Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Federal Funding for Texas Libraries – TSLAC has created a one page document illustrating all of the programs and services funded for Texas libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Upcoming Opportunities
These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize
Deadline: To Be Determined
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, was created in 2019 to recognize the public library as a vital community asset. When libraries, civic entities, organizations, and the people they serve become close partners, their communities thrive. One winning library will receive $250,000 in unfettered grant monies from the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation. The winning library will be identified based on the degree of its impact on the community in key areas. For more information, visit the grant website.
Library Journal Day of Dialog – Spring Conference
April 17, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Spanning a variety of genres, this FREE day-long program will offer an in-depth look at the biggest forthcoming books for summer and fall 2025. You’ll hear directly from top authors as they discuss their new titles, inspiration, process, and more. And don’t forget the virtual exhibit hall! Visit the booths to download free resources and chat with representatives. The program is still under development, so stay tuned for updates! For more information, visit the event webpage.
Library Data 101
April 17, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Central)
Data is a powerful tool for improving library services, making informed decisions, and understanding patron needs. In this FREE webinar, TSLAC’s Data and Project Coordinator Promise Madu will introduce the basics of library data—what it is, how it’s collected, and why it matters. You’ll learn how data can help libraries manage resources, plan programs, and enhance patron experiences. We’ll also cover simple data analysis techniques, useful tools for organizing information, and real-world examples of how libraries use data effectively. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a passion for learning. Whether you’re a librarian, library staff member, or simply interested in data-driven decision-making, this session will give you a good foundation to get started.
Updates on Statewide Interlibrary Loan Program
May 1, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00a.m. (Central)
Join Texas State Library staff in a discussion about the ILL program one year into the migration to SHAREit. Staff will provide updates on ILL services and programs supported by federal funds. Contact Sara Hayes at shayes@tsl.texas.gov for additional information.
SHAREit Interlibrary Loan Basics for Beginners
May 20, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00a.m. (Central)
Join TSLAC staff for an overview of using the SHAREit ILL system to place and respond to ILL requests. This webinar is a very high-level overview geared specifically to library staff that are new to statewide ILL or have had limited use of the SHAREit ILL system to date.
These sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend the live presentations. For more information, visit the Upcoming Webinars webpage.
Texas Library Grants
April 18, 2025
Since the Texas Book Festival’s (TBF) founding, it has been a part of their mission to promote literature and support Texas libraries. TBF’s goal is for these grants to assist libraries with enhancing their print, e-book, and audiobook collections with materials that meet the unique needs of their communities. For more information, visit the program website.
ARSL 2025 Conference Session Proposals
April 25, 2025
Are you a community engagement superstar? Have a storytime formula that can’t be beat? Do your reader’s advisory recommendations always hit the mark? The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) needs YOU to present at ARSL 2025! The program presenters are the heart of the conference, bringing valuable skills and experience to share with fellow attendees. Submit your proposal by April 25 at 5:00 PM CT. Notification of proposal outcomes will be sent by May 30. Join in shaping an unforgettable conference—apply today by completing this online form!
Strong Connections, Strong Libraries Virtual Conference
April 25, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern)
The Strong Connections, Strong Libraries FREE virtual conference is an opportunity for library workers and board members nationwide to convene online to hear from dozens of Michigan public library directors about their best tips for library outreach, building sustainable partnerships, communicating successfully with staff and the community, developing successful millages, and more. This project is made possible in part by the University of Michigan School of Information, the Library of Michigan, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, visit the conference registration form.
Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant
April 28, 2025
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is excited to announce the opening of the Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program, which funds broadband infrastructure and facility improvements in Texas public libraries. These improvements are designed to enhance internet connectivity, improve technology infrastructure, and ensure broad access to digital resources for library patrons by funding projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring to support historically disadvantaged communities. Learn more about the grant and download the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on our Grant Programs page. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 28, 2025.
NextGen Virtual Summit
May 21, 2025
The NextGen Summit inspires government innovation and provides training and leadership opportunities for public servants. Since 2010, the FREE two-day summit has inspired over 5,000 federal, state and local government employees to become the leaders government needs. 2025 will be the 16th year GovLoop has hosted the NextGen Government Training Summit. They are excited to offer two dates for the virtual summit this year; both dates will be free to all attendees. For more information, visit the conference website.
Ongoing Tools
These tools are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter
The most recent edition features information about a new partnership with Reader Zone, upcoming wordsmithing sessions, summer food programming, partnering with the Detroit Zoo, and a new staff member. Read the CSLP newsletter online or subscribe and receive it in your inbox each month.
Rural Technology Education Grants
Most of their work manifests through their funding of teacher and student-led projects in public schools and libraries. Projects they fund are designed to help spark student interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas. In some cases, these project donations may include a few smaller items like a Raspberry Pi microcomputer or a robotics kit. In other situations, we partner with school districts to provide entire Maker Spaces equipped with things like circuit development kits, 3-D printers, robotics kits, and classroom sets of individual microcomputers to build upon. They also frequently fund early-stage robotics classes, teams, and clubs interested in project-based learning that culminates in competitive events like FIRST. There are several examples of projects have funded on their social media feeds and our impact page. For more information visit the organization’s grants webpage.
Assistive Technology (AT) Grants
They provide funding for Assistive Technology equipment to increase accessibility for students with disabilities in public schools and libraries. These donations include equipment and software that promote student inclusion and participation. Projects they have funded include laptops or tablets to utilize speech-to-text, text-to-speech, word processing, magnification, audiobooks, and other accessibility features. They also include Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, whether a dedicated communication device or tablet used for AAC purposes, adaptive equipment such as keyboards or mouses that make technology accessible, and other software or applications that increase education and technology access for individuals. Since AT varies widely, they look for projects that specifically provide accessibility to a student or group of students and include technology access for inclusive purposes. For more information visit the organization’s grants webpage.
Texas Center for the Book
The mission of the Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) is to celebrate the written word and literary heritage of Texas, while highlighting the importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries. Established in 1987, the Center builds partnerships with library professionals, educators, authors, publishers, and booksellers who provide support to their shared mission of promoting a love of literature throughout the Lone Star State. One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The TCFB is supported in part by the Texas Library and Archives Foundation, www.txlaf.org. For more information about getting connected to these services, please visit the Center’s webpages.
Digital Collections Stewardship (course)
WebJunction created the Digital Collections Stewardship course series to help staff at smaller public and tribal libraries, archives, and museums understand and navigate the work of creating, sharing, and preserving digital collections of unique images, artifacts, documents, and recordings that highlight the history and culture of their communities. This series includes eight courses and is a great foundation for staff. For more information, visit the course website.
Low Morale in Libraries: Impacts and Countermeasures (webinar)
Low morale is detrimental to the health and well-being of employees, library organizations, and the communities they serve. Kaetrena Davis Kendrick has conducted extensive research on low-morale experiences in libraries, identifying the various workplace factors and events that can lead to or trigger low morale, and revealing the systems and structures that enable and perpetuate low morale. Learn more about this important research and leave with actionable ideas for promoting a healthy work environment for all staff and cultivating empathetic leadership in libraries. The webinar highlights established and emerging countermeasures for library workers, including promoting work-life balance, encouraging candid communication, and cultivating a supportive workplace culture that allows all employees to thrive. For more information, visit the webinar webpage.
Need more support?
Resource Archive
Wish you had access to a repository of all the tools that are featured in the monthly Library Management Updates? Check out our Resource Archive for more information.
Continuing Education
In addition, be sure to peruse our continuing education offerings. Our resources are constantly updated, so check back often.
Questions?
For more information, visit our management services page or contact Christina Taylor at ctaylor@tsl.texas.gov.
Nice… thank you so much!