In order to know where to begin, I asked the librarians we met to answer a questionnaire about their technology needs and experience. Not surprisingly, the top tool librarians wanted more information and training on was AI. Second was media literacy. Additionally, the two most requested types of support from the Digital Literacy Consultant were resource\/tool recommendations, followed closely by staff training opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to these requests, I created the E.L.S.A. Tech Cohort (Explore. Learn. Share. Apply). This cohort is a learning community that meets through Zoom designed to help public library staff explore emerging technologies and digital tools. Each session includes guided instruction, hands-on engagement with new tech, and opportunities to share ideas, learn from each other, and brainstorm how these tools can be used with patrons and staff. Our focus so far has been on AI, understanding what it is, the different AI tools out there, and the role libraries play in this new tech landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along the way, I\u2019ve also come across some creative and notable ways Texas libraries are using AI beyond the basics of AI. Check out the articles below, documented by TSLAC\u2019s Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, Warren Davis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Two Texas Libraries Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Make Programming More Creative and Fun<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- McLennan Community College Library Explores AI Tools to Save Time<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- AI for All: Frisco Public Library Builds Community Through Technology and Language Learning<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One Librarian\u2019s Journey Using AI and Power BI to Harness Data | Library Developments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
On the Road Again<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve also taken to the road again, doing in-person presentations. I\u2019ve presented to librarians and educators on AI and media literacy. What stands out the most is the resiliency and determination I see in the librarians as they tackle new challenges like AI to serve their communities well. And even though for some there is hesitation and perhaps even fear of AI, they show up to these sessions because they want to understand not just what these tools are about, but how to use them responsibly, ethically, and in ways that truly support their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"TSLAC](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Pic-4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Librarians](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Pic-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Pic-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Pic-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResources Worth Sharing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In preparing for these presentations, I have discovered many good AI and media resources worth recommending. Below are my top choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AI Resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Udemy Free Artificial (AO) Courses and Tutorials<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coursera Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Google\u2019s Introduction to Generative AI<\/a>\n
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- AI Essentials Grow with Google<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TN State Library & Archives\u2019 An Introduction to Generative AI in Public Libraries<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Media Literacy Resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Be MediaWise: A Misinformation Resilience Toolkit For Libraries – Poynter<\/a>\n
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- Media Literacy Resources – Poynter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Navigator Training – digitalLIFT<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- News Literacy Tool Kit<\/a>\n
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- Pacific Library Partnership<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Crash Course Media Literacy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Funding Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most consistent needs I\u2019ve heard from libraries is to improve their technology, whether it\u2019s upgrading computers, expanding WiFi access, or investing in new equipment. But often, budgets are tight, hindering their efforts. Below are a few current funding opportunities that libraries may want to explore.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- TechSoup Donation Program | Donated Devices | Mobile Beacon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social Responsibility – Giving Guidelines | Sony Corporation of America<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assistive Technology Grants – Texas Rural Funders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Onward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As I move into my second year, I\u2019m continuing to build on what I\u2019ve learned, and I\u2019m excited to continue supporting libraries with training opportunities, resources, and guidance as they navigate emerging technologies. I look forward to continuing this work alongside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nQuestions? Let\u2019s connect! Have a tool to share? Send it my way and I\u2019ll spotlight staff picks! etdominguez@tsl.texas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subscribe<\/strong><\/a> to our newsletter to stay informed on what Texas public libraries are doing with technology to serve their communities andshare<\/strong><\/a> your own tech stories to be featured in a future issue!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Social Responsibility – Giving Guidelines | Sony Corporation of America<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Crash Course Media Literacy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Navigator Training – digitalLIFT<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Media Literacy Resources – Poynter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TN State Library & Archives\u2019 An Introduction to Generative AI in Public Libraries<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Coursera Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- McLennan Community College Library Explores AI Tools to Save Time<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n