Texas Library Association (TLA)
Environmental Scan Report
Revised: February 6, 2012
Created by the Environmental Scan Subcommittee of the TLA Strategic
Planning Task Force:
Martha Buckbee, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kathy Hoffman, Retired, Co-chair
Karen Hopkins, University of Texas at Arlington
Billy Hoya, University of Houston Downtown
Mary Jarvis, West Texas A&M University
Terry Alegria Roper, Region 10 ESC
Richard Wayne, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Co-chair, Report Editor
Syma Zerkow, Houston Public Library
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Strategic Planning Member Survey ................................................................................................ 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 7
Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 7
Highlights of Survey Findings .................................................................................................... 7
Demographics ......................................................................................................................... 7
TLA Membership.................................................................................................................... 8
Current and Future Challenges - Opportunities for TLA........................................................ 8
Other Concerns ....................................................................................................................... 9
Conclusions ............................................................................................................................... 10
National and Texas Economy and Library Funding ..................................................................... 10
Employment Opportunities for Librarians Nationally and in Texas ............................................ 11
Changing Demographics of Texas and the Changing Nature of Library Patron’s Expectations . 13
Data ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Urban vs. Rural ......................................................................................................................... 14
Age ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Race........................................................................................................................................... 15
Education .................................................................................................................................. 17
Americans at the Library and Online ........................................................................................ 18
Smartphone Usage .................................................................................................................... 19
Demographics of TLA .................................................................................................................. 20
Proving Value / Accountability .................................................................................................... 21
Changes in Collections: From Physical to Digital ........................................................................ 23
Technology in Libraries ................................................................................................................ 26
Social Media in Libraries .......................................................................................................... 26
Cloud Computing ...................................................................................................................... 27
e-Books & eReaders ................................................................................................................. 28
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
School Librarian Certification Mandates ...................................................................................... 28
Continuous Reinvention of Our Libraries..................................................................................... 31
Works Cited by Section ................................................................................................................ 33
National and Texas Economy and Library Funding ................................................................. 33
Employment Opportunities for Librarians nationally and in Texas ......................................... 33
Changing Demographics of Texas and the Changing Nature of Library Patron’s Expectations
................................................................................................................................................... 34
Proving Value / Accountability ................................................................................................ 35
Technology in Libraries ............................................................................................................ 36
School Librarian Certification Mandates .................................................................................. 37
Continuous Reinvention of Our Libraries................................................................................. 37
Appendix A – Survey Charts ........................................................................................................ 38
Appendix B - Survey Instrument .................................................................................................. 45
Appendix C - Texas Demographics .............................................................................................. 50
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Executive Summary
We encourage you to read this entire report. It contains much valuable information focused upon
all types of libraries in Texas. In order to provide a brief overview of the key concepts covered in
this report, the summaries (or parts of the summaries) from each section are duplicated here:
Strategic Planning Member Survey. The survey data represents only one element of the
environmental scan. Data from the survey clearly point to five critical areas that should be
addressed in the strategic plan: professional development, annual conference, continuing
education, networking opportunities with colleagues, and articulating the value of libraries.
National and Texas Economy and Library Funding. The recession that began in December
2007 officially ended in June 2009, but aftereffects from the recession have endured and have
had a huge impact across our country. Despite the lack of current and authoritative statistics,
there have been some very clear indicators that Texas libraries have been negatively affected by
the recession.
Employment Opportunities for Librarians Nationally and in Texas. The downturn in the
economy has had an effect on the number of employed librarians, limiting the number of open
positions. Not as many librarians are retiring as had been expected, while at the same time not as
many new positions are expected to be created. The economic downturn has affected the funding
for library positions. New needed skill sets may result in fewer librarian hires, or a re-evaluation
of the requirements for the MLS or equivalent degree.
Changing Demographics of Texas and the Changing Nature of Library Patron’s
Expectations. Texans are becoming older and less educated. Urban and rural population ratios
will stay roughly the same for the next 20 to 30 years. Statewide, Hispanics will be a minority
majority by 2020 and a full majority before 2035. This shift will occur sooner in urban areas.
While the state is becoming more diverse, that increased diversity is limited to urban areas.
Demographics of TLA. Research for this section uncovers the important need to gather more
demographic information about TLA’s membership.
Proving Value / Accountability. There are increasing demands from institutions, parents,
employers, taxpayers, accrediting associations, and all levels of government to demonstrate
quantitative as well as qualitative value. Proving the value of libraries and librarians can be
accomplished through assessment and accountability measures.
Changes in Collections: From Physical to Digital. The transition from physical to digital
formats has had a massive impact on almost all libraries. From a collection development
perspective, most digital resources are licensed, not owned. This also has a great bearing on
preservation issues. In addition to accessing digital content, many libraries are experimenting
with creating their own, unique digital collections.
Technology in Libraries. Technology in a library setting covers a lot of ground. From how we
develop and maintain library collections, to how we interact with our users and each other, the
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
technological advances of the last twenty years have completely changed the field of library
science.
School Librarian Certification Mandates. Data has demonstrated the positive impact of school
librarians upon student learning. Certification for school librarians has been inconsistently
applied and enforced across Texas and the country. There’s a growing awareness of the
importance of this issue, but a consensus on how to proceed has not been achieved.
Continuous Reinvention of Our Libraries. The days of shock and resistance toward rapid and
dramatic changes in our libraries need to be in the past. We must engage in continuous learning
so that our libraries evolve and thrive.
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Introduction
The Environmental Scan Subcommittee (ESS) of the Strategic Planning Task Force (SPTF) had
its genesis at Annual Assembly in July 2011. We began soliciting for volunteers for the
subcommittee at that time. Our goal was to enlist librarians and other library staff from different
types of libraries. We continued our enlistment efforts after annual assembly by focusing on
potential members recommended by the Strategic Planning Task Force. Membership consists of:








Martha Buckbee, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kathy Hoffman, Retired, Co-chair
Karen Hopkins, University of Texas at Arlington
Billy Hoya, University of Houston Downtown
Mary Jarvis, West Texas A&M University
Terry Alegria Roper, Region 10 ESC
Richard Wayne, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Co-chair, Editor
Syma Zerkow, Houston Public Library
The statement of work for the subcommittee has been:
Gather and review articles, reports, and other relevant documents related to the technological,
societal, economic, educational, and political environment, as well as information relating to
academic, public, school, and other types of libraries. Prepare and comment on a written
report.
The subcommittee has progressed in a very measured manner. We used the MyTLA platform as
our main communication mechanism. Our first major task was to uncover relevant – and
authoritative when possible – documents describing the current and evolving environment that
TLA operates within. After that, each member focused on approximately five issues that he or
she believes is critical for TLA in the future.
After uncovering numerous resources and discussing the different sets of five key issues, we
were ready to proceed. The final step prior to writing this report was to agree on the issues that
are and will be the most important for TLA over the next few years.
Although we have members from different types of libraries and have collected numerous
resources on each type of library, we have decided to present a combined report. That is, almost
all of the issues that we will be discussing are relevant to School, Public, Academic, and Special
Libraries. We will specifically note the few cases where that does not apply.
The purpose of a strategic planning environmental scan is to inform all of the other parts of the
strategic plan. In practice, many of us are doing continuous environmental scanning in our jobs.
By reading library journals and blogs, attending workshops and conferences, and communicating
with our colleagues in other various ways; we continue to learn about our current and evolving
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
contexts. In this case, the subcommittee focused on broad issues from the perspective of TLA not
our respective libraries’ perspectives.
We hope that you find this environmental scan a satisfactory summary of the TLA environment
in 2011 - 2012 and beyond. The data described in this report will directly impact the other
unfolding parts of the strategic plan – values, mission, vision, strategic initiatives, and objectives.
Strategic Planning Member Survey
Introduction
In July 2011, TLA president Jerilynn Williams appointed a Strategic Planning Task Force to
create a new 3-year plan for the organization. The Task Force was comprised of the TLA
Executive Board members, four divisional councilors, and two co-chairs. In addition, two
subcommittees were initiated: the Environmental Scan Subcommittee and the Vision, Mission,
and Values Subcommittee. Both subcommittees were made up of members from diverse types of
libraries. TLA member input was solicited through a variety of mechanisms, including a member
survey.
Methodology
The strategic planning member survey instrument (Appendix B) was developed from data
gathered from a Hot Topics Focus Group and an Idea Lab held during Annual Assembly, July
2011. An invitation to participate in the survey was sent to the entire TLA membership with a
link to the online survey. The survey was posted online from October 28 - November 30, 2011,
and weekly email reminders were sent to members. A total of 1,433 responses were received
(approximately 20%).
The survey instrument was designed in four parts. Part 1 (questions 1-3) collected information on
why members join TLA, what keeps them active members of the organization, and what benefit
of membership they value most. Part 2 (questions 4-5) collected information on the types of
challenges that members face in their place of work and the issues they believe may affect the
profession moving forward. Part 3 (questions 6-7) sought member input on what TLA could
provide to help them in their careers and where TLA should focus its future efforts. Part 4
(questions 8-11) collected demographic information, such as age, type of library worked in,
number of years worked in the profession, and what TLA district members belong to. The final
question gave members an opportunity to add additional comments.
Highlights of Survey Findings
Demographics
Almost 70% of the respondents were 46 years of age or older and more than half (60%) had 11
or more years of work experience in the library field. The largest category of respondents
reported that they work in school libraries (43%), followed by public libraries (28%), and
academic libraries (19%). The remaining 10% either work in special libraries; are associated
with a library school, vendor, consortium; are a library trustee, friend or advocate; or are retired
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
or unemployed. Members from all 10 TLA districts participated in the survey. The greatest
number of respondents was from District 8 (22%) and District 5 (17%).
TLA Membership
The majority of respondents reported that they joined TLA and remained active members of the
association for the same reasons: professional development and to attend annual conference.
These are also the top two benefits that respondents deemed most valuable from their
membership in TLA. Commitment to serving the profession was the third-highest reason for both
why respondents joined TLA and also remained active members. This was followed closely by
"continuing education" and "networking opportunities with colleagues" as reasons to join the
organization and remain members. These were also reported as most valuable benefits of
membership. Additionally, 11% of respondents ranked "improve work related skills" as the most
valuable benefit of their TLA membership.
TLA Membership Value
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Why People Join TLA
Why People Renew TLA
Membership
Greatest Benefit of TLA
Membership
Current and Future Challenges - Opportunities for TLA
Over 50% of respondents reported resource constraints (budget, staff, and space) and perceptions
about the value of a library as the most challenging aspect of their work. These were also the top
two reasons given as concerns for the profession moving forward. The third-highest concern
about the profession moving forward was the hiring of non-MLS degreed personnel for
traditional MLS professional positions.
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
When asked what TLA could provide to help members and/or their careers, over 50% ranked
"advocacy for libraries and library workers" and "providing virtual platforms for conference
attendance, continuing education, and professional development" as their top choices. Similarly,
46% would like TLA to focus its future efforts on articulating, demonstrating, proving library
value as well as on advocacy for libraries.
Current Work and Future Challenges
for the Profession
30%
25%
Resource Constraints
20%
Perceived Value of
Libraries
15%
Changing Technology
10%
Hiring non-MLS for MLS
positions
5%
Time/Project
Management
0%
Work Challenge
Profession Moving
Forward
Other Concerns
Several respondents took the time to add comments in the open comment fields. Even though
these represent only a small percentage of the total responses, several are worthy of mention.
Additional reasons given for joining TLA included access to liability insurance, being able to
meet vendors and exhibitors face to face, scholarship opportunities, and being able to meet and
hear authors. Additional reasons why members renew their memberships included access to
liability insurance, employer expectation, and being able to meet and hear authors. And the
primary additional benefit that members regarded as most valuable is access to liability
insurance.
Respondents expressed the lack of legislative support for education and the profession as an
additional concern for the professional moving forward. Several respondents also expressed
concern about current and future employment opportunities and salaries. Overall, there was a lot
of concern expressed about keeping membership dues, conference registration fees, and training/
continuing education costs affordable.
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Conclusions
See Appendix A for further survey information. The survey data represents only one element of
the environmental scan. It will be used with other information gathered to better understand
information and trends that could shape the future. However, data from the survey clearly
point to five critical areas that should be addressed in the strategic plan: professional
development, annual conference, continuing education, networking opportunities with
colleagues, and articulating the value of libraries.
National and Texas Economy and Library Funding
Summary: The recession that began in December 2007 officially ended in June 2009, but
aftereffects from the recession have endured and have had a huge impact across our
country. The economic and service impact of national economic recession upon libraries is
often clear only long afterwards due to the lag time in collecting and reporting collective
library statistics. Despite the lack of current and authoritative statistics, there have been
some very clear indicators that Texas libraries have been negatively affected by the
recession.
This section begins with a quote from the March 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Labor
Review:
Turmoil in the housing, credit, and financial markets plagued the U.S. economy in 2008, and
the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) identified December 2007 as the
beginning of a recession (Borberly).
Analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data shows that U.S. unemployment finally
went below 9 % in November 2011 – the first time that it was below 9 % since April 2009. In
November 2007, the unemployment rate was 4.7 % (BLS).
In the 4th quarter of 2008, the U.S. real gross domestic product declined more than 8 %. The 3rd
quarter of 2011 was disappointing but did see about a 2 % increase (BEA).
Library Journal’s 2010 budget survey brings the focus closer to libraries. The survey was sent to
3,036 public libraries, with 647 responses:
Nonetheless, the overall trend in FY10 was a brutal grasping by money-starved government
officials for the low-hanging fruit of library budgets: 72 percent of survey respondents said
their budget had been cut, and 43 percent had staff cuts.
Among libraries serving populations above one million, these figures were even more acute,
with 86 percent reporting budget cuts in their libraries and 93 percent reducing staff. They
also reported a drop in service hours that on average equaled two branch closings (Kelley,
LJ’s 2010 Budget Survey).
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Budget cuts to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) are indicative of the
recent budget impacts closer to home. Total staffing was reduced by 19 %, in addition:
The new state biennial budget (FY 2012-13) in Texas, signed Tuesday by Governor Rick
Perry, will reduce state funding for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by 64
percent and will cut state funding for the agency's library programs by 88 percent.
According to figures provided by the state library, the overall state library budget will shrink
from $19.8 million each year of the two-year budget to $7.2 million. Funding for the state
agency's library programs will go from $12.8 million to $1.6 million. The Library
Development and Library Resource Sharing divisions will be merged into a single division
(Kelley, Texas Governor).
TSLAC budget cuts resulted in the elimination of the Lone Star Libraries program, a $5.5
million reduction for the biennium for TexShare database funding, a minimal level of funding for
regional systems, in addition to other cuts (Rudd).
The 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature also reduced funding for public school districts by
$5.3 billion for the 2012-2013 biennium (TASA).
Although there is a scarcity of recent and authoritative data relating directly to Texas libraries
and Texas library employment, a blog post helps paint the picture for school libraries:
Texas school libraries have been agonizingly hard hit in the budget crisis in Texas, losing
staff across the state. A few days ago, I created this map to help chart some of the losses in
Texas in the hopes of bringing attention to the overall impact on students in our state.
In 24 hours, over 55 districts had posted losses–losses of campus librarians, library clerks and
assistants, and losses of district library positions; many more have been added to the list since
then (Foote).
Budget cuts to other types of libraries are more difficult to quantify at this point in time.
However, the events at one state university and its library may be indicative of recent budget cuts
upon other state academic institutions and their libraries. The host university’s state budget
support decreased by nearly 22 %. The personnel and collection budgets in the Library were
reduced by 15 %.
Research for this section uncovered the lack of real-time library budget and staffing data
for Texas. It could be too late to react adequately to related crises once the official data is
published one or more years later. There may be a role for TLA in the need to capture
more accurate, current data.
Employment Opportunities for Librarians Nationally and in Texas
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Summary: The downturn in the economy has had an effect on the number of employed
librarians, limiting the number of open positions. Not as many librarians are retiring as
had been expected, while at the same time not as many new positions are expected to be
created. The economic downturn has affected the funding for library positions. New needed
skill sets may result in fewer librarian hires, or a re-evaluation of the requirements for the
MLS or equivalent degree.
Peaking in 1990, the number of librarians in the United States dropped by 31% between 1990
and 2009 according to one analysis of one hundred twenty years of U.S. Census data (Beveridge,
Weber, Beveridge). The decline is continuing at a less accelerated rate.
The librarian employment prognostications for the United States were last updated in 2008 for
the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition (U.S. Department of Labor, Handbook).
Although it is generally agreed that the economy was already in decline by 2008, this is the most
recent available analysis of librarian employment data. The 2010-11 Edition Handbook
predicted:




Employment of librarians will grow by 8% between 2008 and 2018.
Large numbers of librarians are expected to retire before 2020.
Large numbers of graduates from MLS programs may result in job competition
although more workers may be retiring from this occupation.
Demand will be for librarians in non-traditional positions, working for
information brokers, private corporations, nonprofit organizations and consulting
firms.
Also in 2008, the Texas Labor Market and Career Information Department (LMCI) of the Texas
Workforce Commission predicted that the demand for librarians would continue to grow in
Texas, increasing the number of employed librarians by 24% between 2008 and 2018. Fifty-two
% of the jobs to be filled were predicted to be replacements for existing positions, not for
additional new positions (Texas Workforce Commission).
Occupation
Librarians
Librarians,
Curators,
and
Archivists
Change
%
Change
Annual
Openings
due to
Growth
Annual
Openings due
to
Replacements
Total Annual
Openings"Texas"
14,080
2,730
24
275
300
575
21,270
4,060
23
405
540
945
Est Yr Proj Yr
Estimated
Employment
Projected
Employment
2008 - 2018
11,350
2008 - 2018
17,210
The optimistic national and state forecast was tempered by the Occupational Outlook Handbook
which indicated that the growth in opportunities would be limited by “government budget
constraints and the increasing use of electronic resources.” These two factors were expected to
result in hiring fewer librarians in the future and replacing them with less costly technicians and
library assistants. The Handbook seemed to be addressing the coming economic downturn.
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Despite the fact these forecasts were made before the economic downturn in Texas, 2010
statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated (U.S. Dep’t. of Labor, Wages):
•
•
Texas has the second-highest number of employed librarians in the United States, behind
New York State.
Two of the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in librarianship
are in Texas: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown (7th) and Dallas-Plano-Irving (8th).
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, indicates that librarians tend to be older
than workers in the rest of the economy (U.S. Department of Labor, Handbook). A longitudinal
look at librarian demographics reveals that in 1950 and 1990, only 42 % of librarians were 45
years or older, but by 2000, 64 % were at least 45 years old (Beveridge, Weber, Beveridge). This
supports the assumptions that many librarians would be retiring before 2018.
Economic challenges continue to result in local, state, and federal budget reductions which affect
libraries’ funding. One of the ACRL Top 10 Trends in Academic Libraries is “Budget challenges
will continue and libraries will evolve as a result (Association of College and Research Libraries,
Trends).” This trend will have an impact on filling open librarian positions as well as creating
new positions. Recognizing the effect of the economy on employment, the ACRL trends also
mention that expected librarian retirements may be delayed. The economy affected the
availability of public funding for school and public libraries. The LJ 2010 Budget Survey
indicated that the stability of employment in public libraries was a concern (Kelley). Libraries
serving one million or more experienced a 9.5% staff reduction due to funding. Libraries with
the smallest staff reported less change in staffing.
Also included in the ACRL Top 10 Trends in Academic Libraries is the idea that librarians need a
more “diverse skill set,” and it is possible to see more non-MLS hires with these skills
(Association of College and Research Libraries, Trends). This is reflective of the prediction of
the Occupational Outlook Handbook that technicians may be hired to fill librarian positions.
This challenges MLS programs and organizations “to provide new and relevant
professional development.” ACRL also mentions that the terminal degree may need to be
broadened or changed (Association of College and Research Libraries, Environmental Scan
2010). This prediction relates also to other surveys of changes in the library environment which
indicate the changing responsibilities and skill sets needed by librarians in all types of libraries.
Changing Demographics of Texas and the Changing Nature of Library
Patron’s Expectations
Summary: Texans are becoming older and less educated. Urban and rural population
ratios will stay roughly the same for the next 20 to 30 years. Statewide, Hispanics will be a
minority majority by 2020 and a full majority before 2035. This shift will occur sooner in
urban areas. While the state is becoming more diverse, that increased diversity is limited to
urban areas.
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Data
The Texas State Demographer (TSD) has four projection scenarios for generating population
projections. The TSD Projection Methodology recommends “… the 0.5 scenario for the longterm planning purposes for which these projections are produced. However, for those who intend
to use the projections for relatively short-term (i.e., 3-10 year) planning purposes or who believe
that the more recent period is indicative of long-term trends, either the 2000-2004 or the 20002007 scenario may be preferable (Office of the State Demographer, Projections).” This section of
the environmental scan report uses the 0.5 scenario; however, the numbers and percentages for
both the 0.5 and the 2000-2004 are in the appendix. Except where noted the numbers used were
obtained through the Population Projections Data Tool (Office of the State Demographer, Tool).
Please refer to Appendix C for further Texas demographic information.
Urban vs. Rural
Population figures are generally reported for an entire state. In a state as large as Texas it is
important to understand the differences faced by urban and rural libraries. The differences in
coverage area and in funding are not the only concerns. Differences in population demographics
can also be strikingly different between the two environments. Currently, there are 24
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in Texas (Office of the State Demographer, Tool). These
will be referred to as urban areas while the rest of the state will be considered rural. In 2009
there were almost 25 million people in the state, and 88 % of them lived in urban areas. In 2035,
it is projected that there will be 33 million people with 89% living in urban areas. The urban /
rural population ratio is projected to remain stable.
Age
Age distribution shifts show the general trend of an aging population. The strongest growth is in
the 65-and-older group, although this age group remains the smallest. Rural areas will have a
higher percentage of elderly. The figures show the under-25 age group broken into three age
ranges to help demonstrate the need for children, teen, and young adult services. When added
together they are the largest group. Figures 1 and 2 show the population distribution by age in
urban and rural areas:
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Figure 1: Urban Population Distribution over Time by Age
Figure 2: Rural Population Distribution over Time by Age
Race
The urban population is currently 40% Hispanic and is projected to grow to 51% Hispanic by
2035. Figures 3 and 4 show the population distribution by race in urban and rural areas:
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Figure 3: Urban Population Distribution over Time by Race
Figure 4: Rural Population Distribution over Time by Race
If the age and race parameters are narrowed down to the two largest groups, it becomes clear that
in 2009 the largest disparity between Anglos and Hispanics is in people aged 45 and older. By
2035 there will be a switch; the largest disparity will be in people aged 44 and younger. See
figures 5 and 6 for details:
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Figure 5: 2009 Age Distribution
Figure 6: 2035 Age Distribution
Education
With the changing demographics there will also be a change in educational attainment levels.
Figure 7 was taken from a paper presented at the Texas State Data Center / Business and
Industry Data Center annual meeting in May 2011. One conclusion of this shift to a higher
percentage of lower educated Hispanics is “if current labor force trends continue by 2040 HH
[household] income will be $6,000 less than in 2000 (Torres).”
The Pew Hispanic Center reported on August 25, 2011 that
Driven by a single-year surge of 24% in Hispanic enrollment, the number of 18- to 24-yearolds attending college in the United States hit an all-time high of 12.2 million in October
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
2010, according to a Pew Hispanic Center analysis of recently released data from the U.S.
Census Bureau. (Pew)
Figure 7: Educational Attainment (%) by Race
Americans at the Library and Online
According to research from OCLC, 68% of Americans have a library card and 63% visit a
library annually (De Rosa). While 51% and 57% of teens, age 14 to 17 access wireless and use
computers respectively at the library, only 28% and 27% of all Americans use these resources.
See Tables 1 and 2 for additional survey results.
Profile Americans at the Library
Total
Economically
Impacted
College
Students
Teens
14-17
Young
Adult
18-24
Gen X
25-45
Boomers
46-64
Seniors
65+
Have a library card
68%
81%
73%
75%
68%
70%
67%
63%
Visit the Public Library
annually
62%
74%
64%
72%
59%
66%
59%
56%
Visit the Public Library
monthly
28%
36%
25%
36%
23%
30%
25%
25%
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Have ever used the
Library website
33%
38%
57%
42%
54%
36%
22%
21%
Access Free Internet
annually at the Library
28%
35%
49%
51%
47%
27%
23%
13%
Use a computer annually
at the Library
27%
35%
48%
57%
46%
21%
24%
12%
Believe the Librarian adds
value to search process
83%
88%
78%
82%
76%
88%
76%
86%
Are satisfied with overall
experience with Librarian
87%
92%
90%
76%
89%
94%
85%
84%
Economically
Impacted
College
Students
Table 1
Profile Americans online
Total
Teens
14-17
Young
Adult
18-24
Gen X
25-45
Boomers
46-64
Seniors
65+
Use e-mail
94%
92%
99%
96%
98%
92%
95%
92%
Use search engines
92%
96%
93%
92%
92%
93%
91%
86%
Use Wikipedia
73%
71%
88%
88%
84%
80%
61%
60%
Use online bookstores
72%
78%
78%
58%
79%
71%
75%
69%
Use social networking
sites
66%
80%
92%
72%
88%
80%
52%
40%
Use Social media sites
66%
71%
81%
85%
88%
73%
58%
34%
Use Ask-an-Expert sites
43%
45%
52%
62%
54%
39%
42%
32%
Use Blogs
28%
30%
38%
28%
38%
30%
27%
18%
Table 2
Smartphone Usage
There’s little doubt that the explosion in Smartphones has and will continue to impact how we
serve our patrons. Different patron groups have embraced this technology in varying degrees.
Pew Internet provides recent, but undoubtedly already outdated data (Smith):

In a May 2011 survey by Pew Internet, 83% of American adults stated they owned a cell
phone, and 42% of those were smart phones. “Smartphone adoption is highest among the
affluent and well-educated, the (relatively) young, and non-whites.”
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

While 35% of all adult Americans have a Smartphone, 44% of Blacks and Hispanics
have them.
Urban dwellers are about twice as likely to use them as rural residents.
Demographics of TLA
The only source of demographic information other than membership by division and districts
was our recent survey of the TLA membership regarding the strategic plan. 1,433 members
responded to the survey from a membership of over 7,000.
The age breakdown was:
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
25 and under
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66 and older
15
153
271
401
518
75
1%
11%
19%
28%
36%
5%
If this sample represents the Association accurately, 69% of our membership is 46 or older and
41% are likely getting close to retirement. Did younger members not respond or are there simply
fewer younger members?
Type of library breakdown was:
Academic
Public
School
Special
Other
274
402
613
35
109
19%
28%
43%
2%
8%
Realizing that many of our members are school librarians, this breakdown is not surprising and
may generally reflects the association overall. Research for this section uncovers the
important need to gather more demographic information about TLA’s membership.
Proving Value / Accountability
Summary: There are increasing demands from institutions, parents, employers, taxpayers,
accrediting associations, and all levels of government to demonstrate quantitative as well as
qualitative value. Proving the value of libraries and librarians can be accomplished
through assessment and accountability measures.
Efforts to provide assessment and accountability to parent institutions and funding sources grew
in the last decades of the twentieth century. Studies, such as the OCLC Perceptions of Libraries,
2010, continue to show that the American public values both libraries and librarians (De Rosa):




Americans believe the library is a “socially valued institution.”
In 2010, 83% of information consumers who have been assisted by a librarian thought
that librarians added value to the search process. This was up from 76% in 2005.
More than three-quarters of all generations who use librarians believe librarians add
value.
Libraries are increasingly seen as a community asset, used by the public to save money.
They are seen as place to learn and read and they are appreciated for supporting
literacy.
However, 20% of Americans see a decrease in value of libraries to themselves for the following
reasons (De Rosa):
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


Finding information online is more convenient.
Library not always available when needed.
Cost of getting to a library can be a challenge.
Although the library and staff are valued, the U.S. Mayor’s report in November 2010 cites
library hours, library staff, or library services as the number two budget area to be cut (American
Library Association).
The ACRL Top 10 Trends in Academic Libraries anticipates that the demand for assessment and
accountability will continue, searching for ways to demonstrate value for both clientele and the
parent institution (Association of College and Research Libraries, Trends). Generally this is
considered a part of the general trend in academia for accountability for all higher education
expenditures; and demands from governments, accreditation bodies, parents, and taxpayers to
prove the value of a college education (Association of College and Research Libraries, Scan).
The ACRL Environmental Scan 2010 also recognizes the need for institutional use of assessment
tools to specifically measure library expenses, information literacy, and research skills. Within
the academic environment the following is also noteworthy:



Physical library collections have little perceived value to students (Long and Schonfeld)
A small group of faculty see the library in a teaching support role (Long and Schonfeld)
Library directors see the library as serving a teaching function; professors see it as a
purchasing agent (Kolowich)
The downturn in the economy and the limited availability of public financing may have also
contributed to an increased effort by all library types to prove “ROI” (return on investment)
value. Assessment in libraries in K-12 and higher education also focus on learning and teaching,
with a growing emphasis on the contributions to student success (American Association of
School Libraries).
Research into school library value, as reviewed by a recent graduate class revealed solid data
correlating library involvement in curriculum and attendance with standardization test scores
(Kachel). Continued research has provided proof that school libraries have the following impacts
on student learning:





Increased hours of access by individuals and groups
Larger print and e-collections with access at home and in school
Up-to-date technology
Library integration into the curriculum
Increased student usage of school library services
Research into the value and impact of public libraries has emphasized contingent value as well as
modeling outcomes assessment. Recent studies have stated the need of public libraries to serve
the needs of the individual as well as the needs of the community (Levien). A recent report from
the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government provided evidence that ROI in
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library services created $30 million worth of economic value to the city of Philadelphia in 2010
(American Library Association).
All aspects of every library’s services and staff are areas for potential research into establishing
the value of libraries and librarians to their respective stakeholders. Librarians need to
communicate effectively with all stakeholders about the added value they and libraries bring to
their communities. “Positive Librarian perceptions impact library funding (De Rosa).”
Libraries are encouraged to use the examples provided by accreditation agencies and other
methods used by service and education endeavors. New research into ROI provided by new
services, such as social networking, is also emerging (Romero). Libraries and librarians are
looking for best practices and examples of providing accountability information. The
proliferation and continuing development of sources providing guidance indicates the growing
importance of this topic:



http://www.webjunction.org/demonstrating-impact, Sources for ‘Demonstrating Impact’
for public and school libraries.
http://www.shapingoutcomes.org/index.htm, Shaping outcomes, a self-taught course for
learning to work with outcomes assessment is available from Indiana University (IUPUI)
and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/issues/value/val_report.pdf, The
Value of Academic Libraries: a Comprehensive research review and report, prepared by
Megan Oakleaf for ACRL. 2010. Reviews assessment and accountability research and
advances in school, public, academic, and special libraries, as well as including an
extensive bibliography.
The extensive budget cuts to many libraries in Texas and nationally demonstrate that
citizens – or their representatives – don’t value libraries as much as we believe that they
should. TLA has a major role in organizing and communicating convincing and objective
information that could persuade them otherwise.
Changes in Collections: From Physical to Digital
Summary: The transition from physical to digital formats has had a massive impact on
almost all libraries. From a collection development perspective, most digital resources are
licensed, not owned. This also has a great bearing on preservation issues. In addition to
accessing digital content, many libraries are experimenting with creating their own, unique
digital collections.
Libraries are moving more and more from physical collections to digital collections:

According to ALA’s State of America’s Libraries 2011
(http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/archives/issue/state-americas-libraries-2011)
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
“Almost all academic libraries offer e-books, as do more than two-thirds of public
libraries.” The shift in school libraries is more limited but growing, particularly at the
secondary school level. The Cushing Academy, a private high school in Massachusetts,
made national headlines when it went almost entirely digital with its new library. Lamar
High School, part of Houston I.S.D., made local headlines when it weeded much of its
print collection (http://www.chron.com/default/article/Lamar-High-s-library-makingroom-for-e-books-1704648.php).
The Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010: Insights from U.S. Academic Library Directors
(http://www.ithaka.org/ithaka-s-r/research/ithaka-s-r-library-survey-2010) reports that
academic library directors “expect in five years to essentially complete the transition to
electronic format for journals acquisitions and at that point spend nearly half their books
budget on electronic books.”
Despite the transition to digital, OCLC’s Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and
Community (http://www.oclc.org/reports/2010perceptions.htm) finds that “The library brand is
‘books.’ ‘Libraries = books’ is even stronger than it was five years ago. As new consumer
devices and online services have captured the information consumer’s time and mindshare, his
perception of libraries as books has solidified…Most information consumers continue to be
unaware their library has online databases (56%), e-books (56%), and e-journals (60%).”
Clearly, the continuing and growing challenge facing all types of libraries is to broaden that
public perception of the “book brand” to include e-books and other electronic formats.
ALA has recently established the Digital Content Working Group. ALA’s 2015 Strategic Plan
(http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/missionhistory/plan/index.cfm) includes a goal to “provide
leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly
global digital library environment.” In conjunction with that goal, the website
http://transforming.ala.org/digitalcontentissues tracks many of the issues related to digital
content that affect libraries and their collections.
A key concern for collection development is that most electronic content is licensed, not owned,
by libraries. This presents long-term issues, particularly in terms of preserving access to the
material for patrons. Annual subscription fees must be paid. Annual access fees are usually
required - even for purchased content - as long as the content is housed on the vendor’s server.
Access is licensed with various restrictions; titles may remain in a collection only as long as the
license is in place. Publishers may change, aggregators may change, and licensing restrictions
may change. Libraries have little control over these and similar changes.
Academic e-journals have partially overcome this hurdle with services such as JSTOR. The ejournal publishers recognize that libraries are their partners and that they have a shared interest in
preserving long-term access to their e-journal content. A similar arrangement is starting to
emerge for scholarly books using Portico. Traditional library publishers such as Gale and some
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of the K-12 publishers are also aware of the preservation need and are working with libraries to
find mutually acceptable solutions.
The issue is much more problematic when looking at e-books, e-journals, and AV materials from
trade publishers and music and movie producers. With their primary income coming from
consumer sales and commercial advertising, the library market is not a major factor in their
planning and decision making. Vendors – e.g., EBSCO, Gale, and other traditional library
vendors, as well as Overdrive for e-books and e-audio books and Freegal for music – have
appeared to meet library needs for these materials. However, the publishers and producers of
these materials can make changes that seriously affect libraries and their patrons. The vendors
are contractually required to enforce these changes (e.g., Harper-Collins’ limiting the life of an ebook to 26 circulations http://overdriveblogs.com/library/2011/03/01/a-message-from-overdriveon-harpercollins-new-ebook-licensing-terms/, Penguin pulling all of the new Kindle-compatible
titles from the Overdrive catalog http://overdriveblogs.com/library/2011/11/21/penguin-libraryebook-update/, and the loss of many popular journal titles from the Gale and Proquest databases
with Ebsco providing exclusive access http://distlib.blogs.com/files/icolc-questions-with-ebscosanswers.pdf).
Libraries are increasingly becoming publishers of digital content. Local newspapers, archival
collections, out-of-print and/or out-of-copyright books, student dissertations, scholarly articles,
K-12 student projects, and more are appearing on library websites, institutional repositories, and
in large consortial collections such at the Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org/ ) and the
Hathi Trust (http://www.hathitrust.org/ ).
Texas Heritage Online (http://texasheritageonline.org/) is a cooperative project, administered by
the University of North Texas and funded in part by the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission (TSLAC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Studies (IMLS). Texas Heritage
Online seeks to identify, describe, digitize, preserve, and make broadly accessible special
collections of history and culture held by libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and
other institutions in Texas. Texas Heritage Online provides unified online access to Texas'
historical documents and images for use by teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and other
researchers. It partners with 163 libraries, museums, and other institutions across the state making 230,903 unique items available for research.
The Digital Public Library of America (http://dp.la/ ) is in the early developmental stage but
seeks to develop a platform that will pull extensive digital content together, add additional
content, and make it easily accessible. As the publisher of the digital content, libraries can
control access to the material and use it to develop relationships with their patrons. They can
develop those relationships by not just assisting them with access, but also by involving them in
creating the metadata to make the materials more discoverable and usable. One of the most
successful such projects is the Menus project at New York Public Library
(http://menus.nypl.org/about). This type of relationship with library patrons will be a key to the
future support and growth of the library as a whole, not just the digital collections.
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With the increased movement from physical to digital, an area of growing importance is the
preservation of the digital information. The Library of Congress hosts an extensive site with
information on this subject (http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/). The Internet Archive provides
Archive-It (http://www.archive-it.org/), a web archiving service to harvest and preserve digital
collections. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission TRAIL service
(https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/trail/index.html), which searches and locates information collected in
an archive of more than 180 Texas state agency web servers, serves as an example of a local
effort at digital preservation. Proudly, TRAIL resulted from a TLA resolution initiated by the
Government Documents Roundtable. However, the need for ongoing education in the area of
digital preservation will continue as digital collections increase throughout the library
community.
As we make these changes in our collections, the issue of the digital divide must be kept in mind.
We must work to assure that digital material can be accessed by all of our patrons, not just those
with financial means and up-to-date skills.
Technology in Libraries
Summary: Technology in a library setting covers a lot of ground. From how we develop
and maintain library collections, to how we interact with our users and each other, the
technological advances of the last twenty years have completely changed the field of library
science.
This section presents a brief overview of three of the pressing technological issues facing
Texas Libraries, including:



Social Media – research shows that Social Media is most beneficial to small and
medium-sized libraries, but there is a shortage of support literature to help them use
these new tools to their fullest potential
Cloud Computing – the increase in its use in libraries
e-Books & eReaders – the introduction of the Patron-Driven Acquisition model has
both pros & cons for libraries. The proliferation of eReaders has led to an increased
demand for downloadable content
Social Media in Libraries
Libraries across Texas are adopting and investing staff time in social media. Many libraries have
a Facebook page or Twitter account. But the question remains: “Is it worth it?”
In a study conducted by Nuria Romero where the principles of “Return on Investment” were
applied to the use of social media in libraries, it was found that social media tools are particularly
helpful to small and medium-sized libraries (145).
Despite the growing importance of social media to small and medium-sized libraries, there are
significant gaps in the published literature. A literature review conducted by Bodnar & Doshi
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revealed that most literature on social media in libraries focused on “How-To’s” and “Best
Practices” for reference librarians, rather than on explaining how non-reference staff might use
such tools or how the tools might be integrated into the workflows of areas outside of reference
(105, 107).
Additional research conducted by Hazel Hall found that while many librarians have “highlydeveloped strategies for integrating social media tools into their personal professional lives,” the
use of these tools as information delivery channels is “often under-exploited (422).”
To help small and medium-sized libraries take full advantage of social media, attention must be
given to moving beyond simple how-to’s, to helping libraries better integrate social media into
their workflows. As Hall states, we must help all libraries move “beyond the traditional
broadcaster-consumer model” in social media to help succeed “in developing relationships and
roles [that] will harness social media for innovation in services delivery (427).”
Cloud Computing
Whether you realize it or not, you may already be “on the cloud.” If you use services such as
Google Docs or Adobe Buzzword to construct documents, Flickr to share photos, or Yahoo Mail
to manage email, then you are already part of the cloud. If your library uses services such as
QuestionPoint or LibGuides, then it too is part of the cloud.
What exactly is cloud computing? In many ways, cloud computing is the combination of several
older concepts. It combines Software as a Service (SaaS) with newer technologies that have
greater broadband capacity, to reduce the overall infrastructure cost for implementing new
services.
In the past, if a library wanted to provide a service such as an OPAC, it would not only have to
buy the software but also the hardware to run it on. This may have meant the purchase of many
thousand dollars’ worth of server equipment, increased Internet connectivity, and additional
support staff to maintain the equipment. With the lifespan of most computers averaging 3 - 5
years, expensive servers needed to be replaced on a routine basis. With the advent of cloud
computing, libraries can now contract with hosting companies to maintain their computer
equipment, eliminating the need to spend money or manpower on maintaining physical
equipment or systems software.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos maintains that businesses spend on average 70% of their time
maintaining the infrastructure to keep their business going and only 30% towards actual
innovation (Goldner, 24). By moving routine functions such as managing servers out onto the
cloud, libraries could spend more time innovating and creating better services for library users
(Jordan, 8).
Cloud computing has many benefits, such as scalability, reduced expenses, reliability, and ease
of collaboration (Sorensen & Glassman, 245). However, on the negative side, there are concerns
such as security, privacy, and access (Sorensen & Glassman, 246). The concern about access is
particularly troubling, as the libraries that could often benefit the most from cloud computing,
(i.e., small rural libraries) may be the ones with the least access to it.
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e-Books & eReaders
A 2011 survey of libraries conducted by Library Journal and School Library Journal found that
82% of public libraries now offer e-books, while 95% of academic libraries do the same (Miller,
32). Furthermore, 66% of public libraries report “a steep increase” in e-book requests (Miller,
32). This data suggests that the question is no longer whether e-books are a fad, but how best to
connect library users with e-book content.
The building of e-book collections has raised a number of interesting questions for librarians.
Among them whether it is better to buy or lease content and how much Digital Rights
Management (DRM) procedures library users can tolerate.
Several acquisition models exist for e-books. While most are based on procedures used to
acquire hardcopy collections, the Patron-Driven Acquisitions Model (PDA) has recently
captured the attention of librarians. The majority of e-book vendors now offer some version of
PDA, in which the end-user triggers the purchase of e-books.
Lack of standardization of PDA applications has led to a great deal of confusion for librarians. A
trial of eLibrary’s implementation of PDA conducted by the Newton Gresham Library at Sam
Houston State University found that “students and faculty performed admirably in the selection
of titles appropriate to or recommended for an academic setting.” However, librarians need to
review the terms of PDA purchases. Particular attention must be paid to the threshold for
purchasing to prevent accidental purchases and the purchase of duplicate or out-of-date materials
(Shen et al., 217).
Further complicating the issue is the proliferation of eReaders and Tablet Computers on the
market. While these devices have existed in some form since the early 90’s, it was not until 2007
with the introduction of the Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPhone that these devices became
affordable for the average consumer. Since then, an estimated 10.3 million eReaders have been
purchased in the United States, and as of 2010, e-books accounted for 9-10% of all book sales by
publishers (Bosman).
Libraries have experimented with a number of methods to make these devices available to users
and to provide content for them. However, the various proprietary formats used by these devices
has made the implementation cumbersome for libraries. Some vendors, such as Barnes & Noble,
have worked with libraries and other educational institutions to develop tools for managing
collections and making their devices compatible with existing library content provided through
sources such as NetLibrary and Overdrive. Other vendors have resisted working with libraries.
Only recently, Amazon agreed to a lending service for libraries managed by Overdrive.
School Librarian Certification Mandates
Summary: Data has demonstrated the positive impact of school librarians upon student
learning. Certification for school librarians has been inconsistently applied and enforced
across Texas and the country. There’s a growing awareness of the importance of this issue,
but a consensus on how to proceed has not been achieved.
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The Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) clearly outlines the minimum
requirements for Texas school librarian certification. Certified school librarians must hold a
master’s degree, pass a graduate level exam on library media functions and supporting school
curricula, and have two full years of classroom teaching experience. (Texas Administrative
Code, Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 239.60.). (Meraz-Overview).
While these state-defined parameters outline minimum standards for credentialing of school
librarians, there are currently no state mandates for Texas public school library staffing. Texas
school libraries are guided by the School Library Programs: Standards and Guidelines for Texas
adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, in consultation with the State
Board of Education. These guidelines for school library services offer well-researched standards,
best practices, and recommendations for Texas library professionals. The problem with these
standards is that they are only recommendations and not required by law. School districts do not
have to follow them and are merely charged to “consider the standards in developing,
implementing, or expanding library services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission).”
Texas school libraries also enjoy the protection of the Commissioner’s Rules Concerning School
Facilities that spells out the physical spaces and physical attributes a school library should have
but does not address criteria such as funding, collection development, staffing, and more.
Clearly, there are some good policies and guidelines in place as evidenced by the following
links. Unfortunately, these policies do not go far enough in promoting effective and equitable
school library programs for the students of Texas schools.




State Board of Educator Certification
TAC: School Librarian Certification
TAC: Commissioner's Rules Concerning School Facilities
School Library Programs: Standards and Guidelines for Texas
For a variety of reasons – primarily limited budgets - districts employ a variety of measures that
are often at odds with research-based best practices for school library programming.
Consequently, there has been little consistency or equality in school library funding, staffing, and
programming from district to district.
With the recent general unease over educational issues and shifts in staffing of school libraries,
professionals across the nation are focusing on the issue of governmental support and recognition
of the role of certified school librarians as teachers by petitioning for government mandates tying
federal funds to requirements for credentialed school librarians on school campuses. In Texas,
legislation considered by the 82nd Legislature, HB 493 (Dutton) called for the option of
examining the delivery of library services and the presence of a certified school librarian on
campuses in the accreditation of districts. In a blog posting on the TLA website, Gloria Meraz,
TLA spokesperson eloquently writes, “It is a detriment that no state requirement exists to ensure
that every public school student has access to the services of a full-time certified librarian on
campus. This omission allows districts to focus on making cuts to programs that are not required
by law. Over the course of the last six months, countless school districts have reduced or cut
professional library staff jobs. Despite the broad support for school library programs by parents,
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TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
students, and members of the community, school librarian positions are being eliminated
throughout Texas (Meraz).”
There is no issue with what constitutes school librarian certification. The bigger issue facing
school librarians in many states is ‘should school districts be forced to hire only credentialed
personnel?’ With no state or federal mandates in place, school libraries across the state are
staffed by a wide variety of library personnel, with a wide variety of job titles, credentials, and
education experience. Library personnel can range from the paraprofessional with no classroom
experience or library school education to a fully certified librarian with a master’s degree in
Library Science.
In reaction to this lack of consistency and equality in the staffing of our nation’s school libraries,
a federal petition was recently launched on the White House website started by California
librarian Seanean Shanahan. The national petition failed to meet the required number of
signatures and Texas HB 493 failed to make it out of committee. However, awareness on the
issue of school librarians and use of school library data has been raised and conversations are
sure to continue.
Carl Harvey, the American Association of School Librarians President, commented about the
petition recently on his blog, “There was a considerable amount of effort put forth by many in
our field to get to the needed 25,000 signatures. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Seanean should
be commended for her efforts. Her petition did garner over 10,000 signatures (Harvey).” Many
librarians on various blogs, tweets, and other venues agree that while the petition ultimately
failed, the effort started some hard but healthy conversations among professionals in the field
that are honest, open, and reflective of how school librarians feel.
There’s a February 6, 2012 update to the petition at https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/ensure-every-child-america-has-accesseffective-school-libraryprogram/tmlbRqfF?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl. A
new petition has gathered the necessary 25,000 votes. The vote total as of that date was 27,001.
To be clear, there are several well-respected library professionals who have taken issue with the
petition. The Unquiet Librarian - Buffy Hamilton - makes some valid comments in her blog
describing why she is not supporting the petition as currently written. Buffy, a librarian in
Georgia that does have a state requirement that calls for every school library to be staffed by a
certified school library media specialist feels that the answer for school librarian programming
needs to go beyond the current language of the petition. Buffy states, “We need to advocate for
more than being properly staffed, open, and available for children every day because truly
effective school librarians and programs go beyond staffing, accessibility, and materials
Hamilton).”
There is a preponderance of evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of school librarians
on student achievement, dozens of national studies point to a correlation between student scores
on standardized tests and strong library programs. Scholastic Research Foundation has published
a great summary of the various studies in their 3rd Edition of School Libraries Work! These
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studies have been cited over and over again. But as Ms. Hamilton points out, that while these
studies do show correlation between "well-stocked, well-funded, well-organized school libraries
staffed by a 'highly qualified' school librarian or other similarly qualified credentialed individual"
and student scores, studies referenced in the language of the petition don't actually show a
definitive cause and effect between the two. Perhaps the time has come to concede that while
these studies do yield useful data with important implications, they don't have the definitive data
decision makers are seeking (Hamilton).”
Keith Curry Lance and his colleagues at the Colorado Department of Education pioneered the
first ‘state study’ in an attempt to demonstrate primarily correlated standardized language arts
test scores of students to components of school library programs. After more than 22 studies
have been replicated, library researchers, including Dr. Curry, are calling for us to move beyond
this correlation and look at additional factors with more qualitative data involving surveying
perceptions of administrators, teachers, and librarians and focusing on what services principals’
value in school libraries (Lance).
Specifics vary from state to state regarding legislatively mandated credentialed library positions,
use of library data tied to school ratings systems, librarians as instructional partners, etc., The
overall picture, however, all points to growing concern for the devaluation of the worth of
certified school librarians and school library programs in a time when our students need
expert guidance in the world of information literacy more than ever. It is clear there is much
work to be done in Texas and across the nation to fully foster and support the respect and
funding school libraries need in order to meet the needs of students.
Continuous Reinvention of Our Libraries
Summary: The days of shock and resistance toward rapid and dramatic changes in our
libraries need to be in the past. We must engage in continuous learning so that our libraries
evolve and thrive.
Walt Kelly, creator of the Pogo comic strip, once said that “we are confronted with
insurmountable opportunities.” Kelly’s idea could certainly apply to today’s libraries. We have
formidable obstacles. Remember, however, that the need for timely, high-quality information has
never been higher.
The library industry was in shock and perhaps too resistant to change for many years after the
Internet explosion started. However, library journals, conferences, blogs, wikis and other sources
are now replete with suggestions, best practices, and success stories for building an effective 21st
century library. As a result, many libraries are changing very rapidly. What follows is a sample
of some of the current sources:

The Fall 2011 issue of the Texas Library Journal has a guest editorial by Jennifer
LaBoon of Fort Worth ISD Library Media Services titled “How will we save our
profession?” She offers four recommendations for survival 1) Our teaching certification
2) Our librarian training 3) Our attitude 4) Our community (LaBoon).
31
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved

The December 2011 issue of Library Journal has a NewsDesk item titled “Florida
Library Makes Ebooks Available at Airport.” The Broward County Library allows
travelers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to download free ebooks while they wait for their luggage (Kelley).

The September 1, 2011 issue of American Libraries also highlights e-book usage. It holds
a brief story about the reopening of the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Reisterstown Road
branch on August 10. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was the first patron to
check out a Nook loaded with 22 titles (American Library Association).

Meredith Farkas has setup a wiki titled “Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki” at
http://www.libsuccess.org. In her own words:
“This wiki was created to be a one-stop shop for great ideas and information for all types
of librarians. All over the world, librarians are developing successful programs and doing
innovative things with technology that no one outside of their library knows about. There
are lots of great blogs out there sharing information about the profession, but there is no
one place where all of this information is collected and organized. That's what we're
trying to do (Farkas).”
Numerous reputable organizations produce reports regularly that offer a plethora of hints and
specific recommendations on how to evolve and navigate the future. A few examples:





Ithaka regularly publishes studies that provide insights and suggestions for academic
libraries - http://www.ithaka.org/.
Taiga provides provocative statements to help academic libraries challenge their
assumptions - http://www.taiga-forum.org/.
The American Library Association (ALA) produces numerous reports that can help us to
chart the future. One example is “Confronting the Future: Strategic Visions for the 21st
Century Public Library” http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oitp/publications/policybriefs/index.cfm.
OCLC publishes reports that help us think through our changing contexts. Two examples
are “Libraries at Webscale” and “Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and
Community” - http://www.oclc.org/reports/default.htm.
The Institute of Museum and Library Studies (IMLS) authored “Museums, Libraries, and
21st Century Skills” to help libraries and museums to envision and define their roles in
the 21st century http://www.imls.gov/about/museums_libraries_and_21st_century_skills.aspx.
32
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Works Cited by Section
National and Texas Economy and Library Funding
Borberly, James Marchall. "U.S. Labor Market in 2008: Economy in Recession". 2009. Monthly
labor review. Bureau of Labor Statistics. December 12, 2012.
http://bls.gov/opub/mlr/2009/03/art1full.pdf.
BLS. "Economy at a Glance". 2012. Ed. Statistics, Bureau of Labor. Economy at a glance.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. December 12, 2012. http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm.
BEA. "Gdp Growth Accelerates in Third Quarter". 2012. (November 22, 2011): GDP trends.
Bureau of Economic Analysis. December 12, 2011.
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdphighlights.pdf.
Kelley, Michael. "Lj's 2010 Budget Survey: Bottoming Out?". 2011. (January 15, 2011): Severe
cuts put big question marks on the future. December 12, 2011.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/ljinprintcurrentissue/888434403/bottomingout.html.csp.
Kelley, Michael. "Texas Governor Signs Budget Cutting State Funding for Library Services by
88 Percent". 2011. (July 29, 2011): Library Journal. December 13, 2011.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/891465264/texas_governor_signs_budget_cutting.html.csp.
Rudd, Peggy D. "Status of Library Programs and Services." Ed. Directors, Texas Public Library:
Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2011. 4. Print.
TASA. "School Budgets in the News". 2011. Texas Association of School Administrators.
Articles and news from around the state. December 12, 2011.
http://www.tasanet.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21132&Itemid=
1056.
Foote, Carolyn. "Mapping School Library Cuts in Texas." Not So Distant Future, 2011.
Employment Opportunities for Librarians nationally and in Texas
Association of College and Research Libraries. ACRL Research Planning and Review
Committee. “2010 Top Ten Trends in Academic Libraries, a Review of the Current
Literature.” College and Research Libraries News. 71:6 (2010): 286-292. 30 Dec 2011
<http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/6/286.full>.
33
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Association of College and Research Libraries. ACRL Research Planning and Review
Committee. Environmental Scan 2010. 30 Dec. 2011. PDF.
<http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/publications/whitepapers/Environ
mentalScan201.pdf>.
Beveridge, Sydney, Susan Weber and Andrew A. Beveridge. “Librarians in the U.S. from 18802009,” OUPBlog. 20 June 2011. 30 Dec. 2011 http://blog.oup.com/2011/06/librariancensus/.
Kelley, Michael. “LJ 2010 Budget Survey: Bottoming out?” Libraryjournal.com. 15 Jan. 2011.
30 Dec 2011 <http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/community/funding/888434268/ljs_2010_budget_survey_bottoming.html.csp# >.
Texas Workforce Commission. Texas Labor Market Information. “LMCI Tracer, The Future.”
30 Dec. 2011 <http://www.tracer2.com/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=114>.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Librarians.” Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. 30 Dec. 2011< http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm>.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages.
May 2010, “25-4021 Librarians.” 30 Dec 2011
<http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes254021.htm#top>.
Changing Demographics of Texas and the Changing Nature of Library Patron’s
Expectations
De Rosa, Cathy, et. al. Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community. Dublin, Ohio :
OCLC, c2011. 30 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.oclc.org/reports/2010perceptions.htm?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm
_medium=Perceptions%20012011&utm_campaign=OCLC%20Member%20Update>.
Fry, Richard. "Hispanic College Enrollment Spikes, Narrowing Gaps with Other Groups". 2011.
Pew Hispanic Center. (August 25, 2011).
<http://www.pewhispanic.org/files/2011/08/146.pdf>.
Office of the State Demographer, State of Texas. "Projections of the Population of Texas and
Counties in Texas by Age, Sex and Race/Ethnicity for 2000-2040." February 2009. <
http://txsdc.utsa.edu/Data/TPEPP/Projections/2008/Methodology.pdf>.
Office of the State Demographer, State of Texas. "Population Projections Data Tool" 2011. <
http://idserportal.utsa.edu/sdc/projections/>.
34
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Smith, Aaron. “35% of Americans adults own a smartphone” 2011. PewInternet.org
<http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2011/PIP_Smartphones.pdf.
Torres, Cruz C. “Texas - A Majority/Minority State: Social and Economic Implications.” 2011.
2011 Texas SDC/BIDC Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. <
http://txsdc.utsa.edu/Resources/Presentations/TXSDC/2011/AnnualWorkshop/sdc2011_T
x_Majority_Minority_State_Torres.pptx>.
Proving Value / Accountability
American Association of School Librarians, AASL Essential Links: Resources for School Library
Program Development. 17 May 2011.Web. 30 Dec. 2011.
<http://aasl.ala.org/essentiallinks/index.php?title=Information_Literacy>.
American Library Association, State of America’s Libraries: a Report from the American
Library Association. 2011. 30 Dec. 2011
<http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/index.cfm>.
Association of College and Research Libraries. ACRL Research Planning and Review
Committee. “2010 Top Ten Trends in Academic Libraries, a Review of the Current
Literature.” College and Research Libraries News. 71:6 (2010): 286-292. 30 Dec 2011
<http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/6/286.full>.
Association of College and Research Libraries. ACRL Research Planning and Review
Committee. Environmental Scan 2010. 30 Dec. 2011. PDF.
<http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/publications/whitepapers/Environ
mentalScan201.pdf>.
De Rosa, Cathy, et. al. Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community. Dublin, Ohio :
OCLC, c2011. 30 Dec. 2011
<http://www.oclc.org/reports/2010perceptions.htm?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm
_medium=Perceptions%20012011&utm_campaign=OCLC%20Member%20Update>.
Kachel, Debra E. and the graduate students of LSC 5530 School Library Advocacy, Spring 2011.
“School Library Research Summarized: a Graduate Class Project.” Mansfield, PA :
School of Library & Information Technologies Department, Mansfield University. 30
Dec. 2011 < http://libweb.mansfield.edu/upload/kachel/ImpactStudy.pdf> PDF.
Kolowich, Steve. “What Students Don’t Know.” Inside Higher Ed. 22 August 2011. 30 Dec.
2011
<http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/08/22/erial_study_of_student_research_habi
ts_at_illinois_university_libraries_reveals_alarmingly_poor_information_literacy_and_sk
ills>.
Levien, Roger E. Confronting the Future: Strategic Visions for the 21st Century Public Library.
ALA Office for Information Technology Policy. Policy Brief, no. 4, June 2011. 30 Dec.
35
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
2011
<http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oitp/publications/policybriefs/confronting_the_f
utu.pdf> PDF.
Long, Matthew P., Roger C. Schonfeld. Ithaka S+R Library Survey 2010: Insights from U.S.
Academic Library Directors. 2010. 30 Dec 2011 <http://www.ithaka.org/ithaka-sr/research/ithaka-s-r-library-survey-2010/insights-from-us-academic-librarydirectors.pdf> PDF.
Romero, Nuria Lloret. "ROI. Measuring the Social Media Return on Investment in a Library."
The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, 24.2 (2011): 145-151. Print.
Technology in Libraries
Bodnar, Jonathan and Ameet Doshi. “Asking the Right Questions: A Critique of Facebook,
Social Media, and Libraries.” Public Services Quarterly 7.3 (2011) 102-110. Web. 12
Dec. 2011.
Bosman, Julie. “Great Holiday Expectations for E-Readers.” New York Times 15 Nov. 2010:
B1. Print.
Goldner, Matt. “Winds of change: libraries and cloud computing.” Multimedia Infromation &
Technology 37.3 (2011): 24-28. Web. 2 Jan. 2011.
Hall, Hazel. “Relationship and role transformations in social media environments.” The
Electronic Library 29.4 (2011) 421-428. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.
Jordan, Jay. “Climbing Out of the Box and Into the Cloud: Building Web-Scale for Libraries.”
Journal of Library Administration 51.1 (2011): 3-17. Web. 2 Jan. 2012.
Miller, Rebecca. “The Digital Shift: Dramatic Growth.” Library Journal 136.17 (2011) 32-34.
Web. 2 Jan. 2012.
Romero, Nuria Lloret. “ROI. Measuring the social media return on investment in a library.” The
Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances 24.2 (2011) 145-151. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.
Shen, Lisa et al. “Head First into the Patron-Driven Acquisition Pool: A Comparison of Librarian
Selection Versus Patron Purchases.” Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship 23.3
(2011): 203-218. Web. 2 Jan. 2012.
Sorensen, Karen and Nancy R. Glassman. “From Desktop to Cloud: A Primer on Internet-Based
Computing for Librarians.” Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries 8.3
(2011): 243-255. Web. 2 Jan. 2012.
36
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
School Librarian Certification Mandates
American Association of School Libraries. Standards for the 21st-Century Learner.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm.
Hamilton, Buffy. "Why I Am Not Signing The “Save Libraries” Petition." The Unquiet
Librarian. N.p., 18 11 2011. Web. 4 Jan. 2012.
http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/why-i-am-not-signing-the-savelibraries-petition/.
Harvey, Carl. "School Library White House Petition – Some Thoughts and Next Steps." Library
Ties. N.p., 29 11 2011. Web. 4 Jan. 2012. http://carlharvey.com/libraryties/2011/11/28/school-library-white-house-petition-–-some-thoughtsand-next-steps/.
Lance, Keith Curry. (Interviewee) (2010). The Impact of the School Impact Studies, Enough
Already. [Video] Retrieved January 2, 2012, from http://vimeo.com/16517722.
Meraz, Gloria, ed. "Overview of Library Issues for the 82nd Legislature; Advocacy; Strong
Texas School Libraries: Recognize that Librarians ARE Teachers Support HB 493
(Dutton)." Texas Library Association. Texas Library Association, 19/09/2011. Web. 4
Jan 2012. http://www.txla.org/sites/tla/files/Advocate/82School_Libraries.pdf.
Meraz, Gloria. "School Librarians ARE Teachers!" Texas Library Association. TLA, 03 03
2011. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. http://www.txla.org/blogs/2011/03/school-librarians-areteachers.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission, United States, Texas. Texas State Library and
Archives Commission. School library programs: standards and guidelines for Texas.
Dallas: 2004. Print. https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/schoollibs/sls/index.html.
Texas. Texas Legislature. Texas Administrative Code. Austin: Texas Legislature, Web.
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.viewtac.
Continuous Reinvention of Our Libraries
American Library Association, "Get Your E-Reader Here." American Libraries 42 9/10 (2011):
28. Print.
Farkas, Meredith. "Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki". 2011. December 14, 2011.
http://www.libsuccess.org.
Kelley, Michael. "Florida Library Makes Ebooks Available at Airport." Library Journal 136 20
(2011): 14. Print.
LaBoon, Jennifer. ""How Will We Save Our Profession?" Texas Library Journal 87 3 (2011):
74-76. Print.
37
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Appendix A – Survey Charts
What Motivated You to Join TLA?
25%
20%
15%
23%
21%
16%
15%
13%
10%
5%
5%
4%
3%
2%
0%
38
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
What Keeps You Involved in TLA and
Makes You Renew Your Membership?
25%
21%
20%
19%
15%
15%
13%
13%
10%
6%
5%
5%
4%
2%
2%
0%
What is the Most Valuable Benefit You
Receive as a Member of TLA?
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
21%
18%
14%
14%
11%
7%
6%
5%
2%
1%
0%
39
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
TLA Membership Value
25%
20%
15%
10%
Why People Join TLA
5%
Why People Renew TLA
Membership
0%
Greatest Benefit of TLA
Membership
What do You Find Most Challenging
About Your Work?
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
26%
25%
19%
14%
8%
6%
2%
0%
40
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
What Are You Most concerned With
for the Profession Moving Forward?
30%
25%
26%
21%
20%
15%
12%
10%
11%
10%
7%
5%
6%
4%
2%
1%
0%
Current Work and Future Challenges
for the Profession
30%
25%
Resource Constraints
20%
Perceived Value of
Libraries
15%
Changing Technology
10%
Hiring non-MLS for MLS
positions
5%
Time/Project
Management
0%
Work Challenge
41
Profession Moving
Forward
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
What Could TLA Provide for You That
Would Help You and/or Your Career?
30%
28%
25%
23%
22%
20%
17%
15%
10%
8%
5%
2%
0%
Advocacy for Virtual
Traditional Leadership
Libraries platforms - Plat forms - Developmt
CE, Conf, etc CE, Conf, etc.
Mentoring
Opps
Other
How Should TLA Focus its Efforts for
the Future in a Broad General Sense?
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
24%
22%
18%
14%
13%
8%
1%
0%
42
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
What TLA District Are You In?
25%
22%
20%
17%
15%
14%
14%
11%
10%
5%
8%
4%
5%
3%
3%
0%
Dist 1 Dist 2 Dist 3 Dist 4 Dist 5 Dist 6 Dist 7 Dist 8 Dist 9 Dist 10
What Type of Library Best Describes
Your Current Environment or Role?
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
43
43%
28%
19%
2%
2%
1%
0%
0%
4%
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Check the Age Group Into Which You
Fall
40%
36%
35%
28%
30%
25%
19%
20%
15%
11%
10%
5%
5%
1%
0%
25 and
under
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66 or older
Check the Number of Years You Have
Been in the Library Profession
35%
32%
30%
28%
25%
20%
15%
17%
12%
12%
10%
5%
0%
0-3
44
4-10
11-20
21-30
31+
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Appendix B - Survey Instrument
The Texas Library Association has launched a strategic planning process to chart the direction of
the association for the next three to five years. As an association member, you are vital for our
process. Would you please give us about 5 minutes of your valuable time today to answer the
following survey questions? The top responses selected by all respondents to this anonymous
survey will provide valuable information for planning TLA's future.
1. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN TLA?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Attend annual conference
Commitment to serving the profession
Continuing education
Employer expectation
Encouraged by a colleague
Encouraged by my library school
Network opportunities with colleagues
Professional development
Other (please specify): _____________________________________
2. WHAT KEEPS YOU INVOLVED IN TLA AND MAKES YOU RENEW YOUR
MEMBERSHIP?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Attend annual conference
Attend exhibits at annual conference
Commitment to serving the profession
Continuing education
Legislative issues
Network opportunities with colleagues
Professional development
Serve on a committee or in a leadership position
Tenure and promotion at work
Other (please specify):___________________________________________
45
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
3. WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE BENEFIT YOU RECEIVE AS A MEMBER OF
TLA?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Conferences
Continuing education
Improve work related skills
Leadership development
Legislative advocacy
Network opportunities with colleagues
Professional development
Public speaking and professional publishing opportunities
Serve on a committee or in a leadership position
Other (please specify):_________________________________________
4. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR WORK?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Changing technology
Patron issues
Perceptions about the value of a library
Resistance to change by library colleagues
Resource constraints (budget, staff, space)
Time and project management
Other (please specify):_________________________________________
5. WHAT ARE YOU MOST CONCEREND WITH FOR THE PROFESSION MOVING
FORWARD?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Competition from other digital providers
Continuously increasing value to our communities
Generational learning styles
Hiring non-MLS degreed personnel for traditional MLS professional positions
Perceived value of libraries and librarians
Professional development
Providing current technologies
Resistance to change
Resources constraints (budget, staff, space)
Other (please specify):_________________________________________
46
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
6. WHAT COULD TLA PROVIDE FOR YOU THAT WOULD HELP YOU AND/OR
YOUR CAREER?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
Advocacy for libraries and library workers
Leadership development
Mentoring opportunities
Traditional platforms for conference attendance, continuing education, professional
development, etc.
o Virtual platforms for conference attendance, continuing education, professional
development, etc.
o Other (please specify):_________________________________________
7. HOW SHOULD TLA FOCUS ITS EFFORTS FOR THE FUTURE IN A BROAD
GENERAL SENSE?
(Please rank your top 3 reasons in order of importance)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Advocacy
Articulate - demonstrate - prove library value
Continuing education
Encourage creativity and entrepreneurship
More virtual versus physical everything -- webinars, conferences, meetings, etc.
Professional development
Other (please specify):_________________________________________
8. WHAT TLA DISTRICT ARE YOU IN?
(Check one)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
47
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
9. WHAT TYPE OF LIBRARY BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CURRENT
ENVIRONMENT OR ROLE?
(Check one)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Academic
Public
School
Special
Library trustee/friend/advocate
Affiliation with a library school
Vendor
Consortium
Other (please specify):_________________________________________
10. CHECK THE AGE GROUP INTO WHICH YOU FALL.
(Check one)
o
o
o
o
o
o
25 and under
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66 or older
11. CHECK THE NUMBER OF YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE LIBRARY
PROFESSION.
(Check one)
o
o
o
o
o
0-3
4-10
11-20
21-30
31+
12. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS THAT
WILL AID US IN OUR PLANNING EFFORT?
48
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
THANKS!
We appreciate your feedback. Your input will help to make our strategic planning process a
productive one. Thanks again! The TLA Strategic Planning Task Force.
49
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
Appendix C - Texas Demographics
0-10
2009
Urban
45-64
65+
Total
Anglo
1,247,526
796,224
877,336 2,543,919 2,763,363 1,295,374
9,523,742
Black
437,615
307,563
313,241
1,790,850
754,657
605,359
182,649
2,601,084
993,170 1,027,947 2,907,953 1,402,723
416,472
8,539,115
Other
150,812
95,513
99,791
363,750
275,941
82,325
1,068,132
Total
448,656
289,507
325,175
719,481
770,441
496,969
3,050,229
Anglo
218,459
146,877
168,388
378,396
532,429
394,154
1,838,703
Black
37,394
25,434
34,370
75,242
59,551
29,235
261,226
189,364
114,556
119,452
258,025
170,535
70,049
921,981
3,438
2,640
2,965
7,818
7,926
3,531
28,318
Other
0-10
11-17
18-24
25-44
45-64
65+
Total
3,692,485 2,279,103 2,286,685 6,514,763 5,570,017 2,489,358 22,832,411
Anglo
1,208,666
806,970
827,847 2,502,207 2,835,657 1,577,828
9,759,175
Black
421,004
276,454
298,625
Hispanic
Other
50
25-44
3,626,803 2,192,470 2,318,315 6,570,279 5,047,386 1,976,820 21,732,073
Hispanic
2015
Urban
18-24
Total
Hispanic
2009
Rural
11-17
655,046
220,299
2,627,892
1,921,724 1,098,771 1,064,880 2,938,097 1,769,450
569,609
9,362,531
121,622
1,082,813
141,091
96,908
95,333
756,464
317,995
309,864
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
2015
Rural
Total
511,343
299,397
318,419
840,642
793,098
561,413
3,324,312
Anglo
247,140
147,858
156,372
441,362
512,392
430,221
1,935,345
Black
40,331
24,840
33,892
88,585
64,718
32,804
285,170
220,662
124,398
125,313
302,973
207,786
92,883
1,074,015
3,210
2,301
2,842
7,722
8,202
5,505
29,782
Hispanic
Other
0-10
2025
Urban
45-64
65+
Anglo
1,102,951
765,764
824,177 2,479,117 2,541,265 2,165,951
9,879,225
Black
398,958
283,509
285,633
2,874,737
850,530
694,606
361,501
2,202,242 1,354,256 1,385,968 3,622,737 2,590,740 1,008,191 12,164,134
Other
144,351
106,143
127,466
349,974
427,071
260,426
1,415,431
Total
492,647
343,726
336,407
937,863
750,586
702,654
3,563,883
Anglo
220,757
164,481
157,231
464,325
433,690
510,869
1,951,353
Black
34,601
26,031
31,755
96,391
62,906
44,543
296,227
234,388
151,186
145,017
368,977
246,515
138,242
1,284,325
2,901
2,028
2,404
8,170
7,475
9,000
31,978
Other
0-10
51
25-44
3,848,502 2,509,672 2,623,244 7,302,358 6,253,682 3,796,069 26,333,527
Hispanic
2035
Urban
18-24
Total
Hispanic
2025
Rural
11-17
11-17
18-24
25-44
45-64
65+
Total
4,157,971 2,624,779 2,784,336 8,361,176 7,038,229 5,075,029 30,041,520
Anglo
1,006,278
700,571
756,832 2,400,014 2,422,781 2,482,553
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved
9,769,029
Black
Hispanic
Other
376,384
265,168
289,554
873,903
757,628
482,451
3,045,088
2,603,386 1,549,275 1,612,695 4,641,048 3,374,765 1,651,721 15,432,890
171,923
109,765
125,255
446,211
483,055
458,304
1,794,513
30,041,520
2035
Rural
Total
494,311
323,556
357,579
944,847
847,084
780,800
3,748,177
Anglo
204,184
140,939
158,350
430,784
450,981
527,755
1,912,993
Black
31,698
21,590
31,182
89,072
75,688
51,369
300,599
255,868
159,159
165,820
417,919
312,672
190,136
1,501,574
2,561
1,868
2,227
7,072
7,743
11,540
33,011
Hispanic
Other
52
TLA Environmental Scan 2011-2012, Copyright © 2012 – All Rights Reserved