Texas State Library and Archives Commission Selects New Agency Executive

Friday, August 30, 2013 • Austin, TX • News Release

The seven-member Texas State Library and Archives Commission today unanimously selected Mark Smith for the position of Director and Librarian, the agency’s chief executive also known as the Texas State Librarian. 

Mark Smith currently serves as the Vice President of West Coast Operations for Library Systems and Services (LSSI) of Germantown, Maryland, and oversees all LSSI contracts for California and Oregon. He has been with LSSI since September 1999.

The announcement caps a two-day assembly of agency commissioners, staff, and constituents at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. On Thursday, August 29th, the three finalists for the position met publicly during a reception and each candidate delivered a presentation to the assembled guests that included former commissioners, board members of the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas (the agency’s non-profit support group), librarians, and other members of the public. On Friday, August 30th, the commission met in executive session to conduct formal interviews.

“The commission conducted a nationwide search for this very important position,” said TSLAC Chairman Michael C. Waters of Dallas. “We had an accomplished and impressive pool of applicants, and we’re excited and proud to welcome Mark Smith into service for the State of Texas.”

Chairman Waters added that Thursday’s reception was made possible, in part, by the Texas Library Association, which provided the refreshments. “I’d like to thank TLA and all those who attended the reception for their support,” he said.

Further details and photos of Mark Smith will be released on the agency’s website and social media in the coming days. In the meantime, all are invited to send greetings and congratulations to the new Texas State Librarian on Twitter: @TSLAC_Director

Mr. Smith begins his tenure November 1.

The former Director and Librarian, Peggy D. Rudd, retired in December 2012 after 13 years of service with the agency.

Photos Attached

Caption 1: Mark Smith meets with the public in the lobby of the agency’s Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, August 29.

Caption 2: Mark Smith introduces himself to the public in the reference room of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, August 29.