News
On September 30 the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) was notified by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) of its decision to deny Texas’ request for a waiver from a state funding requirement prescribed by the federal government. The waiver would allow TSLAC to continue to receive its full allotment of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, which the agency uses for programs to enhance library services across Texas. TSLAC will appeal the decision.
In response to the Governor's letter of September 26, 2013, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides the requested operational plan in the event of a shutdown of the federal government. (Copies of both documents are attached to this webpage.)
The agency will continue to perform its duties to serve the citizens of Texas. We plan to maintain operations and ensure continuation of essential functions and services to Texans. Our funding priorities are for those services most critical to the health, welfare, and safety of Texans.
Governor Rick Perry has reappointed Michael Cooper Waters of Dallas and Wm. Scott McAfee of Driftwood to the seven-member Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Mr. Waters continues as chair of the commission, a position he assumed March 2012. Both Mr. Waters and Mr. McAfee have served since 2008, and their new terms expire September 2019.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) invites the public to register for its upcoming Genealogy After Dark program, Friday, October 18, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Patrons of TSLAC’s Talking Book Program (TBP), a free library service for Texans of all ages unable to read standard print material, can now enjoy their talking books on the go.
Last month the seven-member Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) selected Mark Smith for the position of Director and Librarian, the agency’s chief executive also known as the Texas State Librarian. Though Mr. Smith’s tenure begins November 1, we reached out to him recently with 10 questions that address his background, perspective, priorities, and even his knowledge of Texas history. We look forward to getting to know more about Mr.
A project to engage middle school youth through an after-school “makerspace” and a plan to preserve an extensive film festival video and audio collection are among the dazzling array of proposals approved recently by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Agency commissioners approved 70 library grant awards totaling $1.6 million for numerous Texas libraries, institutions of higher education, and related nonprofit organizations.
The seven-member Texas State Library and Archives Commission today unanimously selected Mark Smith for the position of Director and Librarian, the agency’s chief executive also known as the Texas State Librarian.
Mark Smith currently serves as the Vice President of West Coast Operations for Library Systems and Services (LSSI) of Germantown, Maryland, and oversees all LSSI contracts for California and Oregon. He has been with LSSI since September 1999.
The seven-member Texas State Library and Archives Commission has selected three finalists for the position of Director and Librarian. On August 29, 2013, the commission will hold a public meeting and reception to provide an opportunity for the public to meet the finalists.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission welcomes new members to its TexShare Advisory Board, which advises the commission on matters relating to the consortium of Texas libraries known as TexShare. The consortium shares print and electronic materials, purchases online resources, and combines staff expertise. The new TexShare board members are: