The Austin Public Library Seeks a Citizen to Serve as a CTLS Representative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2011
Contact: Kanya Lyons | (512) 974-7379

The Austin Public Library Seeks a Citizen to Serve as a CTLS Representative

The Austin Public Library is looking for a Representative for the Central Texas Library System (CTLS) to discuss library issues and how local needs affect the operation and programs of the Central Texas Library System. Represent the Austin Public Library (APL) at System meetings or on System committees, vote in Board of Directors elections, and run for positions on the Board as they become available.

The CTLS Representative will be expected to attend at least two meetings a year. Since the System includes over 78 libraries in 30 central Texas counties, most meetings will require travel. The Representative must have the ability to travel to meetings up to 100 miles from home and attend membership meetings and workshops of up to 4 hours in length. All meetings are held on weekdays and are over by 4:00 p.m. Travel occurs on weekdays between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Travel expenses are not reimbursed by the System office.

A CTLS Representative should be aware of the library needs of the local community and know about the programs currently offered at the Austin Public Library. In addition, they should attend orientations and workshops offered at APL. Training sessions help the Representative understand how the System works, how public libraries work, and how to be a more effective advocate for public libraries in their local communities.

The Representative is the only person who can cast a library's official vote to elect members to the CTLS, Inc. Board of Directors, so the Representative must be able to attend System meetings and become familiar with the important issues for the System. There are opportunities for the Representative to serve on committees, complete surveys, and express opinions in meetings and thus help shape System programs and services.

The CTLS Representative should also be willing to act as a spokesperson for the library to the state legislature and the United States Congress, which provide the funding for System services to member libraries. The Representative may not be employed by the Austin Public Library or take money for work done in the library. Volunteers, citizens, patrons, and library lovers in general are eligible for appointment. Serving as a Representative can be fun and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to meet regularly with representatives of other libraries to exchange ideas. For more information please contact Toni Grasso at (512) 974-7528.