The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Library Development and Networking Division (LDN) is headed to Dallas for the 2025 TLA Annual Conference and several members of our staff will be presenting. We’ll be sharing some exciting updates on our programs and initiatives so mark these in your calendar. For in-depth session descriptions, just click on the links. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Big D!

April 1, Tuesday

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Statewide Interlibrary Loan Program 

Presenter – Sarah Hayes

Texas State Library and Archives Commission staff will discuss the changes to the statewide interlibrary loan program over the last year with the migration to SHAREit. This will be an opportunity for library staff to learn more about SHAREit training and configurations and to ask questions.

April 2, Wednesday

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Library Director: First Year Survival Skills

Presenter – Christina Taylor

The first year as a library director can be challenging although ultimately rewarding. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission brings you a panel of public library directors who have been in the job less than three years to share how they coped, what they learned, and who to have at your side during your transition into that new role.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – TexShare and TexQuest Updates

Presenters – Jeremy Selvidge, Vanessa Ashcraft

Catch up with the latest news about the TexShare and TexQuest programs offered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Presenters will review current e-resource contracts and provide program updates, along with information on curating content and promoting resources to drive usage.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Investigative AI: Understand Generative AI and How To Use It 

Presenter – Henry Stokes

Discover how Generative AI is integrated into traditional library skills such as investigative resources, citation of sources, digital citizenship and accessibility, and user interface abilities. Learn innovative ways to embed Gen-AI into your literary ecosystem with confidence.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Innovation Inspiration: Cool Technology from Texas Libraries

Hosted by – Henry Stokes

Get inspired by libraries across Texas that are innovating with incredible new technologies! A panel of academic, public, and school librarians will describe new services using the latest tech, including Smart Rooms, a city-wide “digital human”, eSports, and virtual reality programming for patrons to try out new careers.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – New Director Networking Hour

Presenter – Christina Taylor

Hosted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, join fellow new public library directors for an opportunity to network and connect with other library leaders.

April 3, Thursday

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – A Guide Across the Divide: TSLAC’s Library Digital Opportunity Team

Presenters –  Henry Stokes, Promise Madu, Elsa Trevino-Dominguez, Warren Davis

Texas libraries are due to receive millions to provide much-needed broadband access, devices, and digital literacy skills training to their communities. Hear updates from the Library Digital Opportunity (LDO) team that supports their efforts and learn what Texas libraries are doing to lead the way across the digital divide.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Getting the Most Out of E-Read Texas

Presenter – Karen McElfresh

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Baker & Taylor will share updates about the E-Read Texas program and the Boundless mobile app. This session will conclude with a user group meeting for libraries currently participating in E-Read Texas.

April 4, Friday

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Collaborative Summer Library Program: Get Involved

Presenter – Katelyn Patterson

Learn about the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) including the resources made available to Texas public libraries each year. Information will be shared about how frontline staff can participate in important decisions around summer resources for Texas public libraries.

We hope you can make it to our presentations, but if you can’t, please stop by the TSLAC booth (#1054) to say hello. Our booth is right near the Author Area and the HEB Read Lounge, just to your left when you come in the main exhibit hall entrance. See you then! 

If you need maps, an exhibit floor plan, or more information about the conference, you can check out  the 2025 TLA program guide.