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 #TCDL2024.
GINGER | DIANE | IAN | MARCIA | ADRIAN | KARINA | JEREMY | COLLEEN | JANE
MEET GINGER
Texas Woman’s University Blagg-Huey Library
Where do you work?
Texas Woman’s University Libraries
What do you do there?
Data Assessment and Organizational Management Librarian
Where did you go to school?
BA: Midwestern State University and MLS: University of North Texas
Where is your hometown?
Muenster, Texas
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I absolutely love watching and learning about movies, especially classic films, horror films, and cheesy musicals. Attending the Turner Classic Film (TCM) festival is on my bucket list, and if anyone has a connection to Julie Andrews, I would very much love to meet her!
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
My institution (TWU) joined the TDL consortium a few years ago; I attended and presented a poster at TCDL 2023.
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
At first, I was floored by the amount of contributions TDL makes to digital initiatives across Texas. My colleagues always speak so highly of the TDL team. In 2022, I started attending user group meetings, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming, even to those (me) without much experience in digital libraries. TDL is full of fantastic people who truly care.
What do you wish other people knew about the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The learning curve in general. Since this is the first in-person conference committee I’ve been a part of, I’m sure that I’ll be learning a lot.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I believe TCDL to be an inclusive event, lead by folks who have made an incredible impact in digital libraries and open access efforts across Texas. It’s a place where everyone can learn and share together – very inspiring.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about sponsoring or donating to TCDL?
Please do! Supporting libraries, especially in light of current challenges, is more important than ever.
What do you think will change about digital libraries / digital scholarship in five years?
I think open publications and education will continue to gain traction and grow. I’m interested to see if and how AI will impact all systems, software, and repository management.
MEET DIANE
Where do you work?
University of Texas at San Antonio
What do you do there?
Information Specialist
Where did you go to school?
San Antonio College, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, University of Washington Information School
Where is your hometown?
Brownsville, Texas
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I visited Wuhan, China, before 2019. Beautiful city.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
In 2020, I enthusiastically joined the TDL GIS interest group. Thanks to my active participation in TDL GIS IG events and outreach efforts, I was honored to be invited to take the helm as the chair of the swag/networking subcommittee for TCDL 2021 and then Vice-chair in 2022, and now chair for TCDL 2023 has been dope!
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
My first impression of the group is positive and welcoming!
What has surprised you most about working with Texas Digital Library?
Working with them has been a collaborative and enjoyable experience!
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The most challenging aspect of coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries is juggling the many exciting opportunities and innovative ideas from being the chair this year.
Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I want others to know the wealth of knowledge and networking possibilities available through the Texas Digital Library and the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I firmly believe that the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries is a vital platform for networking, sharing expertise, and staying updated on the latest trends in the field.
The interest in the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
I believe the growing interest in TCDL can be attributed to its reputation for delivering valuable content, fostering meaningful connections, and staying at the forefront of digital library trends.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about sponsoring or donating to TCDL?
I’d say sponsoring or donating to TCDL is a meaningful way to support digital libraries and connect with a dynamic community of professionals.
What do you think will change about digital libraries / digital scholarship in five years?
In the next five years, digital libraries and digital scholarship will likely see advancements in technology, increased accessibility, and greater interdisciplinary collaboration.
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I’m dedicated to creating a meaningful impact through my work, and my passion lies in contributing positively. I eagerly look forward to the path ahead and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
What’s your personal philosophy on digital libraries / digital scholarship?
In digital libraries and scholarship, I strongly value community learning and research. My philosophy centers around making knowledge accessible to everyone, encouraging collaborative learning, and supporting a community of learners who share their ideas and insights.
MEET IAN
Ian Barba
Where do you work?
Texas Tech University
What do you do there?
Subject Librarian
Where did you go to school?
University of North Texas (MS in Library Science), Texas Tech University (BA in English)
Where is your hometown?
Los Angeles, CA
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I have practiced martial arts for 10+ years.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
My first experience was several years ago, when I hosted a Pre-Conference Workshop on LaTeX. Librarians, especially those working with Graduate students and theses/dissertations, can learn LaTeX basics and provide help for students using it for their documents.
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
This semester has been difficult managing all my various commitments. Unfortunately, our Friday meeting time is often double-booked for me, so I am not always able to be 100% present. That said, I appreciate that we are able to manage important decisions and discussions asynchronously.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I have known many of the attendees for several years now. I am encouraged and impressed by everyone’s dedication to their work and their desire to be of service for students and faculty at their institutions.
MEET MARCIA
Marcia McIntosh
Where do you work?
The University of North Texas
What do you do there?
I am a Digital Production Librarian in the Digital Libraries Division. I facilitate the digitization of non-newspaper historical materials for our two digital libraries, The Portal to Texas History and the UNT Digital Library.
Where did you go to school?
I studied English Literature, African and African American studies, and Business at Washington University in St. Louis and attended the University of Texas at Austin for a degree in Information Studies with the goal of becoming a digital librarian.
Where is your hometown?
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I can sing/recite all 50 states alphabetically.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I got the dream-come-true opportunity to to help out with the 2018, 2019, 2020 planning committees.
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
I attended my first TCDL conference in 2013 as a graduate student in Austin. I was impressed by the gathering of digital library professionals– those who had accomplished the dream of working in some capacity within digital libraries. I was thrilled to see the work they were doing. After joining the University of North Texas Libraries, and thanks to its support for professional development, I was able to attend almost every year since that first.
The interest in the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
It’s a great conference! Word-of-mouth has spread. And I believe many will continue to sing the praises of this event for years to come.
MEET ADRIAN
Where do you work?
Texas Woman’s University
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 Texas Digital Library?
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 KARINA
Chicago is always one of my favorite places to visit. Go Cubs!
Where do you work?
UTSA Libraries and Museums
What do you do there?
Head of Access Services
Where did you go to school?
Undergrad- UTSA- Bachelors of History, Grad school- UNT- Masters of Information Science
Where is your hometown?
Born and raised in Chicago but San Antonio has been home for 20 years.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I am a video game nerd. I have my Nintendo switch stuck to me wherever I go. I love Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and the Sims.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I attended my first conference last year and really enjoyed it. A few of my colleagues were there and encouraged me to participate which was great.
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
It has been a great experience learning what TDL is all about. How innovative and inclusive it is.
What has surprised you most about working with Texas Digital Library?
The sense of community has been awesome!
What do you find most challenging about coordinating the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The only challenge would be finding the time to help and scheduling given other work and personal obligations.
What do you wish other people knew about the Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
Most definitely I wish my staff could go or at least view what TDL offers and the conference. It is a great networking opportunity for staff to get to know other librarians and librarian staff who work in academic libraries like them.
Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The committee has been great to work with. Everyone is really friendly and motivated to making the conference a success for those who are attending it. The presenters have been great as well, they are true experts of their fields. And the attendees have been awesome as well.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I think the conference is one step ahead in the library world when it comes to innovation and ideas for library services and resources, It is really great to see that.
The interest in the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
Because Digital libraries themselves are growing. We are finally realizing that we need that services. It is a highly evolving area that we need to evolve with it.
MEET JEREMY
Have you met Jeremy?
Where do you work?
University of Texas at Austin Libraries
What do you do there?
Resident Digital Archivist
Where did you go to school?
University of Arizona
Where is your hometown?
Laveen, Arizona
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
Each weekend I allow Manchester United to decide my mood for the week.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
The first TCDL that I attended was remotely in 2021 and it was my first time seeing and interacting with other librarians and archivists from Texas outside of UT Austin. Although it was remote, it felt very welcoming, and I observed a real sense of community. Which encouraged me to present for the first time at a professional conference at TCDL 2022.
What do you wish other people knew about the Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
That it’s not just focused on digital libraries. Most of my work is focused on digital archives and I always feel like there is a lot that applies to that. And it’s not all about the work that we do. Some of the sessions are geared towards us as individuals and how we can improve our environments. There are many different shades to TCDL and you can definitely find something that relates to you.
The interest in the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
Each day we’re finding more and more ways to communicate and collaborate digitally with each. This comes with a lot of benefits, but also some kinks and adjustments to work through. I think that TCDL, with its tight-knit community and focus on digital libraries, is the perfect space to breach these conversations and that it what is being recognized.
MEET COLLEEN
Colleen at Grand Teton National Park
Where do you work?
UT Austin
What do you do there?
Open Access, Repositories, and Copyright
Where did you go to school?
Undergrad at Michigan State, library school at SUNY Buffalo
Where is your hometown?
Traverse City & Frankenmuth, MI
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I love cookbooks and I had to buy a bookcase to fit them all!
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I think my first TCDL was in 2012 at the AT&T Center. That location is just around the corner from the library I work in, so it seemed like a no-brainer to attend. I absolutely loved it and have been attending TCDL ever since!
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
I did DSpace training at Baylor shortly after I started at UT. The training was organized by TDL and I remember thinking how great it was that they were creating a community of repository managers through the training options available.
What has surprised you most about working with Texas Digital Library?
It feels like we all work for the same place – not only the TDL folks, but also all the librarians across the state.
What do you wish other people knew about the Texas Digital Library and/or Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
TCDL is such an open and welcoming conference. If you are working in digital libraries and are looking for your people, they are probably at TCDL.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about sponsoring or donating to TCDL?
One of the great things about TCDL is that it’s affordable and this is in part thanks to our sponsors. With travel budgets smaller at many institutions, TCDL is still in reach for a lot of folks and makes it possible for us all to work together on digital libraries.
MEET JANE
Jane Scott
Where do you work?
UT Southwestern Medical Center
What do you do there?
Digital Services and Technology Planning Manager
Where did you go to school?
UC Irvine (B.A.) and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (M.S. Ed ABT),
Where is your hometown?
San Pedro, CA
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I’ve studied flamenco in Spain and Tango in Argentina.
Tell me how you first got involved with the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries?
I’ve attended previous conferences and have assisted with Marketing as well.
What was your first impression of Texas Digital Library?
They are a very welcoming and enthusiastic organization. Hands-on and ready to try new things and get you answers. Always responsive to concerns and questions.
The interest in the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries seems to be growing. Why do you think that is?
I think sharing data and open availability of resources has made the need for repositories vital to Library work. TCDL provides valuable resources, posters, and presentations that address these needs and provides invaluable networking opportunities as well.
For any questions regarding TCDL please contact info@tdl.org.
The Texas Conference on Digital Libraries is hosted by:
