Texas Public Libraries:
Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy
March 2023

Created through a partnership with the Bureau of Business Research IC² Institute at The University of Texas at Austin, the publication, Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy, gathers primary data from main and branch libraries throughout Texas to identify areas of urgent need relating to digital literacy in communities statewide.

The report documents the many ways Texas public libraries are providing both formal and informal digital literacy training to their communities. According to the findings, these efforts account for approximately $70 to $90 million in statewide investment by the state’s libraries.

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with more than 300 librarians representing communities of all sizes. The full findings of the survey reflect policy and administrative actions that may be beneficial in addressing critical issues confronting Texas library staff who want to improve their patrons’ digital literacy knowledge and skills. Data from interviews and surveys identified gaps and challenges that exist, and those findings are the foundation for the recommendations of the survey.

The following are some of the recommendations included in the report that focus on potential action areas at the state and local level:

• Establish a grant program related to digital literacy in Texas libraries
• Foster mentoring and peer support for small libraries
• Provide more programmatic attention to older adults/seniors
• Create local public library partnerships

Download the report by clicking on the links below:

• Full report (PDF) 
• Executive summary (PDF)
• Survey tool for main libraries (PDF) and branch libraries (PDF)
• Verbatim responses from Library Directors:
  • Training curriculums (PDF)
  • Partnerships (PDF)
  • Community needs (PDF)
  • Most important community needs (PDF)
  • Demographics (PDF)
  • Strategies and plans (PDF)
  • Priorities for new resources (PDF)
  • What works and does not work (PDF)
  • Unique and innovative approaches (PDF)
  • Recommendations for TSLAC (PDF)
  • Additional comments about digital literacy (PDF)
  • Estimates of digital literacy expenditures (PDF)

This study was funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Media Contacts:

• For inquiries regarding research methodology, contact Dr. James Jarrett at the Bureau of Business Research: jj@ic2.utexas.edu
• For general inquiries, contact the Texas State Library and Archives Commission at: pio@tsl.texas.gov