Automotive and DIY Resources at ASL

While the main mission of the Arkansas State Library is to assist state agencies and state employees with government documents and other resources, we do also help other patrons with a wide range of requests.  We have several databases that may be of interest to anyone who wants to do their own automotive repairs or other DIY projects.  These and other databases can be accessed remotely by approved state employees, and in-house by the public.

• Auto Repair Reference Center : Contains information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles, with repair information for most vintage makes starting as far back as 1945. Database content includes approximately 26,000 vehicles covered from 1945 to present, over 150,000 factory drawings and step-by-step photographs, approximately 70,000 technical service bulletins, recalls issued by the original equipment vehicle manufacturer, over 100,000 enhanced wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing, specifications, and maintenance schedules. 
• Home Improvement Collection : Even the smallest home improvement project can be daunting: with this collection of nearly 100 home improvement focused titles, hobbyists and professional carpenters alike will immediately put their projects on a more solid foundation. Coverage includes such topics as architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and many more.
• Small Engine Repair Reference Center : This database serves as a reference and provides instructional information about small engine machinery maintenance and repair. SERRC contains the full set of small engine repair manuals from Clymer. These manuals contain thousands of accurate and concise step-by-step maintenance and repair instructions for hundreds of small engine machines and their supporting components. Routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, as well as more extensive repairs involving engine transmission disassembly are covered. Engines types include: motorcycles, ATVs, personal water craft, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, tractors, snow blowers, generators, and more.

We also have a large collection of Chilton repair manuals in the physical collection that are available for checkout.  For more information about our databases and eligibility for off-site access, visit our website.

Last chance to sign up for E-rate

Thursday marks the final day for schools and libraries to file E-rate paperwork for funding year 2011. If you are a potential recipient and need more information about the deadline, contact Amber Gregory, the state coordinator of E-rate services, at amber (at) library (dot) arkansas (dot) gov or call her at (501) 682-8576.

For the rest of you who may be interested in learning more about E-Rate, visit the E-rate page on our website. There you will find a description and more information about the program:

E-Rate is a program through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows schools and libraries to receive discounts on technology such as telecommunications and internet access.  By funding discounts on connectivity, E-Rate allows schools and libraries to keep pace with constantly evolving technology.

Earthquake preparedness and Relief options

We are all touched and saddened by the news that has been coming out of Japan this week following the earthquake and tsunami on Friday. If you are interested in making a monetary donation to relief organizations, consider using a charity rating system, such as Charity Navigator, to help decide which group to support. Charity Navigator ranks charities based on a variety of areas, including how much donor money actually gets to the people the charity serves.  Doctors Without Borders is rated as a 4-star (out of 4 stars) charity, as are World Vision and Save the Children. There are many 4 and 3 star charities to choose from.

Here in Arkansas, the earthquake in Japan, as well as the recent earthquake swarm near Greenbrier and Guy, should remind us to have emergency kits and plans in place, before a natural disaster strikes. For more information about how to prepare, visit Ready.gov, FEMA, and the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.

A quick patent video

Here is an interesting, short (4 minutes) video from the White House about the length of the patent process, and some of President Obama's suggestions for reforming the current system to make it more efficient.

 The Arkansas State Library is a Patent and Trademark Depository Library, and we offer inventors and businesses assistance in starting the patent or trademark process. We cannot help you to do the requisite patent or trademark searches, but we can show you the basics of the process and provide resources that try to demystify the process. If you have questions about the patent or trademark process, please get in contact with our reference staff. You can call us at (501) 682-2053, use the Ask a Librarian email form on our website, or come visit us in person, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

If you want to get started with the process or just want more information about the Patent and Trademark Office, you can visit their website and click on the appropriate section.

Disaster Preparedness

On Sunday evening, we had the most powerful earthquake in Arkansas in 35 years. It even made the New York Times!  The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has provided a page with helpful tips to help you get prepared, in case the next earthquake is even bigger.

Earthquakes aren't the only natural disasters that hit Arkansas - we also get tornadoes, fires, floods, and the occasional ice storm. The best way to stay safe in such events is to be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has information about disaster preparedness kits, for home, work and school.

Spring is on its way here in Arkansas. Why don't you take some time out of your spring cleaning to make an emergency kit for your family?