Lately, digital literacy has become a trending topic of discussion. Digital literacy can have a lot of different meanings, but the most common definition is “the ability to use digital devices, like smartphones and computers, to evaluate, and communicate information.” It’s a combination of technical and cognitive skills that allow people to use information and…
The digital literacy movement is making some of the greatest strides in Amarillo, Texas, of all places. Known as “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Amarillo conjures images of the rugged, Old West spirit, the iconic Route 66, and the grandeur of the Palo Duro Canyon. There used to be a joke that Amarillo had more…
The numbers are bleak. One in every three adults in Harris County functions at the lowest levels of literacy. That means they don’t have the basic reading and digital skills necessary to function on the job, in the family, and across society. Harris County, with 28% of adults reading at or below level one (out…
The 2024-25 E-Rate funding year begins July 1, and for many Texas public libraries, this program can have a big impact on their annual budgets. The FCC’s E-Rate program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and public libraries, offering up to 90% discounts on Internet costs. If you’re an accredited Texas public…
During her tenure as Director of the Brazoria County Library System, Lisa Loranc has introduced a variety of new programs and resources to her community. One of those offerings is a “Library of Things,” which gives patrons the ability to access more than just books and media. What started out as a way for people…
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…
The State Broadband Development Office (BDO) is currently developing their application for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (SDECGP), in which Texas was allocated $55.6 million to implement the initiatives identified in the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP). This funding will be the first of three tranches over the course of next three years.…
On Tuesday, May 7, TSLAC is providing a free 1-hour webinar about how robots can be used alongside read alouds. Hope you can join us! (Register here) Title: Robots and Read Alouds Presenter: Melanie Sowa-Li, Technology Teacher, Conroe ISD Description:This presentation will examine how robots can be used alongside read alouds to increase student engagement, literary…
For the month of May 2024, 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…
Join us May 9, at 9:30 a.m., for a free, in-person event for anyone interested or involved in expanding digital access or literacy and the role that libraries can play in this effort, including librarians, civic leaders, broadband suppliers, and workforce advocates. We’ll discuss how to build and strengthen relationships to better serve our communities.…