The goal of the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries is to bring together those working on digital projects in order to build a practical, usable, and sustainable model for digital libraries.
Our planning committee defines the conference each year by developing a theme, identifying a keynote speaker, and crafting a call for proposals to invite colleagues from our community to come together for the conference.
Take a moment to meet some of this year’s committee members, and be sure to thank them when you see them at #TCDL2022.
AMANDA | CHRISTINA | THAO | ADRIAN | CYNTHIA | DIANE | DIANNA | GABBY
MEET AMANDA
Manager of Digital Services and Scholarly Communication Librarian: I get to work with a great group of colleagues in Digital Services. In this role I support campus researchers by providing guidance on copyright, spearhead the campus OER initiative, and also facilitate access to a suite of scholarly communication services for the campus community.
Undergrad: Amherst College; Law School: SMU; MLIS: UNT
Where is your hometown?
Dallas, Texas
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I have dual citizenship: American and Canadian
How did you first get involved in with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
This is my fourth year on the programming committee for TCDL. I remember being so thrilled to receive my first invitation to serve letter, and how it made me feel really proud that TDL knew me and thought that I would be a good addition. Each year, this is my favorite service commitment.
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
There are so many great suggestions and opinions from the programming committee members. Deciding between wonderful ideas is the most challenging for me.
What do you wish other people knew about Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
If you are at a smaller school and/or you are just beginning to plan your digital library strategies, please know that there will be someone at the conference who is willing to help you. My first time attending TCDL, librarians from two different large universities offered to help support my home institution with advice and strategies.
The interest in TCDL seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
There is something for almost everyone at TCDL. Initially, I was intimidated by the idea of attending, because I am not confident in my understanding of the more technical aspects of digital libraries. But, the different tracks at TCDL insure that those of us interested in archives or scholarly communication matters are just as involved in the conference as those gifted with technical expertise. Plus, the recent inclusion of OER programming is timely because it is a movement which almost every higher ed institution is involved in, each in our own way. I always end the conference with several ideas to implement at Texas Woman’s University.
MEET CHRISTINA
Where do you work?
Denton, Texas
What do you do there?
Library Production Associate for the Kempner Collection
Where did you go to school?
BFA 2013 from Texas State University, MFA 2017 from UNT, and currently working on a MSIS in Archiving and Imaging from UNT
Where is your hometown?
San Antonio, Texas
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I am trying to collect all the Silent Hill video games so I can replay them. I actually traveled to Irving for Silent Hill 3 and the game is still one of my favorites.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
My first conference was in 2019 and it was the first time I presented on my work for the Kempner project. My colleague was very involved with the event so I experienced the conference’s inner workings (which I secretly enjoy). Since then, I’ve been excited to play a role in this conference and building professional relationships.
What has surprised you most about working with TDL?
How amazing everyone is and how well we all listen to each other, I’m always surprised every time I sit down to help with the conference and share my ideas how well everyone interacts and encourages each other.
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I haven’t really seen any challenges worth mentioning. As someone new to the field (less than five years), choosing suggestions for speakers and facilitators was somewhat challenging but overall doable.
What do you wish other people knew about Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
That is for everyone wanting to learn about the backbone of libraries from the programmers, catalog maintenance, and handling digital challenges in the field. Also, the leadership academy is worth everything and pretty much sets you up for success during and after the conference.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about Texas Digital Library?
That it is the best type of resource for Digital libraries out there. No question is too big or too small. They offer targeted discussion and space to get to know others in hangouts through zoom.
Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with Texas Conference on Digital Libraries.
Lea DeForest has been a crucial support for me from the beginning and is someone I highly respect in the field.
The interest in TCDL seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
Because the service is constantly being improved to compliment advancements in technology and digital libraries.
What do you think will change about digital libraries / digital scholarship in five years?
I think digital libraries will stop being contained to brick and mortar buildings, that outreach to smaller institutions will be easier to achieve through larger institution support. Copyright and ownership issues will still be a large conversation but easier to handle. File Management has the possibility of being even more scary without proper tools so I see that service increasing as well.
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I hope to complete my digitization project with the Kempner Fund and graduate from UNT with my second masters (MSIS). I would like to continue pursuing the field of digitization in the digital library field of academia if needed but I’m also open to larger institution like the Library of Congress or museums like the Met in New York City.
MEET THAO
Headshot provided by TCDL 2019!
Where do you work?
University of Texas Libraries at The University of Texas at Austin
What do you do there?
I am an administrative program coordinator — I get things done, whatever they are!
Where did you go to school?
I studied art history at The University of Texas at Austin and received a masters in liberal arts from St. Edward’s University.
Where is your hometown?
The metroplex
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I really like gummy candies.
What has surprised you most about working with TDL?
Everyone I’ve met through TDL whether it is the staff or members are so incredibly inclusive and open. It’s so nice to be around people who want to collaborate and brush away barriers.
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
It’s really tough to think about the future right now, but I know that the TCDL committee will do its best and attendees will be gracious and patient.
Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on TCDL?
I’ve gotten to meet the most enthusiastic people from all over Texas. We have authentic and honest conversations and that is really invaluable.
The interest in TCDL seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
I think TDL shows that it is a responsive organization that is adaptable and actively listening to its members.
MEET ADRIAN
Where do you work?
What do you do there?
Digital Projects Librarian
Where did you go to school?
Undergraduate- University of Texas at Arlington Masters- Texas Woman’s University
Where is your hometown?
Grapevine, TX
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
Well, I am a ruthless darts player. That’s the best I can think of!
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I have attended and presented a poster at TCDL and I’m so happy to be a part of the planning committee!
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
The absolute best thing about TDL is the people behind it and they were the biggest part of my first impression. It’s an extremely professional organization run by the most down to earth, intelligent, and charming people.
What has surprised you most about working with TDL?
I love that TDL brings together library professionals from multiple institutions across the state. Through user groups, webinars, and meetings from the most casual to the most professional, I have made real connections and developed genuine relationships with individuals I may never have met otherwise. These groups have helped me to learn and solve problems and they have brought inspiration as well!
MEET CYNTHIA
Cynthia Henry, College of Human Sciences Librarian, Texas Tech University
Where do you work?
Texas Tech University
What do you do there?
I am the subject librarian to the College of Human Sciences.
Where did you go to school?
Texas Woman’s University
Where is your hometown?
I claim Ft. Worth as a graduated high school there.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I have lived overseas in Iran and Costa Rica. Iran when I was little, Costa Rica a couple of years ago. I think one of the best things you can do for yourself is to be engaged in other cultures, it helps you learn more about your own culture. In a world where it is so easy to separate ourselves from each other, it is the common things that brings us together: food, music, art.
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The fact that there are so many moving parts and as part of the Planning Committee you want everyone to have the best experience they can be that presenting, attending, hanging out.
The interest in TCDL seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
As TDL has been around awhile now, I believe people are talking more and more about it. People can see the good TDL is making as a collaborative effort across the state. It is very commendable.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about sponsoring or donating to TCDL?
I would say do it! TCDL takes their budget and seems to be able to double the impact. The activities that are happening in digital libraries across the state due to the support of TCDL and it’s sponsors and donors greatly impacts my life and so many around me! Thank you TCDL!
MEET DIANE
At a 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup match: Honduras Vs Panama with my partner Bobby J. !futbol is life! Vamos Honduras <3
Where do you work?
University of Texas at San Antonio
What do you do there?
Scholarly Resources Librarian Architecture & Planning, Construction Science, Demography, Social Work, and Public Administration
Where did you go to school?
Undergrad: San Antonio Colleges & Texas A&M University- San Antonio; Grad School: University of Washington
Where is your hometown?
Brownsville, Tx
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
My family roots are from Honduras
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
This year is my first time working alongside TCDL. I was introduced to TDL and TCDL through a GIS interest group during my first year of librarianship (2020).
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
My first impression after attending a TDL GIS meeting was there are A LOT of passionate and knowledgeable librarians/information professionals across Texas colleges and universities!
What has surprised you most about working with TDL?
The simple beauty of working with other librarians and information professionals passionate literacy and technology.
What do you wish other people knew about Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
It is a fantastic community of information professionals, librarians, and literacy advocates.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about sponsoring or donating to TCDL?
Yes, do it!
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
In five years, my goal is to successfully obtain programming language and data engineering certifications that are related to my position.
What’s your personal philosophy on digital libraries / digital scholarship?
Access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights.
MEET DIANNA
Smiling femme-presenting white brunette going gray around the temples with a stylish statement earring visible and a green top.
Where do you work?
Texas A&M University Libraries
What do you do there?
I’m one of the Science and Engineering Librarians
Where did you go to school?
Many Texas Universities! Texas Tech, UNT, Texas State, UTSA, and more. I love learning, and I wind up taking classes everywhere I go!
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in Lubbock, TX, but I moved to San Antonio as soon as I graduated library school in 2004, and I’ve never looked back. I love the Central parts of Texas with their beautiful hills and trees, though certainly when I’m driving back home for holidays the big skies of Lubbock feel like home as well.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I love the outdoors – birding, vegetable gardening, running, flying kites, or just playing with my kids (I have a 5 year old and 3 year old twins).
MEET GABBY
Enjoying life and the scenery at Monument Valley.
Where do you work?
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
What do you do there?
I am the Open Education Librarian and I organize and run the library’s open education initiatives on campus.
Where did you go to school?
I received my early education teaching degree at Texas State University and completed my Masters in Library Science at Texas Woman’s University.
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in the Houston area, but now live in McAllen Tx.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I spent one year volunteering and traveling my way through Europe and Northern Africa. I lived with different families and helped them with whatever they needed in exchange for food and shelter. I did everything from being a hostess at a sailing club in Ireland to cleaning date fields in Morocco.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
My first involvement with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries was submitting my first ever conference proposal for TCDL2020. It was accepted, but unfortunately as we all know this conference was canceled to protect the safety of the community. I would have never guessed that a little less than two years later I would be asked to be a part of the conference planning committee.
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
My first and forever impression of Texas Digital Library is amazement! Every event I have attended, from the hangout sessions to their webinars, I am amazed at the strength of the programming and community engagement. TDL has their finger on the pulse of our community and continues to amaze me at their passion and knowledge of digital libraries and scholarship.
What has surprised you most about working with TDL?
I am always so surprised at how TDL is able to support so many different people, but always make us feel like a close knit family. There are so many projects in different areas of digital librarianship and scholarship, but TDL is able to bring us all together in an inclusive environment that allows everyone to bring their knowledge and experiences to the table.
The interest in TCDL seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
I believe the interest in TCDL is growing because there is an ever growing need for more information about digital librarianship. There are so many wonderful projects that are being completed across Texas that people want to share, and there are just as many people who are looking for new ideas and projects they can implement in their library. TCDL allows for a perfect harmony of these two needs. It also provides a great opportunity for people to feel a sense of community and connect with people who are interested in or working on similar topics.
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
My professional goals for the next five years would be to continue working in the field of open education and educating the Texas community about the importance of open educational practices. I would also like to work on bridging the gap of OER creation and open pedagogical practice implementation between K-12 schools and higher education institutions within Texas.
What’s your personal philosophy on digital libraries / digital scholarship?
I love working in the Open Education field of digital librarianship because it perfectly harmonizes my experience teaching and my newly acquired librarian skills. Open education has the ability to positively impact teaching and learning in Texas. I have experienced teaching a diverse set of students with a lack of resources and I want to do everything within my power to help faculty members and teachers have the resources they need to create a positive learning environment in their class. I also want to ensure students at every age can see themselves, their culture, history, and their experiences reflected in their learning resources. Working within open education allows me to provide these services and resources to students and faculty at UTRGV.
Texas Digital Library is grateful to the members who serve on the TCDL Planning Committee. Each year, our members make the conference more vibrant and more inclusive, and we could not host such a successful regional conference without your help. Thank you, TCDL Planning Committee!
The Texas Conference on Digital Libraries will take place virtually in May 2022.
TCDL 2022 Planning Committee
Adrienne Cain, Assistant Director of the Institute for Oral History, Baylor University
Mingyu Chen, Head of Metadata Services, University of Texas at Dallas
Lea DeForest, Communications Manager, Texas Digital Library
Cynthia Henry, Librarian for Research, Instruction & Outreach, Texas Tech University
Bruce Herbert, Director of the Office of Scholarly Communication, Texas A&M University
Gabby Hernandez, Open Education Librarian, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Christina Kellum (vice-chair), Library Production Associate – Kempner Collection, University of North Texas
Diane Lopez, Scholarly Resource Librarian, University of Texas San Antonio
Dianna Morganti, Science Librarian, Texas A&M University
Adrian Shapiro, Digital Projects Librarian, Texas Woman’s University
Alex Suarez, Administrative Associate, Texas Digital Library
Thao Votang, Administrative Program Coordinator, University of Texas Austin
Amanda Zerangue (chair), Manager of Digital Services & Scholarly Communication Librarian, Texas Woman’s University