As I watch the sun set from the train’s window seat and the gently rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country are replaced by the flatter terrain of the Prairie and Lakes Region, I mentally inventory my utility belt in preparation for the adventure ahead—serving as a moderator for the Get Graphic track at the…
The Federal Communications Commission recently approved a $200 million, three-year pilot program to boost cybersecurity in schools and libraries. The Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will fund eligible participating school systems at a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $1.5 million. Funding amounts will be determined using a formula that estimates a cost…
The Library Digital Opportunity office (LDO) has a new speed test dashboard tool, and you can check it out now. See how your library stacks up to the rest! From the dashboard, you can track internet upload and download speeds across the state. The dashboard allows you to filter results by region, population, and income…
Did you know that Texas was named Best State for Business 19 years in a row so far, and that according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 Small Business Profile, 99.8% of businesses in Texas are small businesses, which create opportunities for 44.5% of Texas employees (4.9 million workers)? As the chart to the…
If you’re preparing to enter in the 2024 Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference (EntreLib) Pitch Competition, or if you’re eager to learn the art of delivering a powerful pitch to secure funding for your business development, entrepreneurship, and economic development initiatives, watch the recording of EntreLib’s Pitch Perfect Workshop, and here are just a few takeaways…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission invites the library community to join us next week for a webinar that focuses on Western Reader’s Advisory. Webinar Title: No Country for Old Westerns: Rethinking Western Reader’s Advisory When: Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 AM CT CE Credit: 1 TSLAC CE hour (CPE eligible…
It’s that time again! Time to compete against libraries across the nation in a pitch competition to win a prize to launch or support your idea that will aid local entrepreneurs, small businesses, job creation, and economic development! Submissions for the pitch competition are open now! Mark your calendars with these important dates for the…
On the last Thursday of most months, the Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT) of the Texas Library Association (TLA) hosts a series of FREE half-hour Zoom “Tech Chats” featuring the innovative, award-winning work of Texas libraries and some quick overviews of the latest emerging technologies through a library lens. All Texas library staff are…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced that it is accepting applications for its state fiscal year 2025 Texas Reads competitive grant program. The Texas Reads grant funds public library programs that promote reading and literacy within local communities. Programs may include—but are not limited to—book talks; English literacy classes; author visits;…
Looking for a networking or a new professional development opportunity? Keep an eye out for the next time that the Governor’s Small Business Summit is in your area. The Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) hosts numerous events of this kind throughout the year. Just in the past few months, they went to Beaumont,…