It’s been a year since I stepped into the role of Digital Literacy Consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. It’s been a year of growth, discovery, connection, and deepening appreciation for the thoughtful and selfless care librarians put into their work as they serve their communities. A year ago, I was traveling…
At Texas A&M University–San Antonio, even defining what it means to have the title of “AI librarian” is a work in progress. Kim Grotewold stepped into the role on September 1, 2025, but like many emerging positions tied to artificial intelligence, the scope is still evolving. “AI librarian” is only one part of her job.…
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…
Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year was slop, as in AI slop, and it’s easy to see why. Increasingly, AI has seeped into everything, our phones, our work, our entertainment, and it’s not all good. Merriam-Webster defines AI slop as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial…
When Marla Boswell talks about robotics at the Arlington Public Library, she does not describe it as a class. She describes it as an experience. After more than 25 years working with tweens and teens, Boswell has learned that the most effective learning happens when kids are fully engaged, curious, and having fun. Boswell began…
“Chicago Sun-Times Prints AI-Generated Summer Reading List With Books That Don’t Exist” read the headline. I knew that by now, three and a half years after ChatGPT had been released, AI had permeated most aspects of our lives including the workplace, but I was stunned to see it so blatantly outed for the world to…
For nearly 90 years, Ector County Library has been a cornerstone of Odessa in the Permian Basin. But with no branch locations and many residents living miles from downtown, access to library services hasn’t always been easy. That’s why the return of a bookmobile, now reimagined as the Words on Wheels! (WoW!) mobile van, is…
The Plano Public Library has served as a cornerstone of learning and community connection for more than 60 years. Today, as technology shapes nearly every aspect of daily life, the library continues to evolve to meet the city’s growing digital needs. Through education, access, and personalized support, Plano librarians are helping residents of all ages…
At the San Antonio Public Library, Learn at SAPL offers more than just computer access, it provides a pathway to independence and confidence. The program, now celebrating its eleventh year, helps adults build digital skills, find jobs, and navigate everyday challenges in an increasingly online world. A dedicated space within seven branches across the city,…
Finding a Safe Haven in the Library For Diana Muturia, the Phoenix Public Library was more than a place to borrow books, it was a lifeline. Originally from Kenya, Diana arrived in Phoenix with determination but limited resources. “The library saved me,” she recalls. “It was the only place I could get Wi-Fi, and it was…