1. Support your profession; Let your profession support you!

2. What Is TLA?  Founded in 1902 to promote and improve library services in Texas  The largest state library association with over 6,000 members  Yearly conferences with over 7,000 librarians and library vendors

4.  Give you the opportunity to network at regional meetings and annual conferences  Help you build leadership skills through the TALL Texans Institute and/or participation in the organization  Help you to become involved at the state level in your profession

5.  One of the 4 divisions is right for you!!  College and University Libraries  Public Libraries  Special Libraries  Texas Association of School Librarians AND…….

6.  Student Chapters Available at Universities offering the MLS degree, so that you can get started in TLA early in your career.  Twenty-four Round Tables From New Members to Storytelling, there is a Round Table to suit your professional interests. If that is not enough, then...

7.  Interest Groups ◦ Continuing Education Providers IG ◦ Distributed/E-learning IG ◦ Gay, Lesbian, Bixesual and Transgendered IG ◦ Or form your own, it’s easy.  Districts – There are 10 regional districts in the state. They hold their own annual Fall meetings. (More chances to network and learn!)

8. TALL Texans… A TLA leadership development institute, which includes a 5-day intensive learning experience that:  fosters leadership Capabilities,  defines leadership development activities for TLA members, and  fosters cultural diversity in library leadership.

9. Texas Library Journal with articles on everything from copyright to filtering to Texas Legislative issues.

10.  TLA gives you support, so you can manage your library program effectively.  TLA offers liability insurance at a reasonable price.  TLA provides opportunities to grow professionally.  TLA brings librarians together to share creative ideas and programs.  TLA hosts exciting conferences and programs highlighting exceptional authors and speakers.

11.  TLA offers an open hand to volunteers.  TLA provides librarians a forum to become involved actively with their professional organization.  TLA offers opportunities to network with librarians from around the state, nation, and the world.  TLA offers scholarship opportunities for library school education and stipends for conference attendance  TLA supports public school, private school, academic, public, and special libraries and librarians.  TLA is for everyone!

12.  Apply online or download the application. Apply online download  (For RENEWALS, please use the Members Only/Officers Only section. Much of your information will be automatically entered.)Members Only/Officers Only  Dues must be submitted by Feb.1, 2008 to ensure eligibility to vote for association officers.  New Members are encouraged to join the New Members Round Table in addition to Round Tables or Interest Groups in your specialized area.New Members Round Table