Amigos, TSLAC Partner to Support Texas Public Libraries
Amigos has begun a partnership with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to provide a comprehensive program of support and assistance to Texas public libraries.
In October, TSLAC awarded Amigos a contract to provide free assistance to Texas public libraries with all facets of library operations, including management, facilities, basic services, outreach, technology planning, e-books, library standards, and emerging trends.
The TSLAC-funded service offers Texas public libraries free-of-charge advice, referrals, and brief consultations that can routinely be provided by phone or e-mail. A knowledgeable team of Amigos public library specialists is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Lynne Craddock has joined the Amigos staff as Public Library Specialist and will serve as the primary consultant for the service. Craddock is a Dallas native with extensive public library experience. She comes to Amigos from the Dallas Public Library (DPL), where she served as Unit Manager. Prior to her service at DPL, Craddock was a Government Documents Librarian with the Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library and an Information Specialist Librarian with the Atlanta-Fulton County Library in Atlanta, GA. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas A&M University, Commerce, and a master’s degree in library and information studies from Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA.
“As a librarian and Texas native, I am pleased and excited to be joining the Amigos team in providing support services to the public libraries in my home state,” said Craddock. “I look forward to hearing from my public library colleagues across the state and assisting them in whatever way I can.”
The new service also taps the broad range of experience of Amigos’ continuing education librarians, preservation and imaging officers, and other professional staff familiar with library operations and issues. Additionally, Amigos has contracted with noted public library consultant Jeanette Larson to lend her expertise.
When more extensive, personalized, or on-site needs require referral to fee-based consulting services, Amigos will provide a complete list of options from a variety of resources. One such resource is Amigos’ consulting services.
The effort is part of TSLAC’s efforts to supplement its in-house consulting and continuing education programs for Texas public libraries. In addition to its partnership with Amigos, TSLAC has contracted with Premier LogiTech to provide a technology help desk and remote support for hardware and software assistance.