Learning - Library Basics
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Elsa Treviño-Dominguez
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Library Basics
Whether you consider yourself a beginner or an expert, learning about technology is a constant, ongoing process - as tech is always changing. As libraries have become their community’s technology hubs, many Information Technology (IT) skills have now become library skills. Listed below are some helpful foundational resources.
Free online courses from TSLAC that provide an overview of basic library computing skills:
- You Can Do I.T. - Networking
- You Can Do I.T. - Managing Hardware And Software (such as print/time management, security, backups, and restoration)
If you are receiving TSLAC grant funding from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) or participating in the federal E-rate discount program, you must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which has three requirements:
- Library must have filtering on all computers, even staff ones. The filtering can be turned off to allow adults to have unfiltered access for research and other legal purposes.
- Library must have an Internet use policy that mentions the filtering.
- Library must have proof of a public meeting or hearing that discusses the filtering and the Internet use policy.
Filtering resources:
- American Library Association’s Complying With CIPA FAQ
- Idaho Commission for Libraries’ Internet Use Compliance And Filtering page
- Alaska State Library’s Web Filtering information page
Internet policy examples:
An integrated library system (ILS) allows library staff to manage, catalog and circulate materials to patrons using computer software and allows your patrons to search, find, and manage library materials on their own (either within the library or from home).
There are variety of ILS vendors; use authoritative reviews to choose the right one for your library's needs If you have questions about how to connect your ILS to our statewide Interlibrary Loan program, contact Sara Hayes.
Visit the Services for libraries webpage for more information on the Ploud website program.
Coming soon!
E-Read Texas brings electronic books and audiobooks to Texans served by small community libraries in all parts of the state. E-Read Texas provides over 17,000 downloadable e-books and audiobooks and a mobile e-reader application that makes it possible for all Texans served by public libraries to access e-books. The E-Read Texas collection primarily includes adult fiction and popular non-fiction and is most appropriate for an adult audience. Find out more about E-Read Texas.
When technology questions come up at the library, conduct a technology reference interview. Learn how using this Online Tech Training. (Brought to you by the Colorado State Library)
TexShare Databases are e-resources licensed for the exclusive use of Texas libraries and their patrons. Start with TexShare for homework help, health or business information, academic journals, popular magazines, genealogy, or job and career development. Find out more about TexShare Databases.
Managed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, the statewide interlibrary loan (ILL) program assists Texas public libraries in meeting the accreditation criteria to offer to borrow and lend materials with other Texas public libraries. ILL services enable library users across the state to access materials not available at their local library, and no library can own every item. Find out more about the Interlibrary Loan program.
Please email Sara Hayes, Interlibrary Loan Program Coordinator, or call at 512-463-5406 with any questions.