The results are in! Compare your internet speeds to other libraries across the state and see the year-over-year trends. The good news is—efforts like those by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to increase library internet speeds in Texas public libraries are working, though there is still much work to be done. More…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Library Development and Networking Division (LDN) is headed to Dallas for the 2025 TLA 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 descriptions, just…
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…
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has a stated mission to support and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. In 2024, they awarded El Paso area Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, Department of Tribal Empowerment (DTE) Library Center a Native American Library Services Grant. Ysleta del Sur…
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…
On October 10, the Library Digital Opportunity team (LDO) held a kick-off webinar with E-Rate Central for the upcoming 2025 E-Rate Funding Year. E-rate is a federal discount program available to accredited public libraries that pays up to 90% of broadband costs. While that is an amazing benefit, it can be challenging to complete the…
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…
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 Texas Library Association’s “Digital Conversations” concluded their 2024 statewide tour in Alpine and Wichita Falls this past month. The conversation covered topics such as digital literacy, telehealth, grant funding, broadband accessibility, and the many ways libraries can bring digital opportunity to their communities. Both events were attended by community stakeholders, including government officials, local librarians,…
The Texas Library Association’s “Digital Conversations” tour stopped in Clute, Texas on May 9, at the Brazosport Center for the Arts. The panelists presented some of their programs and work, highlighting the need to close the digital divide. With people participating from Brazoria County, Clute, and the Houston area, the event was well-attended, and a…