Back in early February, digital opportunity leaders from across the country gathered in Chicago for Net Inclusion 2026. The sessions covered broadband legislation, AI literacy, disaster response, tech distribution, and the uncertain future of federal funding. But one message rang clear above all others: Digital opportunity is local work. And libraries are uniquely positioned to…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) has updated their Texas Digital Opportunity Hub. The improved website is a powerful tool for libraries looking to strengthen their broadband capabilities, expand services for patrons, and close the digital divide in Texas. More data and information have been added, and features have been enhanced. The BDO created this…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s annual speed test for Texas public libraries begins in February. Public libraries all across the state will be receiving a link, via email, to perform this simple but important test to gather critical data on the status of library broadband across the state. A library providing broadband, or…
As part of our on-going commitment to promoting digital literacy efforts in libraries across the state of Texas, TSLAC’s Library Digital Opportunity team goes to libraries and films interviews with librarians and staff to document their work in the community. We recently visited libraries in La Grange and Houston to see how they are helping…
The Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) grant is entering the first phase of assessments. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is inviting a select number of small rural public libraries in Texas who reported slow speeds on TSLAC’s annual Texas Public Library Speed Test to receive a free IT assessment that will determine…
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…
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…
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.…