Thursday, June 28, 2012

Stay cool out there!

Summer has truly arrived in Central Arkansas, with temperatures predicted to be about 100 for the next few days. Extreme heat can be deadly, especially for vulnerable members of the population, such as the elderly, disabled and young children; according to the National Weather Service, it is the number one weather-related killer in the country. For tips on how to cope with the heat and how to recognize the various forms of heat distress, check out the CDC Extreme Heat guide.

If you are in Little Rock and the surrounding areas, the city will be opening cooling centers for citizens to come in and cool off. The Salvation Army is also opening a cooling center at 1111 Markham in downtown Little Rock.

Libraries are also a good place to go to escape the heat, and find something to read while you rest inside. To find a public library location near you, check out the Central Arkansas Library's web page. The Arkansas State Library is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, we are air conditioned, and we have books about cold places to help you think cool thoughts.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Job-seeking resources at ASL

The Arkansas State Library has developed several online resource lists on the RAISE section of the website to help job-seekers. RAISE stands for Resource Assistance in Seeking Employment. The two pages that I would like to highlight here are the Job Links page and the ASL Resources page.

The Job Links page lists websites of recruitment websites for state and national jobs, many of which also include other resources for job seekers. It includes several links specifically for veterans, as well as two for librarians.

The ASL Resources page contains lists of print and electronic resources available through the library to help job seekers improve their resumes, prepare for tests, and conduct efficient job searches. It is only a partial list, so be sure to check our catalog or contact our reference staff for more information.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Reference! Services!

Time once again for your semi-regular reminder about the reference services available at the Arkansas State Library.  While our primary mission is to serve state agencies and state employees, we are ready and willing to answer questions from the general public, public librarians, school teachers, college students, high school students, and everyone in between. If we can't find the answer in our databases and print collections, we will do our best to find someone who does have the answer.  You can contact us by phone during office hours at (501) 682-2053, or any time by using our handy Ask a Librarian form, or by writing us at:

Arkansas State Library, Attn. Reference
900 West Capitol, Suite 100
Little Rock, AR 72201

Please include a reliable way to reach you; if you have email but only check it once a month, make sure we also have a phone number and/or mailing address.

If you prefer, you can also come to the library and speak to us in person.  Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.  If you would like a patent search tutorial, you might want to call ahead and make an appointment, otherwise, please feel free to just drop by.

We generally answer questions within 24 hours, except during weekends and holidays.There are no fees for asking a question, nor do we charge for obituary searches.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Get Cultured

There are many great cultural events happening in and around Little Rock this month. Here are just a few, with links to more information:
  • The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, also known as The Rep, is getting ready for its final play of the season, A Loss of Roses by William Inge. Shows run June 15th through July 1st.
  • The Weekend Theater is presenting the musical Spring Awakening, June 8th through July 1st.
  • And, nearest to this librarian's heart, the 2012 season of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre opens tonight with an outdoor performance of Twelfth Night at the Village at Hendrix in Conway. The festival runs throughout the month of June, with performances of Twelfth Night - both in Conway and at Wildwood Park - Richard III, and a musical adaptation of Huck Finn, Big River. There is also a children's version of The Tempest on the schedule. All UCA students, faculty, and staff are allowed one free ticket with a valid UCA ID.