SCLRT

What is Small Community Libraries Round Table (SCLRT)?

In 1987 a group of librarians representing small public libraries saw a vision for their libraries and felt a drive to see these small libraries represented within the Texas Library Association and in State legislation. They felt that decisions made by higher authorities were being implemented without awareness of issues important to small libraries. With a vision to inform legislators and other decision makers about how beneficial small libraries are to the communities they serve those librarians formed the Small Community Libraries Interest Group. The group was first recognized at the Texas Library Association Conference in April 1988 and officially became a Round Table in 1991.

SCLRT addresses the needs of directors, staff, and Board Members of libraries serving small communities across the state of Texas. These libraries, which constitute more than half of the public libraries in Texas, are different in many ways from their counterparts in large urban population centers. Although this group defines a small community library as one which serves a population of less than 25,000, membership in SCLRT is open to anyone who appreciates and supports small community libraries.

The Small Community Libraries Round Table represents the interests of small libraries by taking on an active role in TLA events and in TLA decision-making. SCLRT officers maintain a presence on the TLA website and a Facebook page to encourage and enable members to network and share relevant information.

Through the generosity of supporting vendors and organizations, SCLRT provides stipends and grants that enable members to attend professional development events such as the TLA Annual Conference and the TALL Texans Institute.

Volunteer

SCLRT activities at the TLA Conference include the following:

• Sponsoring program sessions relevant to the needs of small community library personnel and supporters,
• Providing an opportunity for networking and for recognizing outstanding contributions to small community libraries,
• SCLRT honors individuals, groups, and organizations for their contributions to libraries in small communities with awards such as the Small Community Librarian of the Year and the Small Community Library Advocate Award.

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