UPDATE: (August 16, 2019) TSLAC has made significant progress relocating frequently-accessed materials from the second floor to the reconfigured first-floor Reference Reading Room. While work continues on converting the second floor to a library event and educational programming space, many of the key changes to collection locations and service points are complete. Patrons may now expect to conduct (non-archival) research and use all library resources in the Reference Reading Room. New additions to the space include:
- Vital statistics, city directories and other essential research tools.
- A new Genealogy Reference section.
- Expanded area for display of featured collections and new books.
Questions about our collections or conducting research at TSLAC? Contact Archives and Information Services at: ref@tsl.texas.gov.
Inquiries about improvements at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building may be addressed to: pio@tsl.texas.gov.
Read more about the project in our original post here:
UPDATE: Starting Tuesday, at 12 p.m. August 6, 2019: All reading room services will be provided in the Archives Reading Room. Researchers planning a visit between August 6 and August 13 may contact reference staff for more information at 512-463-5455 or ref@tsl.texas.gov.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce an exciting transition coming to the Reference and Genealogy public service areas in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. Frequently accessed materials such as Texas vital statistic indexes and city directories from the Genealogy and Family History collection will be relocated to the Reference Reading Room.
This transition will begin on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 with as little disruption to services as possible. We do not anticipate closing to the public during this period. Please consult with reference staff upon arrival to confirm which reading room will be available for research while the change is underway, which we expect to be completed within a few days.
Key changes include:
- Ready Reference shelving will be relocated to the current microfilm computer area to make room for additional research tables and microfilm stations will be moved to a central location in the reading room.
- The updated space will include a refreshed Reference Collection, expanded display area for featured and new books, as well as periodicals.
- The second floor will be enclosed to create a new public events and educational programming venue.
According to TSLAC Director and State Librarian, Mark Smith, “This change allows us to increase the visibility of our collections and concentrate our staff to work more closely with researchers.” Smith adds, “We are also pleased to be able to dedicate space for public programming and enhance our slate of educational activities.”
Check back here at Out of the Stacks for updates. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve services for our patrons.
Questions about our collections or conducting research during the transition? Contact Archives and Information Services at: ref@tsl.texas.gov.
Inquiries about improvements at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Building may be addressed to: pio@tsl.texas.gov.
I would like to be able to sit again near the stacks. This would allow books to be more easily retrieved from the stacks. I see no reason to not allow this. In fact, the staff could more easily see what a patron is doing as opposed to the individual desks.
On the Before You Visit page of the TSLAC website, it says “…fanny packs must be placed in a locker”. I believe that a sign that is posted before you enter the reading room, says that you can bring this in. Can you please clarify on the website. Thanks!
Thank you for your interest in the collections at the Texas State Library and Archives and for your important feedback. We will forward your comments to our Reference Staff for review. Please note that the Guidelines for Patrons on the Before You Visit webpage are accurate (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/guidelines.html).
For any other questions or concerns regarding the use of our collections and services provided in our reading rooms, please contact ref@tsl.texas.gov or 512-463-5455.
Thank you!