Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Agency Information
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is both the official name of the agency and the name of its governing board. The Texas Legislature created the commission in 1909 (House Bill 142, 31st Legislature, Regular Session). The governor, with concurrence of the senate, appoints the seven members of the commission to six-year overlapping terms. TSLAC appoints the state librarian and assistant state librarian; approves the agency’s strategic plans, policies, appropriations requests, and operating budgets; and develops rules for administering the agency’s legislative mandates.
TSLAC’s mission is to ensure that citizens have access to the information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives. This is accomplished through four main areas: preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of Texas public, academic, and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities.
Literary Landmark commemoration materials | Public relations social media records | State Archives Records relating to the Penitentiary | Reference tools
Texas State Library and Archives Commission Lorenzo de Zavala Building Literary Landmark commemoration materials, November-December 2009
Creator: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Title: Texas State Library and Archives Commission Lorenzo de Zavala Building Literary Landmark commemoration materials
Dates: 2009 November-December
Abstract: The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) appoints the state librarian and assistant state librarian; approves the State Library’s strategic plans, policies, appropriations requests, and operating budgets; and develops rules for administering the State Library’s legislative mandates. December 3, 2009, marked the 100th anniversary of TSLAC. In commemoration, an event was held at which a Literary Landmark designation was issued to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for the use of its library resources and archives for the research and inspiration of prominent Texas authors. Speakers included State Librarian Peggy Rudd and former First Lady Laura Bush. These records consist of one Mini-DV, two digital photographs, one printed program, and one printed mailer that document this event, dated November-December 2009.
Click here to enter the records
Click here to access the online finding aid
Texas State Library and Archives Commission public relations social media records, 2010-2022
Creator: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Title: Texas State Library and Archives Commission public relations social media records
Dates: 2010-2022
Abstract: The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) preserves the record of government for public scrutiny, secures and makes accessible historically significant records and other valuable resources, meets the reading needs of Texans with disabilities, and builds and sustains statewide partnerships to improve library programs and services. TSLAC engages in public relations activities to disseminate information about its events and programs through press releases and other forms of communication. These TSLAC public relations social media records, 2010-2022, were produced to publicize agency resources, services, and events through the utilization of social networking tools.
Click here to enter the records
Click here to access the online finding aid
Texas State Archives Records relating to the Penitentiary, 1846-1921, undated
Collector: Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Archives and Information Services Division
Title: Texas State Archives Records relating to the Penitentiary
Dates: 1846-1921, undated
Abstract: The prison system began as a single institution known as the Huntsville Penitentiary and received its first prisoners October 1, 1849. Later a second facility, Rusk Penitentiary, opened in 1883. These records document the state penitentiary system in Texas from the early years through the beginning of the twentieth century, 1846-1921, undated. They reflect governors’ involvement with the prison system and activities of various penitentiary officials, especially the superintendent and financial agent. A wide range of subjects are covered, including cloth production and distribution during the Civil War, investigations of financial agents, treatment of convicts, conveyance of convicts to the prison, leasing of the prisons, contracting for convict labor, repairs and additions to the Huntsville facilities, construction of Rusk Penitentiary, the iron industry at Rusk, purchase of state farms, the Texas State Railroad, and routine financial affairs. The Payrolls described in this finding aid have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.
