Archived News
Stepping Up Management Talk: Managing Diversity
Want a great free lunch while joining an active workshop on meeting the needs of a diverse community? Learn more about building collections, providing public services, and supporting staff in both public and academic libraries with your principles in action. Explore the means of incorporating our diversity‐based values into daily practice. Great lunch with a fascinating topic. Interested?
Yes?! Then mark your calendar for Friday, November 6 from noon to 2:45pm for a presentation and workshop at the North Village Branch Library hosted by the Stepping Up grant. All interested iSchool students and local library staff are invited so please spread the word.
Here are the presentation details so far on our two‐part program:
First is a brown‐bag event where Dr. Schott, UT Professor of Public Affairs, will be giving a talk on diversity. Second is an active 2‐hour workshop.
If you stay for both events, then the Stepping Up grant rules let us offer a great buffet for you. If you can only stay for the speaker then you're more than welcome for that brown bag part of the event.
The primary speaker will give us management insights on the strategies and techniques for moving our values into essential management structures. We'll be able to learn more about the impact of our efforts in the wider community.
In the follow‐up workshop we'll work in small discussion groups with local experts. We'll focus here on the application of those ideas we garnered from our speaker. The workshop panel runs from 1‐2:45pm.
The venue, the North Village Branch Library, is up on Steck Ave just off of Burnet (map). It is APL's newest branch, opened this year and has many "green" features you might enjoy and want to see! We'll work on getting carpools to the library as we see how many people sign up for the buffet lunch.
The finer details are currently being finalized and more information will be posted soon. Please feel free to forward this email to interested individuals and/or post the attached flyer for the world to see!
We need to know how many people will be joining us for the full 3 hour event so that we can order all that great food. Please RSVP to jacpeery@ischool.utexas.edu and let us know if you need a vegetarian option. Spread the word! It's going to be a memorable event.
(Posted Monday, October 19, 2009)
Congratulations to Samantha Mueller for Earning her MSIS!
Samantha Mueller completed her MSIS at the University of Texas at Austin in August 2009. While working on her degree, Samantha worked for the Austin Public Library, Tarlton Law Library, Harry Ransom Center for the Humanities, and was a Teaching Assistant for Professor Megan Winget.
Samantha is currently working at the Dell Children's hospital in the Family Resource Center and Library while looking for professional employment. There, she is acquiring a new set of skills in medical reference and learning the specialized information needs of patients and medical providers.
Great work, Samantha!
(Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2009)
Congratulations to Danna Lamb for Earning her MSIS!
Participation in Stepping Up has helped Danna Lamb settle into her new position as a librarian at ITT Technical Institute. As a solo librarian in charge of overseeing all activities in the Learning Resource Center, the SU emphasis on leadership contributes to her ability to effectively manage all of her new responsibilities. "I often reflect on the management workshops when figuring out what step to take next," she says. "The interactions with library professionals and the tools provided to me through Stepping Up have been invaluable."
Danna graduated with her MSIS in May 2009 with an emphasis on librarianship. In addition to Stepping Up, she participated in the Perry-Castaneda Library Reference Volunteer Program and the UT Chapter of the Special Libraries Association. Danna gained experience in librarianship through work experiences at Austin Public Library and the Legislative Reference Library of Texas.
Check out Danna's resume--she's done great work.
(Posted Friday, October 9, 2009)
TLA Scholarships and Grants for 2010
It is time now to apply for TLA Scholarships and Grants. Supporting professional development, continuing education and Masters level education, up to $10,000 is awarded each year by TLA. The application deadline is January 30, 2010 for all awards with the exception of the Escue Conference Stipend for paraprofessional staff which has an application deadline of December 18, 2009.
- Escue Annual Conference Stipend: $250
Available for a paraprofessional living or working in Texas to defray the costs of attending the TLA Annual Conference, April 2008 in San Antonio. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 18, 2009. - DEMCO, Inc. / TLA Research Grant:
Available to TLA members to help underwrite the costs of a research project. Qualitative and quantitative studies related to library issues are funded. Pilot projects and experimental programs involving several libraries are encouraged. Application deadline is January 30, 2010. - Vivian Greenfield Education Award: $1,500
This scholarship is to provide funding for an educational endeavor reinforcing work with youth. This can include, but is not limited to, professional development activities, implementing a new idea in the workplace, performing a study, and more. Awarded in spring; applicants may be considered for a one-year renewal. Application deadline is January 30, 2010. - Walter H. Escue Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
For a student concentrating studies in Technical Services, Systems Administration, or Library Automation at a Texas ALA-accredited library education program. - Ray C. Janeway Scholarship: $2,000
For a student pursuing a Masters level degree at a Texas ALA-accredited library education program. - TLA Summer School Scholarship: $500
For a student pursuing an Master level degree during summer sessions at a Texas ALA-accredited library education program. - Garrett Scholarship: $1,000
For a student concentrating studies in children’s, young adult, or school librarianship at a Texas ALA-accredited library education program. - Van Dusen-Brady-Tobin Scholarship: $1,000
For a student pursuing graduate studies leading to a career as an elementary school or children's librarian. - Jeannette Marquis Memorial MLS Scholarship: $1,000
For a student planning to or already be working in a public or school library that serves Latino patrons. Applicants must be English-Spanish bi-lingual. The recipient is also eligible for a $300 stipend to defray TLA annual conference expenses from the Jeannette Marquis family to honor the memory of TLA staffer Lynda Becker.
(Posted Wednesday, September 23, 2009)
Congratulations to Gustavo Soto for Earning his MSIS!
Gustavo Soto graduated from the iSchool with a MSIS degree in May 2009, while working full time at the Austin Public Library in administrative duties. As part of his Capstone project, he helped el Corazon de Tejas REFORMA bring Carmen Tafolla, a bilingual author, to the Mexican American Cultural Center, as a part of el Día de los Niños event.
Now he is turning a new page, gaining valuable professional experience assisting customers in Spanish and English access information in the reference area of the library. Gustavo is also co-chair of the Culture and Diversity Committee at the Austin Public Library, and a member of the Internet Committee and the Customer Service Committee, and an intern for ALA CORS Committee on Research and Statistics.
Great job, Gustavo!
(Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009)
Stepping Up Welcomes It's Newest Cohort
We once again have a great group of students receiving funding and support from the Stepping Up Program in the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin. We're excited to have the following students joining us:
- Kady Ferris, Virtual Reference Coordinator at PCL
- Tiffany Garrett, at St. Edwards Scarborough-Phillips Library
- Jonathan Grass, at PCL and the UT Engineering department
- Kristin Walker, at UT Libraries Interlibrary Services
Welcome to the program, everyone!
(Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2009)
Congratulations to Michelle Bogart for Earning her MSIS!
Michelle Bogart completed her MSIS with an emphasis in Archival Enterprise at the University of Texas at Austin in May 2009. While finishing her degree, she worked at two archives at UT-Austin and went to Guatemala City twice to create a collection archive at a private university and to train library staff and others in archival procedures. She also worked as an intern with the Austin Public Library's Wired for Youth Program. Michelle is currently volunteering at the Harris County Archives in Houston and looking for a job in archives.
Check out Michelle's resume--she's done great work.
(Posted Monday, September 14, 2009)
Stepping Up Success Story: Tami Sutton
Thanks to her Stepping Up mentorship with Rich Oram and the Harry Huntt Ransom Humanities Research Center (HRC), Tami was offered a position at HRC working with the Personal Effects and Performing Arts Collection over the summer of 2009 (possibly extending into the fall). According to Tami:
"It's been a great experience. I've learned how to catalog an amazing variety of materials, including furniture and billiard cues belonging to Arthur Conan Doyle; poison darts from Indonesia; the 'bloody' baseball bat from Robert De Niro's film, The Untouchables; a 12th century Vietnamese grain jar; and a priceless Tiffany diamond and platinum vanity case. I also assisted with the accession of newly acquired De Niro items, from the physical entrance of the items into HRC, including the requisite 'bug check,' to the cataloging and integration of the items into the collection. My thesis, which I will begin in the fall, will explore the ideology behind documentation preservation of art museum objects and discuss whether and how art museums are embracing or shunning archival principles and practices. The experience I obtained this summer will be invaluable to my interpretation and understanding of the results of my research. In addition, not only have I learned a lot about object documentation, it's also been quite fun!"
Great work, Tami!
(Posted Thursday, August 13, 2009)
Stepping Up Honors Its First Graduates
Stepping Up honored its first graduates Friday, May 1 with lunch at the Carillon Restaurant in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on the UT campus. Among those who gathered to help celebrate the graduates, Michelle Bogart, Danna Lamb, and Gustavo Soto, were Stepping Up staff and mentors, and the Stepping Up library partner for the Austin Public Library, where all three graduates work.
In the photo are, clockwise from lower left: mentor Diane Palan of the Austin Public Library; graduate Gustavo Soto; library partner Tom Moran of the Austin Public Library; graduate Michelle Bogart; mentor Daniel Alonzo of the Austin History Center; Stepping Up staff member Quinn Stewart; Stepping Up staff member Don Hamerly; Stepping Up director Lynn Westbrook; graduate Danna Lamb; and Stepping Up staff member Jac Peery.
(Posted Monday, May 4, 2009)
Congratulations to Rebecca Taylor
Congratulations to Rebecca Taylor for winning the 2009 District 3 Conference stipend! After consultation with other committee members, Patricia Brauer and Carlyn Gray, these two outstanding applicants were selected: Rebecca M. Taylor from Pflugerville Community Library; and Gail Woodward from Marlin Public Library.
(Posted Thursday, March 26, 2009)
Stepping Up Spring Management Brown Bag Discussion
Title: Tough Times Management: Real-World Experiences
Hosted by Michelle Cervantes, Lori Hughes, Tom Moran & Arro Smith
Friday, April 10, 2009
11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Room 468, Sanchez
What are the current issues, large and small, that library managers handle in keeping their libraries staffed, operational, and responsive to the needs of their users? 
Join some of our Stepping Up partners for a panel discussion of their daily management challenges in these tough economic times. Intended as a forum for public discussion, come prepared with questions for our panelists and some ideas of your own to share.
Your hosts for the brown bag are the Stepping Up staff and these fine panelists:
- Michelle Cervantes, Collection Development and Technical Services Manager, Round Rock Public Library
- Lori Hughes, Administrative Services Librarian, Albert B. Alkek Library, Texas State University
Tom Moran, Manager, Manchaca Branch, Austin Public Library- Arro Smith, Technical Services Manager, San Marcos Public Library
This event marks the fourth in a series of management workshops sponsored by Dr. Lynn Westbrook and the eight partner libraries of Stepping Up: Library Leaders for the 21st Century.
The discussion is open to the entire Central Texas library community, so spread the word. Plan to join us in room 468 (Sanchez Bldg., UT Austin) at 11:30 with your lunch and with questions to ask and ideas to share.
(Posted Sunday, March 22, 2009)
Ron Pollock Speaks On Managing Change
Ron Pollock, Director of Career Services at the School of Information, provided an overview of processes used to focus problem solving efforts on root causes and to effectively manage projects, including methods for visually informing decision makers on the progress of both problem solving and project management efforts. Ron's talk was the third in a series of management lectures sponsored by Stepping Up.
Ron has taught these tools in workshops and classes for the School of Information, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Community College, and the National Graduate School of Quality Management. Parties interested in scheduling a workshop with Ron can contact him: rpollock at ischool.utexas.edu.
(Posted Monday, November 3, 2008)
Congratulations to Samantha Mueller
Congratulations to Samantha Mueller for getting her article published in the August issue of Southwestern Archivist! Kudos are also in order for Samantha's mentor, Sue Soy, at the Austin Public Library. Here's the full citation:
- Mueller, S. L. (2008, August). Using wikies for group grant writing. Southwestern Archivist, 31(3), 47. [PDF]
(Posted Monday, August 11, 2008)
Congratulations to our Fall 2008 Recipients
Congratulations and welcome to our first class of recipients and mentors! We'd like to welcome the new cohort into the iSchool family and wish them well on their journey. Recognition should also go out to the mentors from participating libraries who will be assisting these new students with their academic careers. We're proud of you all--great work!
(Posted Thursday, May 29, 2008)
Janine Golden's Brown Bag Management Lecture, Fri May 2, 2008
Please mark Friday, May 2, 2008 as the date for a Stepping Up brown bag talk on mentoring. Dr. Janine Golden of Texas Woman's University will speak from 11:30am to 12:30pm. This event marks the second in a series of lectures sponsored by Dr. Lynn Westbrook and the eight partner libraries of Stepping Up: Library Leaders for the 21st Century. The lecture is open to the entire Central Texas library community, so spread the word. Plan to join us in room 468 (Sanchez) at 11:30am with your lunch, and plan to stay after Dr. Golden's talk to mingle and ask questions, if you like.
(Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2008)
Video From Tommy Darwin's Brown Bag Management Lecture
The video of Tommy Darwin's management lecture last November is now available for your viewing pleasure. If you couldn't make it to the talk or want to see it again, now's your chance. Enjoy the video!
(Posted Monday, April 7, 2008)
What's New With Stepping Up
We've been rather quiet over the holiday season but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy! Here's a few updates for your review:
- The current applicant pool for fall 2008 admissions is currently being processed, and we are eagerly awaiting results (as I'm sure some of you are, too);
- The plans for the Stepping Up program evaluation are currently underway, and we'd like to ask you to be thinking of feedback to give us in the near future;
- Finally, we're in the planning stages of our next brown bag management lecture, and we'll be getting a date and the speaker out to you soon.
That's all for now; enjoy the extra leap year day this month!
(Posted Monday, February 25, 2008)
Photos From Tommy Darwin's Brown Bag Management Lecture
Our wonderful staff was kind enough to take some photos during Tommy Darwin's management lecture last November, and they've been put up on Flickr for your perusal. Enjoy the photos!
(Posted Sunday, February 24, 2008)
Management Book Giveaway
We have received numerous donated books from our illustrious sponsors--Neal-Schuman, Libraries Unlimited, University Coop, and John Wiley & Sons--and they are just waiting to be put to good use. Click "Read More" to see some of the donated books that are available. We'll be distributing them during our Brown Bag Management Lecture, so be sure to come!
[Read more...](Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007)
Tommy Darwin's Brown Bag Management Lecture, Thu Nov 29, 2007 (Download: Flyer, Handout)
Please mark Thursday, November 29, 2007 as the date for our first brown bag management lecture. Tommy Darwin, Director of Professional Development and Community Engagement for the Graduate School at UT, will speak from 12:45pm to 1:30pm.
[Read more...](Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007)
Attend our second GRE Prep course at 6pm, Fri Oct 5, 2007
Our second informational session (if you attended the first session, you don't need to come to this one) for potential students who want to learn more about the details of the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Take a peek at the flyer (pdf) for more information. Come join us in SZB 556 at 6pm on Friday, October 5!
(Posted Friday, August 21, 2007)
Attend our first GRE Prep course at 2pm Sat Sep 29, 2007
We've organized our first informational session for potential students who want to learn more about the details of the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Take a peek at the flyer (pdf) for more information. Come join us in SZB 556 at 2pm on Saturday, September 29!
(Posted Friday, August 21, 2007)
Stepping Up partner meeting scheduled for Sep 11, 2007
The first face-to-face meeting of all Stepping Up grant partners and staff will be Tuesday, September 11, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. in Sanchez 556 at the School of Information at UT.