The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Library Development and Networking Division (LDN) is headed to Houston for the 2026 Texas Library Association 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 the links. We’re looking forward to seeing you in H-Town!
Sunday, March 29
The ABC’s of the Talking Book Program
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Program Engagement Manager Jaclyn Owus
This session will provide a comprehensive guide to the Talking Book Program’s services and resources. Learn who is eligible, how to sign up, and the different formats available for accessing talking books and magazines.
Building Your Brand to Build Community
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Panelists: Library Management Consultant Christina E. Taylor, Mark Gottschalk, Wenndy Pray, and Chamong Siong
Effectively marketing yourself isn’t just a personal asset—it’s a vital community-building tool. Explore how personal branding, strategic self-promotion, and professional storytelling can amplify your impact and champion libraries as essential community hubs. Learn practical strategies for showcasing your unique strengths and leveraging your visibility. By investing in ourselves, we invest in our communities. Join us to discover how building your personal brand can help drive collective success.
Using AI Ethically and Safely: What Libraries and Communities Need to Know
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Digital Literacy Consultant Elsa Trevino-Dominguez
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of daily life, and libraries are often at the center of helping communities navigate new technologies. This session will highlight the ethical considerations and responsibilities that come with AI use for both patrons and library staff including issues of privacy, accuracy, and fairness. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the risks, obligations, and best practices involved in supporting informed and responsible AI use.
Monday, March 30
Enhancing Student Creative Expression through Partnerships with the Texas Youth Creators Award
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Presenters: Digital Literacy Consultant Elsa Trevino-Dominguez, Nicole Cruz, Maggie Hernandez, Susan Kohler-Ray, and Elizabeth Tanguma
Mentoring students using AI or edtech for creative expression? Join our panel of judges and award-winning librarian sponsors to discover battle-tested strategies through the Texas Youth Creators Awards (TYCA) initiative. This TLA program affirms students’ talent and inspires quality creators. Bridge innovation with ethics, foster deep collaboration with educators through project-based learning, and turn student digital storytelling into an award-winning reality. Let’s cultivate community and celebrate student success!
TexShare Consortium Member Feedback Sessions
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Presenters: Statewide Resource Sharing Manager Jeremy Selvidge and Resource Sharing Projects Coordinator Karen McElfresh
The TexShare team wants to hear from you! TexShare Consortium member libraries’ staff are invited to hear brief updates from TSLAC regarding consortium activities, including proposed rule and program fee structure changes. Attendees will also have opportunities to discuss and share feedback with other consortium members and TSLAC staff.
Celebrate Books with Letters About Literature Texas Winners
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Hosts: Texas Center for the Book Coordinator Michele Chan Santos
Letters About Literature Texas is a reading and writing contest for 4th-12th graders. Join us to hear students read their winning letters, written to authors who helped them see the world in a new way. Jasmine Warga, author of The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan, will be the featured speaker at the event. Presented by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Texas Center for the Book and Texas Association of School Librarians.
Tuesday, March 31
Summer Meals in Texas Public Libraries
9:30 – 10:30 A.m.
Presenters: Continuing Education and Consulting Manager Katelyn Patterson, Mia Medina, and Catherine Wright-Steele
Representatives from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), No Kid Hungry Texas and Texas State Library and Archives Commission discuss public libraries as food distribution sites during the summer. Learn how your library can participate in the TDA’s summer meal program.
A Library for All: An Informal Meetup with the Library of Congress
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Host: Library Management Consultant Christina E. Taylor
Join the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Library of Congress (LOC) for a relaxed, come-and-go meetup with LOC staff. Learn how to use Library of Congress collections, tools, and programs to support local history research and community programming. Ask questions, exchange ideas, and discover practical ways to connect national resources to your library’s local collections and storytelling efforts.
New Director Networking Hour
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Host: Library Management Consultant Christina E. Taylor
New public library directors are invited to network with their peers and connect with other library leaders. Hosted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Texas Youth Creators Award Ceremony
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Host: Digital Literacy Consultant Elsa Trevino-Dominguez
This annual awards ceremony celebrates student-created works in a variety of media categories. In addition to recognizing winners in each category, a Best in Show award is presented. Award winners, family members and supporters are all invited, and librarians considering submitting works for the following year are encouraged to attend.
We hope you can make it to our presentations, but if you can’t, please stop by the TSLAC booth (#1525) to say hello. See you then!
Need more support?
Resource Archive
Wish you had access to a repository of all the tools that are featured in the 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.
