2001 News Releases
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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.state.tx.us/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.state.tx.us/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.
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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.
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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.state.tx.us/lot.
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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.
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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."
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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.state.tx.us/lot.
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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.
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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.state.tx.us/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.
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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.
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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.state.tx.us/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.
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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.state.tx.us.
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.state.tx.us
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.state.tx.us/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.
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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.
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