Edward Smith, Abilene Library Consortium Director, Appointed to Gov. Broadband Council

Edward Smith, director of the Abilene Library Consortium (ALC), and long-time Texas Library Association member (TLA), has been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the newly formed Governor’s Broadband Development Council.

“ We appreciate that the library community will have a seat at the table as the Council works to identify barriers to broadband access, said Shirley Robinson, TLA executive director. “It is very exciting to help determine how statewide access to broadband will benefit economic development, education, and the delivery of many essential services. Libraries, which work hard to offer services in those areas, are committed to bridging the digital divide, and broadband is now considered a core library service.”

For the past decade, Smith has worked with libraries and other institutions across the region to help them achieve their technology and service goals to ensure they thrive into the future. He has tremendous expertise and understanding of the broadband needs of communities and the organizations that they serve, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.

In addition to his work at ALC and TLA leadership, Smith is a board member for the Tocker Foundation, a private Austin-based foundation that supports rural Texas libraries; and has served his local community on nonprofit boards including the Friends of Abilene Public Library, The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, and Abilene Heritage Square.