CET Writes

  Originally published October 26, 2026 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission As we consider the role of volunteers in public libraries, the following scenario illustrates how well-intentioned community engagement can reveal the risks of operating without a clear volunteer policy. The Gotham Public Library—a fictional, small, rural library in Texas—relies heavily on volunteers to remain open six days a week. Because Director Barbara Gordon knows nearly everyone in town, volunteer arrangements have always been informal. Last summer, longtime volunteer Lucius Fox offered to supervise teens helping with the summer reading program. Barbara agreed, and Lucius began assigning tasks. Having received only a few guidelines, he allowed the teens to work independently in the children's area and access program records through a shared computer login, without established screening, training, or supe...

Originally published October 5, 2026 Library Developments Blog | Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission For more than three decades, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has invested in the success of Texas libraries of every size. One of its most impactful professional development initiatives has been the Small Library Management Training Program (SLM), created in 1994 to provide practical management training for library staff serving small communities. Originally designed for directors of public libraries serving populations of 25,000 or fewer, SLM addressed a critical need: many library leaders found themselves managing budgets, staff, collections, and community services without formal training in librarianship. Through a structured series of workshops, the program provided the foundational knowledge needed to lead effectively. Between 1994 and 2002, more than 500 directors participated, with over 300 completing...

Originally published October 13, 2026 Library Developments Blog | Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission Every September, a familiar rhythm returns: a new state fiscal year begins, the school year hits its stride, and libraries nationwide celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month. It’s a time to invite people of all ages to get a free library card and discover the wealth of resources, services, and opportunities waiting for them. You can practically hear the satisfying thwip of a library card sliding across the checkout desk, feel the heft of a stack of books tucked under an arm, and smell the pages of a fresh-from-the-library read. But what does a library card really get you? What’s the true value of a library? A new statewide public opinion poll conducted by KRC Research on behalf of the Texas Library Association (TLA) confirms that Texans overwhelmingly value public libraries as essential public services. Nearly all respondents (95%) agre...

  Originally published September 25, 2026 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission Community-Centered Library Connections: Three Texas Stories of Libraries Leading with Purpose Libraries are often at their best when they help communities see new possibilities in the places they already call home. Whether connecting families with the wildlife in a nearby bay, turning a library card into a gateway to community experiences, or creating welcoming spaces for Spanish-speaking families to learn and connect, libraries are listening to their communities and leading in ways that make a tangible difference. These stories from Taft, Carrollton, and Garland show that public value is not simply about what happens inside a library—it is about how libraries bring people together, open doors to opportunity, and help communities thrive. Inspiring a Community to Discover and Protect Its Coastal Home | Taft...

  Originally published August 14, 2026 Library Developments Blog | Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission The Library Development and Networking Division is your partner in serving your community. Through our Library Management Services resources, we connect Texas library leaders with practical tools, guidance, and opportunities to help them navigate the challenges of library administration and stay informed about emerging best practices. If it has been a while since you explored our management resources, now is a great time to take another look. Alongside our longstanding offerings, we’ve introduced several newer resources designed to make library management more accessible, engaging, and useful. Resources You May Have Missed Policy Corner – This blog series is designed to help library leaders tackle one of the most important—and often most intimidating—aspects of library management: policy development. Each post focuses on a spec...

Originally published August 5, 2026 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission   At the 2026 Texas Library Association Annual Conference, I had the privilege of leading a discussion on marketing yourself as a library professional. Although the session took place over the course of an hour, the ideas behind it had been years in the making. What began as scattered thoughts gradually evolved through conversations with my TALL Texans alumni colleagues and fellow panelists, who challenged me to think more deeply about what it truly means to build a professional identity. When our first proposal for the 2025 conference wasn't accepted, the experience challenged us to sharpen our purpose rather than abandon it. As we revisited the concept, our focus shifted from personal branding as self-promotion to personal branding as professional stewardship. We wanted to empower library workers to strategicall...

  Originally published July 2026 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission Library-Centered Community Discovery: Two Texas Summer Library Stories Libraries across Texas are proving that summer reading is about much more than books during the 2026 Unearth a Story Summer Reading Program. By combining literacy with hands-on experiences, libraries help communities turn curiosity into engagement and learning into lasting memories. The following success stories illustrate how innovative programming and community partnerships can inspire residents of all ages to explore new ideas, deepen their knowledge, and strengthen their connections to one another and the world around them. Inspiring a Summer of Discovery and Reading | Fayette Public Library (La Grange, TX) When summer arrived in Fayette County, families were looking for meaningful ways to keep children engaged, learning, and connected during ...