State Library provides free online resources to all Arkansas residents

State Library provides free online resources to all Arkansas residents

Public Information Specialist Arkansas State Library All Arkansas residents have free access to a powerful research tool provided by the Arkansas State Library.

The Traveler Database Project provides access to resources in business, economics, genealogy, history, languages, political science, religion, social sciences, technology and more.

One way to use Traveler is by going to one of over 900 libraries at colleges and universities, public libraries and elementary and secondary schools around the state.

But traveling to a library isn’t the only way to conduct research. Remote access to Traveler is available to anyone through a smartphone or computer.

All you need to know to use Traveler Remote Access is the web site: www.library.arkansas.gov/t raveler. Since Traveler is only available to Arkansas residents, you will have to provide your city, zip code and Arkansas phone number. This makes it very simple to get access from home, the office or even while traveling.

If you choose to go to your local library, you will need to use your library card to access Traveler. Approximately a third of Arkansas libraries have additional databases in their collections. Many Arkansas public libraries offer remote access through their web sites.

What resources are available in Traveler?

• CLCD (Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database) – Reviews to over 2.5 million fiction and non-fiction titles for PreK12 grade.

• LearningExpress – A platform that helps with ACT prep, basic skills, citizenship, computer applications, test preparation and more in Adult Learning Center; Career Center; College Preparation Center; College Center; Computer Skills Center; High School Equivalency Center; Recursos para Hispanohablantes (Spanish Center); School Center (gr. 4 & up)

• Pronunciator – Learn any of 80 languages with a choice of self-directed lessons – Beginner to Advanced (for all ages), Travel Prep, HealthCare Courses – with 50 languages that are English as a Second Language.

• ProQuest – A variety of topics and sources in 50 databases including business, education, health, politics, science, technology and more. This subscription also includes access to close to 80,000 non-fiction ebooks.

• World Book – Seven encyclopedias and resources from a very wellknown source that covers all ages from PreK through college level.

Why go to Traveler instead of just searching the Internet?

The databases in Traveler are reliable resources that include familiar magazines, newspapers as well as other resources, images and videos. There are no ads, no danger of spam or phishing attacks. You also have the option to save found articles.

Traveler began in 1997 and is funded by Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute for Museum and Library Services as well as the Arkansas Department of Education. This enables the Arkansas State Library to offer these online resources to all Arkansans at no charge.

From Danny Koonce