Stepping into Public Libraries: What I Learned on the Road Across Texas

As the new Digital Literacy Consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), I had the great experience of traveling with my colleagues in the Continuing Education and Consulting (CEC) team across different regions in Texas meeting and connecting with public libraries. I am a former school librarian (15 years), so not only am I new to this job, I’m also new to the public library side of the profession. The purpose of our library visits was to provide professional development as part of the Continuing Education workshop series, but for me it was also a valuable opportunity to learn more about the role of public libraries, especially their use of technology, and to better understand how I can support their evolving digital needs.

Library Visits

Over the course of five weeks, we facilitated two-day workshops at multiple library sites (with day one focused on circulation policies and day two on fundamental de-escalation strategies), and between formal workshop locations, we made supportive site visits to other public libraries along our route.

I saw fantastic programming, services I hadn’t realized libraries offered, and the most selfless, dedicated staff working tirelessly to meet the unique needs of their community often implemented with limited resources and remarkable ingenuity.

Innovative library services and resources I hadn’t seen before:

Sublimation printing
Virtual court kiosks
Mobile phone assistance
Citizenship resources
Music and podcast recording studios
Telehealth
Ghost-detector kits

This experience reinforced why I’m passionate about library work and gave me invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs happening in communities across Texas.

Technology Snapshot

Because technology is at the heart of my role, I polled the attendees throughout our visits on their technology services and experience. I wanted to find out how public libraries are using technology and about their challenges, successes, and needs so I could better understand how to support them. The 106 responses I got revealed that:

Libraries offer a wide array of opportunities to meet their patrons’ technology needs from teaching basic computer skills and helping with cell phone use to offering 3D printing and AI programming. Many are especially excelling in providing one-on-one tech help and supporting patrons with workforce-related needs.
For most libraries, the most pressing tech needs are better computers and better Wi-Fi.
The top emerging community need is providing technology and digital literacy support for seniors with providing workforce support services in a close second.
AI is the top tool librarians want more information and training on. Second was media literacy.
The two most requested types of support from the Digital Literacy Consultant were resource/tool recommendations, followed closely by staff training opportunities.
Program development ideas, resource/tool recommendations, and staff training were the top three types of support participants said they’d find most helpful.

The site visits and tech questionnaires were quite illuminating–I got the insight, feedback, and direction I needed. The technology poll results will be used to guide future initiatives and support.

Digital Literacy Consultant Services

As the Digital Literacy Consultant, I am here to support libraries with their technology services and digital literacy programming by providing technical assistance, guidance, training, and consultative services in several key areas that include:

Emerging technologies
Digital skills development
Online privacy and cybersecurity
Media literacy
Programming
Ploud (the Public Libraries in the Cloud website platform)
Telehealth
Tech planning and policies
How to assess technology needs of community

Looking Forward

Every library we visited had a story. Whether they were navigating new spaces or launching programs, one thing was clear: libraries in Texas are doing remarkable work, often with limited resources. Being on the road with my colleagues gave me a fuller picture of what digital literacy looks like in practice—and how we can continue to support it statewide.

As I settle back into the office, I’m energized by what I witnessed across Texas and am ready to turn the insight I gained into meaningful support to help libraries continue the essential work they do. I look forward to working with everyone! Feel free to reach out to me at etdominguez@tsl.texas.gov.

Also, CEC will be hitting the road again this fall, providing three new workshop opportunities. We hope to see you there!