In 2021-22, The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) awarded one-year American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to 10 Texas public libraries to support Digital Navigator programs. Afterwards, TSLAC funded a research study by UT Austin’s Technology and Information Policy Institute (TIPI) to evaluate the grant. The researchers, Sharon Strover, Whitney Nelson, and Sheila…
The end of September heralded the final bow for my visits to small public libraries in Central Texas, tours of their spaces, and chats about how the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) can best support library leadership. For this last round, Library Digital Opportunity Program Coordinator Henry Stokes accompanied me to Schulenburg Public…
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),…
When I visited Wichita Falls three months ago for a TLA (Texas Library Association) Digital Conversation event, I made sure I had enough time to visit the public library. Angela Fortin, the library’s Technology Specialist, was kind enough to give me a walking tour. In my work at LDO (Library Digital Opportunity), I’m always fascinated…
Nacogdoches is known as “the oldest town in Texas.” From the Caddo Indians who inhabited the area before the Spanish arrived, to the firing of the opening salvos of the Texas Revolution in 1832, Nacogdoches has a deep and storied history. But as much pride the town has in its past, one librarian is focused…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter The most recent edition features information about opportunities for member input, families needing libraries, the call for program manual submissions, and library success stories. Read the CSLP newsletter online or subscribe and receive it in…
Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities Texas Youth Services Listening Sessions I will be hosting a series of Listening Sessions for library staff serving youth. I will quickly share some announcements but want most of the time to be hearing from you! Please come prepared to brag on your accomplishments and workshop how to handle the challenges. These…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce that the FY 2025 Family Place Libraries™ Project grant application opens on Tuesday, September 3, 2024! TSLAC is looking for qualified libraries to attend a Family Place Libraries™ Training Institute at the new Cedar Park Public Library in Cedar Park, Texas, and implement…
As if spurred by the August heat, the tempo picked up for the second number—a dizzying duo of days in which I visited small public libraries, toured their spaces, and chatted with their leadership about how the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) could best support them. Workforce Development Consultant Maria Freed stepped up…
The Broadband Development Office (BDO) established the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to provide additional resources to communities that need help with broadband planning. The program aids local governments and communities by providing assistance to identify local broadband development opportunities and prepare for forthcoming state and federal funds. Greg Conte, director of the Texas Broadband Development…