In this episode, Wendy Woodland, director of advocacy and communications at the Texas Library Association, chats with Gloria Meraz, state librarian and director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. They dive into the proposed accreditation rules for public libraries, highlighting major changes such as updated local expenditure requirements and clarified accreditation processes, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder feedback. The discussion also explores TSLAC's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which focuses on education, economic development, community engagement, and open government. Gloria shares insights into budget priorities, including IT support, cybersecurity training, and broadband expansion, with a particular focus on improving digital literacy and rural broadband access. Throughout the episode, Gloria underscores the transformative role of libraries in fostering education, economic growth, and community connections in the digital age.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Valerie Prilop, senior librarian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and president-elect of the Texas Library Association, sits down with Katie Prentice, executive director of the Texas Medical Center Library, to discuss the dynamic field of medical librarianship. Katie shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of the profession, from staying up-to-date with ever-evolving resources and technologies to fostering strong communication and active listening skills. She offers valuable advice for aspiring medical librarians, emphasizing the importance of specialized training, including the benefits of exploring PubMed resources to enhance expertise and improve services.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Warren Davis, community engagement and outreach coordinator at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as he chats with Bertha Gomez, adult services librarian in the Brownsville Public Library system, to explore how libraries can promote digital literacy. They discuss Bertha's journey from a geography major to a digital navigator, the importance of addressing the digital divide, and the challenges and successes of teaching computer skills to adults. Bertha shares her teaching philosophy, the collaborative efforts of the library staff, and the joy of seeing community members gain confidence in using technology.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Katherine Counterman, a school librarian from the Houston area, as she talks with Anna Skalka, former president of the Fielder Elementary PTA in Katy, Texas, about building a strong collaboration between the PTA and the school library. They explore the key role of a library liaison and discuss how a successful partnership can promote consistency, boost community involvement, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Jean Darnell, a librarian at Dessau Middle School in Pflugerville ISD, as she chats with Da'Taeveyon Daniels, partnership director at Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, about student advocacy and activism. Da'Taeveyon shares how the lack of representation in his high school library inspired his activism. He discusses the significance of representation, his involvement with the National Coalition Against Censorship, and his work with SEAT. The conversation also explores how his heritage, particularly the influence of his grandmother, shaped his leadership qualities. Da'Taeveyon talks about collaborating with librarians to combat book bans and censorship and outlines SEAT's future goals to ensure intellectual freedom.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

Join Kendra Harrell, library director at the Atlanta, Texas, Public Library, as she chats with Maggie Dumont, librarian at Brown Crossing Library in Boise, Idaho, about the flavorful world of spice kits and spice programming. They share ideas on creating spice kits, selecting the best spices, and offering innovative food programs in libraries. Tune in for a tasty discussion on how to add some zest to your library's offerings!

Join host Jeannette Davies from the San Antonio Public Library as she engages in a candid conversation with John Trischitti, executive director of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin, delving into the landscape of literacy in Texas. Exploring the hurdles in addressing this issue, they dissect Trischitti's TED Talk on librarians and literacy, emphasize the value of forging partnerships, debunk misconceptions surrounding non-literate individuals, and propose strategies for fostering inclusivity in public and school libraries.

Step into the world of literature with host Beatrice Saba, Library Director of the Bryan College Station Public Library System, as she engages in a captivating conversation with New York Times bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi. Known for her acclaimed novel "Children of Blood and Bone," the first installment in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, Adeyemi shares insights into her sources of inspiration and her meticulous historical research process, intertwining her narratives with the past. Explore the evolution of Adeyemi's trilogy, particularly delving into the distinctive elements of the third book, "Children of Anguish and Anarchy." Discover the exciting journey of translating a beloved book series into a cinematic experience and reminisce with Adeyemi about her cherished memories of libraries from her formative years.

This episode is sponsored by Alexandria.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.