to see some of the treasures stored in the State Archives. The online exhibit Texas Treasures (www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures) showcases many of the most significant historical documents and images in Texas' rich history.
The exhibit recently received a brand new look and quadrupled in size, from 42 images to more than 200, and counting. The colorful, well-designed exhibit organizes Texas' history into broad categories such as the Texas Republic, Rangers & Outlaws, and Indian Relations in Texas. Visitors to the exhibit will find images of such treasures as the famous Travis letter from the Alamo and the original sheet music to "The Yellow Rose of Texas" along with historical context.
"Texas Treasures is a fun way to learn about Texas history," comments Digital Imaging Specialist Liz Clare, who coordinated the updated exhibit. "It's a very non-threatening way for beginning researchers to learn about the resources of the Texas State Archives because they can view the exhibit at their leisure, in their own environments. It also expands the access to the State Archives exponentially-all anyone needs is an Internet-connected computer."
Clare plans to continue to expand Texas Treasures; future sections include Tejano Patriots, the Archives War, and an expanded look at the Texas Revolution. The revamped exhibit is the beginning of several online projects the State Library has planned. Clare is currently building a second online exhibit Portraits of Texas Governors, expected to go live this summer.
March 13, 2001
Libraries and Archives in Texas gain more Friends
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces the formation of a new membership organization, the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas, Inc. The organization exists to strengthen the services of the State Library and Archives and strives to connect the library and archives communities throughout Texas and beyond, through information sharing, public awareness, and programs.
According to State Librarian Peggy D. Rudd, the formation of a statewide Friends group has been a dream of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for several years. She notes, "I am so excited to see the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas finally come to fruition. Its potential is great for shining a spotlight on the wonderful work of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and libraries and archives statewide. The Friends will be in a very unique position to help enrich all that libraries and archives do for Texans."
The new organization will strive to call public and government attention to library and archival needs and issues, raise awareness of and promote the services of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and foster the development and growth of local Friends groups. The Honorable Patrick Heath, mayor, City of Boerne, serves as the organization's first president.
State Archivist Chris LaPlante noted, "We have worked hard to preserve and protect the historical collections of the State Library and Archives, invaluable collections that document Texas' rich history. Similarly, Texas communities are working to preserve their local heritage. The Friends group offers an opportunity to assist in the preservation of not only the state's archival collections, but also those at the local level, through collaboration and public awareness."
The Friends will host its first annual membership meeting on Mar. 29, 2001, in San Antonio, in conjunction with the Texas Library Association Annual Conference. The membership, led by President Heath and other board members, will discuss initial activities of the Friends to help it achieve its mission. Membership is open to all interested persons. For more information, please telephone 512-463-5514 or e-mailfriends@tsl.texas.gov.
The mission of the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas is to enrich library and archival services for the benefit of the individual, the community, and the state by promoting and supporting the services of the Texas State Library & Archives Commission.
March 8, 2001
Renovations and Paving Project begin at the Sam Houston Center: Work may inconvenience visitors and researchers
Frost Constructors, Inc. of Humble, with local subcontractors from Harris, Liberty and Jefferson Counties, began renovation work at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty on Mar. 2. Integral parts of the work are a new parking lot and driveway, exterior building repairs, interior painting, a loading dock extension and ADA improvements, including a new side entrance. The work is expected to be completed by the end of May.
"We will attempt to provide access to our research materials and to remain open during our normal business hours during the renovation work, but patrons may encounter a few instances where selected resources are not available or parking is extremely limited," stated Robert L. Schaadt, Director-Archivist of the Sam Houston Center. "We regret the inconvenience that this may cause for some patrons during this three-month period. We urge people to telephone or e-mail the Center to determine the construction schedule for that particular day or week."
Schaadt added, "In order to protect our historical treasures and to meet the needs of the contractor, especially for interior painting, our displays will be temporarily removed and the second floor will be closed to the public until the renovations are completed. The work should not affect touring the historical homes during the next few months."
The Texas State Legislature during its last session appropriated $531,000 to rehabilitate the Sam Houston Center. "Sandra J. Pickett, a member of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and I are particularly grateful to Representative Zeb Zbranek and Senator David Bernsen, Representative Talmadge Heflin on the Appropriations Committee and the entire Southeast Texas delegation for their persistence in the waning hours of the conference committee last year," asserted Schaadt. "We had the strong backing of the County Judges and Commissioners Courts in all ten of the counties we serve plus many resolutions and letters of support from Historical Commissions and individuals throughout the state."
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, a part of the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is located three miles north of Liberty on FM 1011, off of State Highway 146. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Saturday 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is free. For further information, e-mail: SamHoustonCenter@tsl.texas.gov or telephone 936-336-8821.
Click here for more information on The Sam Houston Center
January 26, 2001
"The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in the Southeast Texas" a new exhibit at the Sam Houston Center
Austin - A special exhibit, "The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in Southeast Texas" will open on February 1, 2001 at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas. Designed by Lisa Meisch, the Center's Museum Curator-Archivist, the exhibit, which will run through January 2002, features photographs, original documents, company records, newspapers, maps, and artifacts that document the history of the oil industry in Southeast Texas, which has been a major industry in the area since January 1901, when the Spindletop gusher came in. It has had a profound impact on the economy and culture of the region and continues to play an important role.
Noteworthy items in the exhibit include postcards of the Spindletop Oil Field from the Don Kelly Southeast Texas Post Card Collection; small-scale replicas of early 20th-century wooden oil derricks; early photographs of the various oil fields of Southeast Texas, including South Liberty, Sour Lake, Orange, Barber's Hill, Hull, and Batson; maps of the region that depict the location of these oil fields; and early oil and gas leases and royalty agreements. Collections featured include the Miriam Partlow Collection, A. E. Bush Collection, Ray D. Edmondson Collection, Texaco Photograph Collection, Shivers Family Collection, Edwin Eldridge Watts Collection, Henry Steusoff Collection, June Steusoff McGuire Collection, Liberty Vindicator Collection, O'Brien Archives, and the Josiah Wheat Collection.
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, a part of the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is located three miles north of Liberty on FM 1011, off of State Highway 146. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For further information, telephone 936-336-8821 or write to P.O. Box 310, Liberty, TX 77575-0310.
Click here for more information on The Sam Houston Center
January 26, 2001
The Don Kelly Southeast Texas Post Card Collection on display in "The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in Southeast Texas" exhibit at the Sam Houston Center
Austin - Post cards from The Don Kelly Southeast Texas Post Card Collection will be on display in "The Legacy of Spindletop: A Century of Oil in Southeast Texas" Exhibit, which will open on February 1, 2001, at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas. The collection consists of more than 1,100 cards, dating from 1898 to the present, which feature views of Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange Counties. The exhibit, designed by Museum Curator-Archivist Lisa Meisch, showcases those post cards that relate to the oil industry in Southeast Texas.
Noteworthy items in the exhibit include unique post cards of the Spindletop Oil Field, Orange Oil Field, Sour Lake Oil Field, and the Texaco and Gulf Oil Refineries in Port Arthur. They depict such scenes as Spindletop oil field fires and the Lucas gusher of January 10, 1901. It is the largest known complete collection of Spindletop post cards in existence, many of which date from 1901.
Don Kelly, the donor, was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 22, 1940 and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1962. He served as Executive Director of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission from 1970 until 2000. He has been collecting post cards from Southeast Texas since 1969. He donated his collection to the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in 1991.
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, a part of the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is located three miles north of Liberty on FM 1011, off of State Highway 146. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, telephone 936-336-8821 or write to PO Box 310, Liberty, TX 77575-0310.
Click here for more information on The Sam Houston Center
January 9, 2001
LaFaye Black, Allen Mullen selected State Library's Employees of the Quarter
Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces the selection of LaFaye Black, State and Local Records Management division, and Allen Mullen of its Library Resource Sharing division as Employees of the Quarter for the first quarter, fiscal year 2001.
LaFaye Black, microfilm camera operator, is cited for her high quality of work in her daily duties of microfilming state government documents. During this quarter, Black personally filmed 511,319 documents with less than one quarter of one percent error rate! According to coworkers, Black's skill as a camera operator is unmatched, and she consistently produces excellent work with minimal supervision. Her peers consider her a valued asset to the unit.
Networked Services Developer Allen Mullen has been referred to as a "national treasure" within the library community for his work developing the Texas Records and Information Locator service, or TRAIL (www.tsl.texas.gov/trail), a sophisticated online search engine for Texas state government information. Mullen's dedicated efforts resulted in a service considered nationally as a model government information locator service. Mullen is a recognized national leader in the development of pace-setting Web-based library services.
Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd recognized Black and Mullen in an awards ceremony, where she presented them Certificates of Merit and awarded them one day of administrative leave.
January 2, 2001
State Librarian appoints Deborah Littrell director of Library Development Division
Austin - Peggy D. Rudd, director and librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, announced the appointment of Deborah Littrell as division director for the Library Development Division of the State Library.
Littrell has served the State Library as TexShare coordinator in its Library Resource Sharing Division since Apr. 1999 and was instrumental in the integration of public libraries in TexShare. Littrell has 25 years of public and academic library experience in Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee.
"Ms. Littrell has contributed immensely to the State Library as TexShare coordinator. She brings considerable experience to her new role as Library Development division director, and I am looking forward to working with her in this new capacity," said Rudd of the appointment.
Littrell fills the position formerly held by Jeanette Larson. Larson served admirably as division director from 1998-2000. Highlights of her tenure include the development of state standards for school libraries and extensive collaboration with library organizations on behalf of the State Library. Larson accepted a position at the Austin Public Library.
The Library Development Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission works to expand public access to all libraries, assists libraries in supplying quality information services, and encourages Texans to learn about and use their libraries.
