With less than two months remaining in the current Texas legislative session, the capitol in Austin has been buzzing. To keep up with this flurry of activity, you can turn to reports from various news outlets or legislative tracking services. As librarians, however, we would be remiss in our information-providing duties if we failed to mention the benefits of using Texas Legislature Online (TLO), the official website of the Texas legislature. TLO not only allows users to track current legislation as it winds its way through the House and the Senate but also research past bills and legislation.
Read moreBiz-leisure and Slob-chic: Dress Codes in the Age of COVID-19
Decorum and dress codes serve a purpose -- in the courthouse, the schoolhouse, the People’s House, and perhaps even in your house. Today, we grant you permission to trade your Zoom shirt for your PJs and to join us on a journey to explore dress codes and the law by visiting the links provided here.
Read moreJackie Robinson: An MVP On and Off the Field
Since 2004, Major League Baseball (MLB)—and baseball fans—have celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, to commemorate his first day in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. That was the day he broke baseball’s “color barrier” and became the first Black player in MLB “since 1889, when baseball became segregated.” This blog post reflects on his life during and after baseball.
Read moreEmployer-Mandated COVID Vaccinations?
As vaccination efforts against COVID-19 improve across the country and conversations focus on returning to the workplace, questions have emerged as to whether employers can require its employees to get vaccinated prior to going back. Employers are placed in the position of balancing the general health, safety, and welfare of its employees with the rights provided under various federal statutes.
Read moreThinking Outside the Building: #LibrariesTransform to Serve the Public Where They Are
The second week in April marks National Library Week, and this year’s theme is “Welcome to Your Library.” According to the American Library Association (ALA), this theme “promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building—and that everyone is welcome to use their services.” Looking at the library as more than a building became crucial a year ago as physical facilities closed due to public health concerns. ALA stated, “In 2020, libraries of all types stepped up to meet the needs of their communities as they responded to the impacts of COVID-19, a national financial crisis, and social unrest.” In this blog post, we highlight some of the services and activities offered over the past year by us, Houston Public Library, and Harris County Public Library.
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