Don’t forget to register for the first webinar in the Texas, Get Ready for Digital Opportunity – Free Technical Assistance Webinar Series, which starts today! More information about the series and a link to register below. The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO), in partnership with HR&A Advisors and the Institute of Local Self-Reliance (ILSR),  is pleased to offer free webinar series that will help local governments, non-profits, and community advocates understand and demystify the complex landscape of digital opportunity. It’s imperative that Texas communities are prepare ..read more

E-rate is a federal discount program available to accredited public libraries that pays up to 90% of broadband costs, but we at TSLAC know the process to complete an application like this can be daunting. TSLAC is continuing its support of libraries this year in applying for E-Rate. The project, called Libraries Connecting Texas (LCT), providesFREE, one-on-one support from a professional consulting firm, E-Rate Central, to guide participating libraries successfully through the 2024 E-Rate Funding Year.  Brand new this year: the free consultants can help with ALL categories of E-rate such ..read more

All U.S. public libraries are invited to complete PLA’s 2023 Public Library Technology survey by Saturday, December 16. This year’s survey will examine how public libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities, as well as show how libraries have evolved to meet patron needs since the 2020 survey. More information on this year’s survey and the 2020 Technology survey report can be found HERE. An informational webinar has been scheduled for Thursday, October 12 at 1:00 PM central. Find more information and register HERE. Reasons why your library should complete the survey ..read more

It’s grants time once again! The following FY 2025 TSLAC Competitive Grant Programs will open for application on Monday, October 23, 2023. Grant opportunities include: TexTreasures: Makes special or unique collections more accessible to library users and researchers across Texas and beyond. Special Projects: Expands library services to all members of the community with specific emphasis on development of programs for populations with special needs or those having difficulty accessing library services. Regional ILS Cooperative: Provides electronic and other linkages between all types of libra ..read more

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Libraries Connecting Texas (LCT) program.  We are pleased to announce that the Texas State Library has contracted with E-Rate Central to provide E-Rate consulting services to eligible libraries in the state of Texas at no cost to the libraries! Unlike years past, E-Rate Central will now be providing E-Rate support and forms preparation for both categories one and two. For those unfamiliar, E-Rate is a discount program for schools and accredited public libraries to help close the WiFi gap across the nation. Depending on indica ..read more

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting two more public meetings—this time virtual for those who missed their regional in-person ones. These conversations will help shape opportunities for Texans to access, afford, and use the internet in ways that increase education, health, economic opportunity, and quality of life for communities. The meetings are open to all. Libraries: This is a great opportunity for you to share your perspective on connectivity challenges and to encourage the communities your serve to attend as well. Here’s instructions for how to join the meetings from ..read more

In February 2023, Austin Brinkley (pictured) of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas (WSSET), along with Kevin King and Maris Peno, conducted a training session for libraries in the counties of Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange. Actually, WSSET was the inaugural workforce development board that TSLAC got to host in its Get to Know Your Partners training series, the purpose of which is to build more connections between community leaders so that more resources, information, and opportunities can reach even more community members. As a matter of fact, we can say with great pleasure that the possibi ..read more

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting regional public meetings over the next several weeks to hear directly from local communities about their priorities. These conversations will help shape opportunities for Texans to access, afford, and use the internet in ways that increase education, health, economic opportunity, and quality of life for communities. The meetings are open to all. Libraries: These are a great opportunity for you to share your perspective on connectivity challenges and to encourage the communities your serve to attend as well. Hearing directly from communit ..read more

Public libraries across Texas can make a big impact on a statewide effort by the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) to bring crucial funds and services to their communities. The BDO is gathering input to write the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for expanding the availability of reliable and affordable broadband, device access, and digital skills training for all Texans. This is an essential opportunity for public libraries to share their needs and input with state planners. Two important surveys are out now. Responses are due by June 16. [Update: deadline ..read more

We are pleased to announce the release of a new report, “Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy.” Expanding the ability of individuals to access and use information and communication technologies is increasingly crucial for Texas citizens, communities, and economic success. This digital capacity is achieved through building digital literacy skills; providing access to affordable, robust Internet services; having quality technical support, as well as access to hardware and software; and making available services that augment digital connectivity. The report ..read more