Questioning the Future - Check this out!

FROM Library Development Division Blog (invitation below) :

Staff here in Library Development are excited to welcome one of libraryland’s most thought-provoking and dynamic speakers to Austin!

Stephen Abram will speak at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission in the main floor reference room on February 24, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. If you’re interested in attending the talk, please R.S.V.P to rsvp@tsl.state.tx.us and put “Stephen Abram Talk” in the subject line. View the press release for more details.

If you’re not local, but still want to participate, there’s also an opportunity for you. Following his talk, State Librarian, Peggy Rudd, will interview Stephen for a podcast that we’ll record and then broadcast. Do you have a question to pose to library futurist, Stephen Abrams? Are you curious to get this thought leader’s opinions on the various issues facing libraries today?

If you would like to submit a question for Stephan Abram during that podcast, please submit your questions to Dawn Vogler at dvogler@tsl.state.tx.us.


Abram Invitation -

TSLAC Budget Testimony

The testimony provided this morning to the House Appropriations Committee is now available as an archived .rm (RealPlayer required) file.

The library testimony begins at 2:04:02 and ends at 3:35.

Recent Committee Broadcasts

· 02/14/11

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

http://www.house.state.tx.us/fx/av/committee82/11021407013.ram

The order of presentation on the TSLAC budget is: 2:04 – 2:13 Legislative Budget Board; Auditor’s office 2:13 – 2:27; Agency testimony 2:27 – 3:25.

American Library Association: President’s budget strips library funding | American Libraries Magazine

American Library Association: President’s budget strips library funding | American Libraries Magazine

WASHINGTON, D.C.– American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens released the following statement today regarding President Obama’s 2012 budget request:

“The president’s budget proposal strips funding away from one of our greatest resources for lifelong learning – our libraries. Libraries are fundamental to meeting the reading and information needs of communities nationwide. During this difficult recession, they rose to the challenge of helping Americans get back to work through vital assistance with online job searches and applications as well as resume development. In addition, many libraries hold classes to teach the critical 21st century digital literacy skills that are essential to thriving in today’s global economy.

“Libraries are being used by millions of people every day. When we invest in them, we invest in the future of our country. We ask Congress to restore the support for America’s libraries.”

The president’s budget requested $194 million for assistance to libraries to be administered by the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS). This request is approximately $20 million below the current funding level.

Like last year, the president chose to consolidate the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program with several other literacy programs.

Pick Your Cupid - Op-Art - NYTimes.com

Pick Your Cupid - Op-Art - NYTimes.com