The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) helps ensure that library professionals across Texas have access to the training, resources, and expertise they need to develop and deliver services that are responsive to the needs of their communities.
Please contact the Library Staff Consultant for support with:
Professional development and training
Library programming and services
Peer networking and collaboration
Practical support and project planning
How can we help?
The Continuing Education and Consulting (CEC) team strives to equip library staff with the training and resources needed to deliver exceptional service. It is our goal to support staff in building new skills, improving daily operations, and designing impactful programming.
LiFT: Library Foundational Training courses were created to address the training needs of predominantly non-degreed library staff who are new to their current position or new to working in libraries. These courses were designed to introduce learners to various aspects of the practice, values, and mission of library work, with a special focus on small and medium sized public libraries.
Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) was developed by staff of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and provides free, basic library knowledge and skills for staff members who have no formal education in library science.
Webjunction is a program of OCLC Research designed to support library staff at all levels by providing free, on-demand courses, live webinars, articles, and other learning resources.
Niche Academy is an online learning platform designed specifically for libraries and nonprofits, offering ready‑made tutorials, customizable training, and tools to support staff, volunteers, board members, and community members
TSLAC Online Learning provides access to recordings from a limited number of courses, along with a fillable completion certificate. Please check back periodically for new content and updates about our continuing education offerings.
Tailored Guidance: Receive one-on-one consulting for your library’s specific projects, service challenges, or professional goals.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Partner with the team to brainstorm creative programming, troubleshoot service issues, and implement effective strategies for your community.
Peer Networking: Connect with library staff across Texas to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and support one another in your daily work.
Library staff are stronger when they connect. We strive to bring library workers together from across Texas to share knowledge, support one another, and collaborate. The Library Staff Consultant and the CEC team act as your partners in this effort, helping you build the connections and gain the support you need to succeed.
Ways to connect:
Online Meetups: Join scheduled sessions to discuss challenges, share ideas, and network with library staff across Texas.
Director Mentor Meetups
New and more experienced directors meet to share and support each other
Adult Programming Meetups
Meet with other staff who lead adult programs to share ideas and learn from each other
Stay up to date by subscribing to the Staff Training Top Picks and Programming Highlights newsletters. Get notified about upcoming live and on-demand staff trainings, and be inspired by library programs happening across the state.
Are you doing something great at your library? Whether it’s a packed summer reading event, a creative craft workshop, or a new partnership that’s changing lives, we want to hear about it!
