Mission & History

Whether promoting intellectual freedom or working together to strengthen libraries and demonstrate their value, TLA is the embodiment of the aspirations first conceived over 120 years ago.

Mission Statement

The Texas Library Association’s mission is to embrace, unite, and amplify voices of the library community through advocacy and education to ensure library excellence for all Texans.

Vision Statement

The Texas Library Association is an integral partner, innovative leader, and passionate advocate for Texas libraries and librarians.

Defining Value

The Texas Library Association cultivates a welcoming community through equitable policies, practices, and programs that treat all with dignity and respect.

Core Organizational Values:

• Continuous Improvement Towards Excellence in Libraries and Librarianship
• Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Equity of Access to Information in a Changing Environment
• Ethical Responsibility and Integrity
• Intellectual Freedom
• Literacy and Lifelong Learning
• Social Responsibility and the Public Good

Strategic Priorities

1. Communicate the Value of Libraries

Demonstrate that libraries cultivate an informed and connected citizenry, promote and defend access to diverse and trustworthy resources, and support workforce development and lifelong learning.

2. Lead a Learning Culture

Provide innovative, relevant, and effective education for librarians and library workers, and foster sharing of best practices and information solutions for the profession.

3. Cultivate a Thriving Organization

Ensure organizational growth through intentional governance and sustainable, diversified funding sources. Serve as a model for equity, diversity, and inclusion for libraries in Texas.

About TLA

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the association is governed by a Council made up of voting and non-voting members. The Council meets twice at the TLA Annual Conference and twice at the Annual Assembly. As the association’s policy-making and chief governing body, the Council adopts the annual budget and legislative platform.

The Executive Board serves as the central management board and recommends matters of policy, budget, and operations to the Council. Board members are elected annually by the membership.