Join the Texas Library Association (TLA) for a webinar they’re hosting on Tuesday, December 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., to find out how your project ideas can be funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)! In this webinar, USDA Rural Development staff members will highlight the upcoming DistanceLearning and Telemedicine Grant opportunity. Past…
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),…
All U.S. public libraries are invited to complete PLA’s 2023 Public Library Technology survey by Saturday, December 16. This year’s survey will examine how public libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities, as well as show how libraries have evolved to meet patron needs since the 2020 survey. More information on…
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Libraries Connecting Texas (LCT) program. We are pleased to announce that the Texas State Library has contracted with E-Rate Central to provide E-Rate consulting services to eligible libraries in the state of Texas at no cost to the libraries! Unlike years past, E-Rate…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting two more public meetings—this time virtual for those who missed their regional in-person ones. These conversations will help shape opportunities for Texans to access, afford, and use the internet in ways that increase education, health, economic opportunity, and quality of life for communities. The meetings are open…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting regional public meetings over the next several weeks to hear directly from local communities about their priorities. These conversations will help shape opportunities for Texans to access, afford, and use the internet in ways that increase education, health, economic opportunity, and quality of life for communities. The…
Public libraries across Texas can make a big impact on a statewide effort by the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) to bring crucial funds and services to their communities. The BDO is gathering input to write the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for expanding the availability of reliable and affordable…
We are pleased to announce the release of a new report, “Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy.” Expanding the ability of individuals to access and use information and communication technologies is increasingly crucial for Texas citizens, communities, and economic success. This digital capacity is achieved through building digital literacy skills; providing access…
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…