I first highlighted the new service of library telehealth in May 2019 (HHH: Telehealth). Then a couple of years later, I revisited the topic in March 2021 (HHH: Library Telehealth Visits Revisited) to explore how the pandemic had intensified the need for this service and why libraries were a good fit to help provide it.…
When we think of how we might use robots in the future, we often imagine them replacing people’s jobs. McKinney Public Library recently introduced new robot helpers to the library floor (the first in a Texas public library to do so), and instead of threatening jobs, they are actually pulling people out of work they…
We’re in the middle of Speed Test Month in Texas. A big thanks is in order for the 193 main libraries listed below (and an additional 68 branches) that have taken the speed test already! If you’re a public library director of a main system and your library isn’t on the list, please look for…
For the month of February 2023, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is collecting data about Internet speeds from all Texas public libraries (both mains and branches) with an online speed test. The test measures how much Internet speed (how fast things load from the Internet) patrons can receive from their library location and…
E-Rate is a federal discount program available to accredited public libraries that pays up to 90% of broadband costs, but we at TSLAC know the process to complete an application like this can be daunting. TSLAC is continuing its support of libraries this year in applying for E-Rate. The project, called Libraries Connecting Texas (LCT),…
The Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) invites libraries and readers statewide to join in its 2023 reading campaign. Read Across Texas: Empathy kicks off in March, with libraries signing up to facilitate reading and discussion opportunities exploring what “empathy” could mean within their communities. Read Across Texas: Empathy will offer libraries a broad canvas for convening individuals…
Due to its current volatile status as a company, Twitter may be experiencing security threats, and its users are at risk of being cloned or hacked. As a library that posts to Twitter, here are some steps you can take: Change your password and make it very strong, i.e. something long and random that has…
The Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) has launched the 2022-2023 Letters About Literature Texas contest, a program that invites students to respond to authors about how their books or poetry has touched their lives. The contest is open to Texas students in grades 4 through 12. Students, educators, and families: join the Texas Center…
Major grant program changes are coming to TSLAC! To better align our processes with state accounting requirements, the FY24 TSLAC Competitive Grant Programs will open for application on Monday, October 24, 2022. The 2024 TSLAC grant applications will include: Texas Reads TexTreasures Special Projects Regional ILS Cooperative grants. Grant guidelines for each program, as well…
In one week (Thursday, October 6, 2:00 p.m.), please join us for a free webinar featuring special guest speakers from a Texas library who rebuilt their children’s collection after a recent natural disaster. Webinar Title: Rebuilding the Children’s Collection after Natural Disaster When: Thursday, October 6 2022, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CDT CE Credit: 1…