WT’s Cornette Library to Host Regional Librarians at July 23 Conference

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Regional librarians will gather at West Texas A&M University to learn how to strengthen ties with their academic colleagues at the third Texas Panhandle Librarians’ Symposium.

The symposium, to be held July 23 at Cornette Library in the heart of WT’s Canyon campus, will allow secondary school librarians to connect with their partners at academic libraries, as well as other secondary librarians across the Panhandle, said Kelly M. Hoppe, Cornette Library associate director and head of outreach and instruction.

“We have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Panhandle library community; however, we don’t often have opportunities to work together across library types,” Hoppe said. “This event provides an opportunity for school and academic librarians to connect so we can interact and learn from each other, building relationships that will benefit all of us and our patrons.”

School librarians also will earn seven continuing education hours, helping them reach the mandated 200 CE hours required every five years to renew certifications.

Sessions will include helping students transition from high school to college, particularly for first-generation students; research tips; and artificial intelligence.

Librarians from Amarillo, Bushland, Canyon, Claude, Hereford and River Road independent school districts have registered for the symposium. Registered participants may also bring a classroom teacher or school administrator to the conference.

Serving the Texas Panhandle by creating partnerships with regional schools is in line with the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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