100 Years Serving Citizens

Posted on February 27, 2025 Written by

Tucked away on the second floor of the library is a collection that began 100 years ago this month.  This collection is the United States Government Documents collection, provided freely to Arkansas Tech as part of national program called the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).

Administered by the Government Publishing Office, the FDLP distributes the congressional bills, laws, regulations, presidential documents, reports, and statistics to 1,150 libraries across the country.  These libraries are known as “depository” libraries—a distinction that Arkansas Tech’s Library has held for 100 years, making us the 3rd oldest depository library in Arkansas.

As a depository library, we are committed to accepting, retaining, and maintaining a selection of the publications of the federal government.  Currently, this includes 40,145 physical titles in various formats including books, serial publications, maps, CD-ROMS, microfiche, and games.  It also includes 49,737 electronic resources searchable within our Find It online database.

Government information remains of the most reliable sources of accurate information about the country. Not only does it encompass the laws and regulations of the county, it also includes the reports from various government agencies and services such as NASA, the National Park Service, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.  You can find information about the scientific studies, cultural exchange programs, foreign aid services, scholarships, census data, and health programs paid for with your taxpayer dollars.

Who can access this information?  Anyone.  All citizens, regardless of status at ATU are free to use the collection and access the electronic resources.  Depository libraries like us play an important role in providing federal government information to the public.  And we’ve been doing it for a loooooong time.

If navigating such a collection seems overwhelming, we’ve got you covered with a handy research guide to government information both here in the library and out there on the internet.  You can also email or make an appointment with our government information expert in chief, Charity Park.  You can also come check-out a selection of government document materials now on the first floor.

A photograph of various books from the government document collection sitting on a table.

 

 

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African American Women in Art

Posted on February 14, 2025 Written by

Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 6:00 PM as we host Dr. Lynnette Gilbert, assistant professor of art, for an exploration of African American women in art in RPL 300A.  This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Please note this event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, but has been reschedule due to inclement weather.

Photograph of Dr. Lynnette Gilbert

Dr. Gilbert joined the ATU faculty in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tougaloo College, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston. She has taught classes in African American art history, a seminar about women in art, and studio art classes.

Broaden your cultural horizons and learn about figures in art and art history that you may have overlooked.  For more library events, visit our calendar of events or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

 

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Attention Content Creators!

Posted on January 13, 2025 Written by

Are you looking to create higher quality videos, photographs, or sound?  Look no further than the Ross Pendergraft Library Media Production Labs.

This unique service offers the spaces, the equipment, the software, and the expertise needed to elevate your creative output, regardless of major or academic discipline.  If you are working on a school project or a fun project, all students are welcome to use the labs.

The Media Production Labs include three distinct areas on the second floor of the library to record, create, and learn: the Media Lab, Audio Lab, and Video Lab.

Media Lab

This is an open service area staffed with expert assistance to answer your questions about media production. It features 18 PC computers and other devices to enable you to compose music, digitize analog recordings, create marching band drills, and watch DVDs or BluRay videos.  The Media Lab also houses the library’s CD and LP collection, some of the documentary film DVDs, as well as equipment to check-out for home or in-house library use.  This includes mics, stands, cables, cameras, umbrella lighting kit, tripods, and a pop-up greenscreen.  A full list of equipment, including video tutorials, is located at this Video Production Guide: https://libguides.atu.edu/videoproduction.

Images of a dslr 4K camera, Umbrella lighting kit, and a phone tripod available for reserve through the Media Lab

The Audio Lab

A reservable audio recording studio that students can reserve to record, edit, and mix sound. It includes some sound-absorption panels, an iMac digital work station featuring the latest in sound mixing and sound editing software, and numerous professional audio production tools.  Drop some beats, make a podcast, or professionally record a narration over video or Powerpoint.  Reserve time in the Audio Lab by signing in to this page: https://bookit.atu.edu/spaces?lid=15585&gid=32830

The Video Lab

A reservable video recording studio that functions as a maker-space for video capture, still photography, chroma-keying, post-production, and virtual/mixed reality. It features a wall-sized green screen, photography lighting, a PC with three monitors and an expansive suite of video editing software, a 4K video camera, and VR headsets and gloves.  Explore greenscreen and VR technologies with expert assistance and professional tools.  Reserve time in the Video Lab by signing in to this page: https://bookit.atu.edu/spaces?lid=15612

Each of these labs come equipped with professional software like the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Ableton Live, Audacity, GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Vegas Pro 19, OBS Studio, and others.

Access to the Audio Lab and Video Lab are limited to currently registered students working on multimedia projects.  Students can also check-out selected equipment for home use for limited durations by visiting the Media Lab.

In addition to spaces, equipment, and software, the Media Librarian, Dr. Lowell Lybarger, has prepared several online research guides to help level up your skills on content creation:

  • Audio for Podcasting – The basics on starting your own podcast and how to use the equipment and software of the Audio Lab to make your dream a reality.
  • Video Production – Everything you need to get started on your next video project, including information about the equipment from the library, how to use video production software, and tips for sound design for videos.
  • Free Media for Content Creation – A valuable collection of web sources for video, images, photographs, sound effects, music and more freely available, adaptable, or usable in your own multimedia project.
  • Multimodal Literacy – A resource guide for creating stories through multiple media avenues beyond the written word. Includes a resource toolkit and information on copyright.
  • VR Guides @ATU – A step-by-step guide for using for using the HTC Vive or Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality systems the Video Production Lab.

If you’ve always wanted to be a creator instead of just a consumer of music, video, or other media content, the Library’s got you covered.  Stay up-to-date on events, news, and contests from the Media Production Labs by following them on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

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Inclement Weather Hours

Posted on January 10, 2025 Written by

The Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center will be closed from noon on January 9th until Monday morning, January 13th, at 7:00 AM.  Virtual research help services will still be available on our ASK US page during normal business hours, Thursday and Friday, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  You have the option to chat, text, call, or email your research questions and/or your snowman photos.

Looking for something to do during the snow days?  The Library has a variety of online books, audiobooks, and streaming video to help pass the time.  Check out these two collections in particular:

Ebooks and Audiobooks via Libby (Overdrive) —  Enjoy your favorite thriller, biography, or fantasy novel from the comfort of your own phone, tablet, or Kindle.  Download the Libby app on your device to get started and make sure you choose “Arkansas Tech University” as your library.

Streaming movies via Swank – Watch Hollywood blockbusters, independent masterpieces, or cinema classics on one of the library’s streaming video services, Swank.  Select from fifty films that you can watch freely online from your laptop or phone.  Cozy up with some hot chocolate and a good movie—all from your library!

If you need help with any of those services or more, don’t hesitate to Ask Us.

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more news and updates about the library.  Stay Warm!

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Open 24+ Hours Thursday-Friday

Posted on December 3, 2024 Written by

Cramming for your finals?  Writing last minute papers?  Group projects finally due?  The Ross Pendergraft Library has your back this week by staying open late during finals.  In addition to our normal late hours, beginning Thursday, Dec. 5th, at 7:00 AM, we will remain open until Friday night at 9:00 PM.  If you’ve always wondered what the sunrise looks like from the 3rd floor library balcony, here’s your chance:

Photograph of the sun rising from the third floor balcony on a cold Dec. day.

As always, we are going to offer the caffeine and snacks to fuel your study sessions on the 3rd floor in RPL 300A beginning around 11:00 PM.  We also have a variety of coloring books, puzzles, board games, and lo-fi study beats to chill out and distract yourself from the 10-page paper you should have written days ago.

In addition to all-night access to arguably the best study space on campus, you can still check out materials like laptops, dry-erase markers, calculators, and office supplies to help you make the grade and finish the semester right.  We also have professional librarians standing by to help you find last minute research, provide citation guidance, or shush those who are talking too loudly.  Late night librarians are here for you either in person at a service desk or via chat or text.  Follow us on Instagram for updates, photos, and more @ATULibrary.

Good luck on your finals and be sure to stop by the library this week!  We’ll leave the light on.

Photograph of the table set up for coffee and snacks.

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Spooky Trivia on Tuesday, Oct. 29th

Posted on October 25, 2024 Written by

Think you are the nerdiest bat in the belfry?  The geekiest ghoul in school?  Gather your freaky friends and test your supernatural abilities against others at the Library’s Spooky Trivia Night on Tuesday, October 29th, at 7:00 PM at RPL 300A.

Teams of 2-6 people are welcome to sign up ahead of time using this link: https://atu.libwizard.com/f/trivia.

Get your team spot reserved soon as space may run out!  Walk-in teams are welcome if there are enough tables.

Fabulous prizes will be awarded and snacks will be served.

So find your BRAINSSS, come up with a creepy team name, and we’ll see you at Trivia this Tuesday.  Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and check out our Calendar of Events for more scary events.

An illustration of the outline of a building, draped in cobwebs, with creepy zombie hand coming out of the roof.

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RPL Author Series Returns Thursday, Oct. 24th

Posted on October 22, 2024 Written by

The Ross Pendergraft Library at Arkansas Tech University is honored to have local author, Agalia Baker, as the featured speaker for the RPL Author Series on Thursday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m. in RPL 300B.  This event is free and open to the public.

Photograph of Agalia Baker along with the text, RPL Author Series: Cancer can destroy many things you trusted to be true, but you are the reason cancer cannot destroy you." -- Agalia Baker. Thursday, October 24th, 6:00 PM RPL300B. It also features her book cover, entitled "If Cancer is a Gift can I return it? From Grief to Healing".In her recent book, If Cancer is a Gift, Can I Return It? From Grief to Healing, Agalia Baker describes her emotional journey through her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and failed reconstructive surgery.   Agalia Baker is an Arkansas Tech alumnus and retired advanced practice nurse with over forty years of experience, but even she was unprepared for her diagnosis.  In her book, she details how the losses she endured from breast cancer are intricately tied to the grieving process.  You can read more about Agalia Baker and her book at Arkansas Tech News.

For copies of her book, you can check one out from your local library.  The Library will also give away one FREE signed copy of her book as a door prize at the presentation.

For news of future events and speakers, follow the Ross Pendergraft Library on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also check out our Calendar of Events for the jam-packed month of October.  Mark your calendars for more events:

  • October 29th – Spooky Trivia Night. 7:00 PM in RPL 300A
  • October 30th – Twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center. 3:00 PM in RPL 300A

 

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Know the Issues—Ballot Issues.

Posted on October 10, 2024 Written by

Before you step into the voting booth on Nov. 5th, you may want to know more about some of the other questions on your ballot beyond the U.S. President.  Get informed on Tuesday, October 15th as we host Pamela Luker, Pope County Cooperative Extension Agent, who will talk about the proposed amendments to the Arkansas constitution.  The talk will be held at 6:00 PM in Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center in room 300B.  The event is free and all are welcome.

Flyer with the words: 2024 Election Education: Ballot issues. Pamela Luker, MAT, FCS, BT. Pope County Cooperative Extension Agent UADA. Learn about Arkansas Constitutional ballot issues for the 2024 election and get educated about voting in Arkansas. Sponsored by the Ross Pendergraft Library. October 15th, 6:00 PM - RPL 300B.

This election year, you will be asked to cast your vote on three issues related to the state of Arkansas:

  1. Allowing state lottery proceeds to fund scholarships at private and public vocational-technical schools and technical institutions
  2. Repealing the Pope County casino license and requiring local elections for future casino licenses;
  3. Expanding the Arkansas medical marijuana program.

Pamela Luker will discuss these important ballot issues from a nonpartisan perspective, giving you the background on each issue, explaining how ballot issues are created, and summarizing the arguments both for and against each ballot.

For more information about Arkansas ballot issues, see the research-based, unbiased and informative Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide, prepared by the Arkansas Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture.

For news of future events and speakers, follow the Ross Pendergraft Library on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also check out our Calendar of Events for the jam-packed month of October.  Mark your calendars for more events:

  • October 16th – English & World Languages Department visiting author: S.A. Cosby. 6:00 PM RPL 300A
  • October 24th – Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center’s local author series: Agalia Baker.  6:00 PM in RPL 300B
  • October 29th – Spooky Trivia Night. 7:00 PM in RPL 300A
  • October 30th – 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center. 3:00 PM in RPL 300A

 

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Voter Registration Forms At The Library

Posted on September 18, 2024 Written by

The 2024 elections in the United States will be held on November 5th, and if you are not yet registered to vote or updated your voter registration, the Ross Pendergraft Library can help.  We have voter registration forms available on the first floor, at the RESEARCH HELP DESK.

Photograph of a box of Voter Registration applications, an FAQ of voter registrations, and a QR code to the website Arkansas Voter View

To get registered and ready to perform your civic duty, simply grab a form, fill it out, slap a stamp on it, and drop it off at the nearest post office.  The campus post office is located across from Tucker Coliseum, next to Doc Bryan.  You can also turn it in directly to the County Clerk’s office at the Pope County courthouse.

Your voter registration must be turned in or postmarked by October 7th.    If you are just changing your current registration to a new address, it must be received no later than 4 days prior to the next election.

If you are a college student and registered in your hometown in another county or state, you can transfer your registration to your college address.  Just fill out the voter registration form with your campus current address and fill out the portion at the bottom indicating your former address.  You must keep your address CURRENT on your registration, so don’t forget to fill out another voter registration form if you reside in another county or state after graduation.  You can also vote absentee for your home state or county.

Remember, filling out the form and mailing it off does not mean you are automatically registered.  Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk–usually this arrives in the mail as a card a few weeks after you have mailed or dropped off the form.

Not sure if you are registered?  Can’t remember your polling place?  Want to know what’s on the ballot in YOUR local elections?  You can find your registration status, voting locations, and sample ballots at  https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/voterview/.

Screenshot of the lookup for Arkansas Voter view to check voter registration status, view sample ballot, and more.

Who can register to vote?  Any U.S. citizen who is 18 years old or will turn 18 on or before the next Election Day can register.  You must also not be a convicted felony with an undischarged/pardoned sentence or a person judged mentally incompetent by a court.

If you are interested in voting, but not sure about the candidates or issues, here’s a list of sites and resources providing nonpartisan information on Arkansas and National elections on November 5th:

  • Arkansas Ballot Issues – A project of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service to provide nonpartisan fact sheets and education information about proposed amendments to the Arkansas Constitution.  They also publish an easy-to-read guide for voter education in Arkansas.
  • Arkansas elections, 2024 Ballotpedia — A free, searchable site for candidates, offices, ballot measures for Arkansas.
  • Candidate Information from Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s interactive search for all candidates who filed as a candidate for the current election. You can search by candidate, contest, location, as well as past election results.
  • Vote Smart – A non-profit, non-partisan site devoted to providing information primarily about candidates including positions, voting history, campaign finances, interest group rates, speeches, and public statements.
  • Arkansas Secretary of State Elections — State website featuring information on voting, elections, filing for office, and past election results.

For more information on voter registration, voting instructions, or great book recommendations on American civics, ask us at: askus@atu.libanswers.com.  Remember, sometimes the path to changing the world often begins by filling out a form.

Illustration depicting someone putting a piece of paper with the word "VOTE" into a box with stars. It says on the poster: "Register Today for a better tomorrow.

Designed by John Hornsby for the AIGA Get Out the Vote Campaign 2024. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

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Somebody’s Knocking at RPL Tonight

Posted on September 17, 2024 Written by

Join us at the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center for author and former KATV reporter, Jason Pederson, at 6:00 PM in RPL 300B.  This event is free and open to the public.

Photograph of Jason Pederson, former KATV reporter, wearing channel 7 pin on a dark suit label. He has blond hair, blue eyes, and large, straight teeth.Pederson is the author of Somebody’s Knocking: Lessons Learned from a Quarter Century of TV Reporting. The book recounts his work as KATV’s “7 on Your Side” reporter from 1999-2019. It was a role that allowed Pederson to investigate alleged bad actors and advocate for Arkansans who felt they had been wronged.

After a 26-year career in television, Pederson left KATV in 2019 to work for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. He is the agency’s deputy chief of community engagement and works to ensure that Arkansans are aware of services that exist for their benefit.

A native of Wisconsin, Pederson won an Emmy award, two Edward R. Murrow awards, several Arkansas Associated Press awards and was named the 2002 Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association Citizen of the Year.

One lucky attendee will win a FREE autographed copy of his book, Somebody’s Knocking.Front cover of the book, Somebody's Knocking, featuring Jason Pederson knocking on someone's door.

If you have any questions about the event or would like to know more information about the RPL Author Series. contact Luke Heffley, Special Projects Coordinator for the Ross Pendergraft Library, at (479) 964-0546.

Follow the Ross Pendergraft Library on Instagram or Facebook for news of future events and speakers.

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