Traveling with the Arkansas Traveler

Posted on March 24, 2025 Written by

Did you know that many of the online databases and ebook collections available at Arkansas Tech University are actually provide freely for the whole state of Arkansas?  This state collection is called the Arkansas Traveler Program, with an aim to provide educational resources to everyone, regardless of institutional affiliation.

When Google is not enough and valid sources are hosted behind paywalls, the Arkansas Traveler project can make it possible for school children, college students, faculty researchers, and ordinary Arkansans to access scholarly articles, educational videos, language instruction, and thousands of ebooks on a variety of subjects.

So what’s included?  Here’s a short list of our most popular resources provided by the Arkansas Traveler Program:

  • ProQuest Central – A multidisciplinary one-stop database covering scholarly journal articles, periodicals, videos, disssertations & theses, newspapers, and more.
  • ProQuest One Business – A large business database encompassing millions of full-text items including company reports, industry reports, scholarly articles, and more.
  • ProQuest One Literature – The largest database we have for literature. Includes literary criticism, biography, and full-text access to more than 500,000 works of poetry, drama, and prose.
  • Pronunciator – A language learning application that includes step-by-step lesson plans for 163 languages, ESL courses, and American Sign Language courses. It includes an app to keep track of your progress without an owl.
  • Research Companion – A series of videos, tools, and resources to help students do more effective research, evaluate sources, and synthesize that research into their own papers.
  • Ebook Central – A multidisciplinary collection of ebooks. While some are provided by ATU, many of the ebooks in this collection are provided from the Traveler program

Many other resources are funded by the Traveler program.  To see which ones, go to our A-Z databases page, and look for the blue icon: “ASL Traveler.”

A screenshot of a database link to the resource "ABI/INFORM Collection (now part of ProQuest One Business" and a blue button with the words "ASL Traveler" appearing next to the link. There's a red arrow pointing to the blue button.

Funding for this program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.  For more on the Arkansas Traveler program, visit their FAQ page or Ask Your Librarian.

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Like Us? Love Us? Tell Us!

Posted on March 2, 2025 Written by

The annual library survey is now live and listening:

https://questionpro.com/t/ADooIZ3L5d

Tell us how the library’s collections, services, and spaces mattered to YOU in 2024.  If you’ve ever used our website or stepped foot in the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center, we want to hear what you think about your library.  The survey has been redesigned so you can finish faster and get back to studying for midterms.

Have you ever wanted something different in the library?  More study spaces?  More books?  Less noise? An entirely new floor with a cafeteria and espresso machine?

From now until March 21st, when the survey closes, is your chance to let us know how we can improve and what we’re doing right.

As a direct result of your feedback on past surveys, we’ve made a lot of changes already:

 

Photograph of diner booth seating at a library table, featuring two large, high-backed gray benches and a wooden, blond table.

  • You wanted more comfortable seating and more places in the library to study, so last summer, we renovated a part of the first floor, removed or relocated some outdated books, and added booth seating and study cubicles—creating more study spaces with more attractive, private, and comfortable seating.
  • Many of you said you wanted audiobooks on Libby, so we now have almost 600 of them through the Libby app. Now you can have more debates with your friends about whether listening to an audiobook counts as “reading.”
  • Snacks are now allowed! Just keep Dorito dust off the books.
  • We added a water bottle refill station on the first floor, near the restrooms.
  • Some of you said we want to stay more informed about the library, so we increased the quality and frequency of our social media presence.
  • We added a supply vending machine to get last minute scantrons, charging cables, and playing cards to get through the late-night study sessions.
  • Every year, we hear that you want more quality journal access, and every year, we try to deliver. This past year, we expanded JSTOR and added access to local and state newspapers with America’s News.
  • You told us some of the computers were getting slower, so we upgraded the Apple computers on the third floor and added docking stations to every floor so you can bring your laptop and plug and play (thanks to our good friends in the Office of Information Systems).
  • We can all agree the elevators were sometimes unreliable. Thankfully, they are now getting replaced.
  • Finally, many of you wanted a shorter survey to get through. Take it now and time us—we think it’s faster, but you tell us.

We hope you will continue to tell us what we do best and what we can do better on this year’s survey.  If you want a more direct approach, send us a text, email, or chat.  If you prefer the socials, we can be found on Facebook and Instagram.  No matter how you do it, let us know how we can make your library better.

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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.

Filed Under: Library

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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