• Main
• Introduction
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• App. A
• App. B
• App. C
• App. D

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission administers the funds allocated for public libraries by the state legislature and the federal government. The Commission oversees the State Library, the regional systems, and interlibrary loan centers.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission, created in 1909, administers its mission by ensuring that all Texans have the library resources and services, the archives and records, and the government information that they need to be educated and informed, in order for them to lead productive lives and participate effectively in civic affairs. The State Library's main facility is located in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, just east of the State Capitol. The agency's web site is www.tsl.state.tx.us.

The Commission is composed of six members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The members hold office for terms of six years. The authority of the Commission is broad and is set by state law. It includes the selection of the head of the agency (the Director and Librarian), approval of the agency's budget before it goes to the Legislature, and approval of agency policies, including the rules and regulations that govern the Texas Library Systems Act. For a list of the current Commission members, please contact with your public library director or check the TSLAC web site.

The agency is divided into divisions:

The Library Development Division is most closely allied to libraries, serving Texas' 500+ public libraries (fourth largest in the nation). The major goals of the Library Development Division are:

• Expanding public access to all libraries
• Assisting libraries in supplying information services
• Encouraging Texans to utilize libraries
• Assisting with new technologies and automation development
• Aiding in collection development
• Providing for an annual children's reading program
• Training through continuing education workshops for staff
• Administering grants to libraries and library systems
• Maintaining a collection of library resources for librarians

The Library Resource Sharing Division also reaches Texas libraries by administering resource sharing services:

• TexShare is a statewide library resource sharing program for Texas public libraries and institutions of higher education that is designed to improve library services to Texans. TexShare services include:
  • TexShare card-a reciprocal borrowing program
  • Texpress-a courier service providing two-day delivery of materials around Texas
  • Education-staff training for TexShare services
  • Interlibrary loan protocol-to promote best practices in interlibrary loan among Texas Group libraries
  • Electronic information-online indexes, journals, and books
  • TexTreasures-a grant program to make special collections more accessible
• TRAIL (Texas Records and Information Locator)-statewide search for Texas electronic government publications
• TexNet Interlibrary Loan - statewide lending and referral service
• State Publications Clearinghouse - collects, indexes, and distributes state publications in print form

The Archives and Information Services Division is responsible for acquiring, evaluating, organizing, and preserving permanently valuable government records. This division also provides reference services to the public through its four collections: Texas State Archives, Genealogy Collection, Reference/Documents Collection, and the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty.

The Talking Book Program provides free library services to more than 25,000 Texans who, because of a visual, physical, or learning disability, are unable to read standard print material. The collection circulates by mail at no charge to the patrons and consists of books in alternative formats: cassette, recorded disk, braille, and large print. Special playback equipment is also provided.

The State and Local Records Management Division issues guidelines and develops administrative rules for the cost-effective and efficient management of government records; operates the State Records Center for the storage, access, and disposition of non-current state records; and provides micrographics and digital imaging services for the preservation of permanent and vital state and local government records.

Two other divisions provide support to the agency:

Administrative Services provides business management and support in the areas of human resources, accounting, contracts and grants, fiscal services, printing and reproduction, and mail services.

Information Resources Technologies supports the agency with computing and communications systems.

return to top