By Krusee H.C.R. No. 204
74R13094 PFG-D
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, William Gooch is retiring from his post as director
1-2 and librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives, having
1-3 profoundly influenced our state's library system through the many
1-4 significant accomplishments realized during his distinguished
1-5 tenure; and
1-6 WHEREAS, A native of Fort Worth, Mr. Gooch earned his
1-7 undergraduate degree in library science from the University of
1-8 North Texas and furthered his education by obtaining a master's
1-9 degree in library science from the University of Oklahoma in 1963;
1-10 and
1-11 WHEREAS, Throughout the 1960s, he gained valuable experience
1-12 in library administration as the director of libraries in San
1-13 Angelo and Odessa, and he also was selected to provide input on the
1-14 State Board of Library Examiners for several years, in which
1-15 capacity he earned well-deserved recognition for his extensive
1-16 knowledge of his field; and
1-17 WHEREAS, He began his illustrious career with the Texas State
1-18 Library in 1971, when he was hired as assistant state librarian;
1-19 responsible for overseeing federal library development funds and
1-20 construction grants, he played a key role in the rapid expansion of
1-21 the state library system and his significant efforts won him the
1-22 acclaim of his colleagues, as well as that of Governor Price
1-23 Daniel, who specifically praised his accomplishments; and
1-24 WHEREAS, Enjoying the wholehearted support of his peers as
2-1 well as many state officials, Mr. Gooch was considered a natural
2-2 choice for the top position at the state library when it became
2-3 available and he assumed his duties as director and librarian of
2-4 the Texas State Library and Archives on January 12, 1987; and
2-5 WHEREAS, Under his visionary leadership, the state library
2-6 has pursued a vigorous program to update and improve library
2-7 services, highlights of which include the formulation of the Access
2-8 Texas long-range plan for statewide library development and the
2-9 implementation of the comprehensive Local Government Records Act of
2-10 1989; and
2-11 WHEREAS, Other hallmarks of Mr. Gooch's exceptional tenure
2-12 include the debut of electronic services at the state library,
2-13 increased public access to the records of Texas governors, and the
2-14 recovery of many historically significant documents for the state
2-15 archives, some dating back to the Republic of Texas; and
2-16 WHEREAS, This dedicated public servant has been recognized on
2-17 numerous occasions for his many achievements and in recent years
2-18 has been honored as a Distinguished Former Odessan by the Heritage
2-19 Foundation, as a Distinguished Former Alumnus by the University of
2-20 North Texas, and has earned a listing in Who's Who in America; and
2-21 WHEREAS, On the home front, he has enjoyed a rewarding
2-22 marriage with his wife, Carolyn, and they have two accomplished
2-23 children, Byron and Darla, who have brought their parents much
2-24 happiness through their achievements; and
2-25 WHEREAS, Throughout more than two decades of outstanding
2-26 service to the Texas State Library and Archives, William Gooch has
2-27 consistently displayed the highest standards of excellence and
3-1 professionalism in preserving the legacy of the Lone Star State for
3-2 future generations; as he concludes his remarkable tenure, he is
3-3 indeed deserving of special praise and recognition for his many
3-4 extraordinary contributions to the citizens of this state; now,
3-5 therefore, be it
3-6 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-7 hereby commend William Gooch on his exemplary career with the Texas
3-8 State Library and Archives and extend sincere best wishes to him
3-9 for continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be
3-10 it further
3-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-12 prepared for Mr. Gooch as an expression of highest regard by the
3-13 Legislature of the State of Texas.