The Library for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Arkansas State Library is the local network operator of the National Library Service at the Library of Congress. The National Library Service (NLS) is a free library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Eligible patrons may receive books and magazines in braille or audio format, through free mail delivery or digital download.

The Arkansas State Library is the only designated PTRC for the state of Arkansas. Our patent librarians work closely with the United States Small Business Administration, various divisions within the Arkansas Department of Commerce, and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to promote awareness of intellectual property rights and help facilitate entrepreneurship and small business development within Arkansas.

Active Arkansas state employees of non-education institutions may register for remote access to the State Library’s subscription database collection. Traveler resources are remotely accessible by all Arkansas citizens.

The mission of the Arkansas State Library is to serve as the information resource center for state agencies, legislators and legislative staffs, to provide guidance and support for the development of local public libraries and library services, and to provide the resources, services, and leadership necessary to meet the educational, informational and cultural needs of the citizens of Arkansas. The agency administers state and federal funds appropriated for libraries and library development, including State Aid To Public Libraries funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds (formerly Library Services and Construction Act). The goals of the State Library

Mockingbird, Arkansas’ statewide virtual union catalog, allows libraries throughout the state to share their catalogs with other libraries and with library users.

Registered patrons of the Library for the Blind and Print Disable can receive books, magazines and music materials in braille or audio format, through free mail delivery or digital download. Find the available materials for the LBPD.

Traveler is a program where the Arkansas State Library pays to provide a statewide collection of digital resources. The State Library contracts for Traveler resources to run on a three-year subscription cycle.