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Digital Conversations

A collaboration between the Texas Library Association and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

“At a time when almost 60% of Texans experience some sort of digital distress, libraries hold a unique and powerful role in helping to bridge the digital divide.” -TSLAC, “Texas Public Libraries”

Digital Inclusion: Conversations with Civic Leaders for Community Digital Success

What: TLA is hosting a series of community conversations around Texas – focused on narrowing the digital divide for all Texans. We seek to cultivate community-based partnerships between municipalities, their public libraries and other local service providers to enhance the critical resources of digital access, digital literacy and digital inclusion efforts for education, health, and workforce development.

Our partners in this effort are the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Municipal League, TLA District Leaders

Why: To bring digital navigation solutions to regions of Texas that need it the most. Map of internet coverage by county

Cost: Free

Who’s invited? You are! If you are curious about or involved in expanding digital access or literacy and the role that libraries can play in this effort, we’d love to have you participate. We’d especially like to see librarians, civic leaders, broadband suppliers, and workforce advocates as part of this conversation. We’ll discuss how to build and strengthen relationships to better serve our communities.

Upcoming Digital Conversations

Date and time, location

Speakers

October 21, 1:00-3:00 PM

Centennial Elementary School, 1301 N. Utica, Lubbock, 79412

(this event has passed)

Moderator: Henry Stokes, Digital Opportunity Program Coordinator, TSLAC

Panelists:

Andrea Pacheco, Outreach Coordinator, Broadband Development Office;

Hannah Stewart, Director of Libraries, City of Lubbock;

Dr. Sharon Strover, University of Texas

November 10, 2:10 pm – 4:00 PM

University of Houston, Victoria

Moderator

Henry Stokes , Digital Opportunity Program Coordinator, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Panelists

Andrea Pacheco – Outreach Coordinator Broadband Development Office

Lisa Loranc – Director, Brazoria County Library System

Sheila Lalwani – graduate student, University of Texas

Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy

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TSLAC Offers Free Help for Public Libraries to File for 2024 Federal E-Rate Funding

E-Rate is a discount program for schools and accredited public libraries to help close the WiFi gap across the nation. Depending on indications of poverty, libraries can receive discounts of up to 90% off their internet access, eligible equipment and associated services!
Learn more

Resources

With Digital Inclusion, We All Win: National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Meet the Digital Navigators at three libraries in this article

Hear an interview with Cindy Fisher of the Broadband Development Office

Everyone belongs in a connected nation: Connected Nation