The HALAN E-books for Everyone project aimed to expand e-book access for library users in Southeast Texas using Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding through the Texas State Library & Archives Commission (TSLAC). The project developed a comprehensive service model and promotion plan for free and commercial e-books for 20 librarians representing 8 HALAN libraries. The service model included a web-based, brand-able platform for introducing the public to e-book content, and the promotional component emphasized the creation of short instructional videos accessible via a YouTube channel.

As this was a 2011-2012 project, there was little e-book information available to library patrons in a coherent format. This project focused on training librarians to increase their comfort level in working with patrons, creating a website that would provide e-book information and answers for patrons and staff, and promoting this information to other libraries for their use. In addition to the five workshops provided to the library staff on-site and virtually, the project hosted a free full-day e-book workshop at the Houston Public Library for any library staff willing to attend.

My role was to work with the HALAN representative, who guided the project, to provide guidance and information, create and present training sessions for the 20 librarians, create e-book support materials to be used by library staff, develop the e-book website, support the 20 librarians throughout the project, and produce the final on-site conference. The results of this project proved that it was successful. All libraries provided e-book workshops for their patrons, most linked their library website to the project-created e-book website, and all library staff felt more confident supporting this service.