TSLAC Releases New Survey, Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy

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…

HHH: Library Telehealth Status Check

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.…

Upcoming Webinar: Internet For All Texans – How Libraries Can Leverage Historic Funding

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission invites the Texas library community to join us for this webinar next Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Webinar Title: Internet For All Texans – How Libraries Can Leverage Historic Funding When: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 AM CT CE Credit: 1 TSLAC CE hour (CPE eligible…

HHH: Library Robot Helpers

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…

Public Libraries: Join Your Peers and Take TSLAC’s Statewide Speed Test!

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…

Calling All Texas Public Libraries: Take the 2023 TSLAC Public Library Speed Test!

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…

TSLAC Offers Free Help for Public Libraries to File for 2023 Federal E-Rate Funding

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),…

You’re Invited! Texas Digital Inclusion Collaborative free virtual meeting

Calling all Digital Inclusion organizations, practitioners, and enthusiasts! Libraries, that means YOU! Join us for a virtual convening to connect with other organizations doing digital inclusion work in Texas and learn about upcoming convening and policy opportunities. How to get involved: Register for and attend the virtual meeting: Tuesday, December 6 from 10:00 -11:00 AM…

Upcoming TSLAC Webinar – Online Tools to Assess and Build Digital Skills

How can you determine your patrons’ digital skill levels, and what resources are out there to address their needs? Come join us for a live TSLAC webinar on Thursday, September 29, 2-3 pm to learn more. TSLAC’s own Digital Inclusion Consultant Cindy Fisher will co-present with Theresa Sladek, Strategic Partnerships & Northstar Business Development Manager,…

Upcoming Library Tech Lunch & Learns

On the last Thursday of each month, the Innovation & Technology Round Table (ITRT) of the Texas Library Association (TLA) is hosting 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. All Texas library staff are welcome to attend.…

Library Developments

Program news & information from the Library Development & Networking Division

Technology & Digital Opportunity