News
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:
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission welcomes one new and one returning member to its Library Systems Act Advisory Board, which advises the commission on any matter related to the Texas Library Systems Act, including recommending changes in the "Rules for Administering the Library Systems Act," and recommendations regarding public libraries that appeal loss of accreditation.
Disputes over land and slaves in pre-Civil War Texas are among the courtroom conflicts recorded in the 19th century case files of the Texas Supreme Court. These records capture not only state legal history, but also social and cultural life during the Republic and early statehood years.
Scenes of 19th century construction and 20th century renovation, of the famous Sunset Red granite giving rise to the seat and symbol of Texas government are the focus of Views of the Capitol: 125 Years in the Making, a new photographic exhibit organized jointly by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission, along with libraries across the state, was recently invited to participate in the Edge Initiative, a management and leadership tool that looks at the digital and technology resources libraries provide to communities. In June Texas became one of the first states to use Edge, which provides powerful new strategies and tools to help libraries advocate for continued and expanded public access technology services.