Ottenheimer Library at UA Little Rock

Creativity met innovation during the AI Hackathon as students participated in a hands-on clay exercise led by Carolyn Wray and Erin Larkin and sponsored by Crystal Bridges and held on the 5th floor of Ottenheimer Library. Their unique creations will be on display, showcasing the power of imagination in the design process.

Join them for Demo and Pitch Day on June 12 from 2:00–5:00 p.m., where students will demonstrate and pitch their AI Health Tech ideas. Learn more: https://ualr.edu/event/ai-hackathon-healthtech-demo-and-pitch-day/

Sabertooth Cat Skull

Meet the Smilodon (specifically S. fatalis, also known as S. californicus), a ferocious apex predator that went extinct just 10,000 years ago. This skull—photographed by Kylie Colter right from the display case in our lobby—showcases the massive, saber-like canines used to subdue large prey like bison, ancient camels, and occasionally, early humans.

While this particular species ruled North America and is famously found in California's La Brea Tar Pits, these incredible cats spanned the globe. In fact, a stunning November 2024 discovery in Siberia unearthed a 35,000-year-old mummified cub frozen in permafrost—complete with its fur, claws, and whiskers intact. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime find giving scientists unprecedented insight into their lives.

Want to sink your teeth deeper into ancient history? You're in luck: the Museum of Natural History is coming to the 5th floor!

Until then, you can read more about the incredible frozen cub discovery here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-35000-year-old-saber-toothed-kitten-was-unearthed-in-siberiaand-it-still-had-its-whiskers-and-claws-180985488/

Welcome to the Trojan Family, incoming students! 📚 Ready for the New Student Orientation tomorrow? While you are on campus, stop by the library to find your future favorite study nook, check out our tech, or just grab some AC. We can't wait to meet you!

Happy ! 🦖

Visitors passing through the library’s first floor can catch a glimpse of an impressive sneak peek of the future 5th-floor Museum of Natural History: a cast of an Allosaurus hand.

To put this Jurassic predator into perspective, it stretched about 28 feet from head to tail. That is longer than a standard school bus!

Here are a few quick facts about this formidable dinosaur:

A Jurassic Icon: Living millions of years before Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus was the ultimate two-legged, meat-eating apex predator of its era.

Stegosaurus for Dinner: Fossil evidence shows these dinosaurs actively hunted Stegosaurus. With a bite force comparable to a modern wolf, they were highly efficient hunters.

Potential Pack Hunters: Because they were smaller than later giant theropods, some paleontologists speculate that Allosaurus may have hunted in packs to bring down massive, long-necked sauropods.

The display, curated by Syd Joheim, offers a fascinating break from studying and a preview of the incredible exhibits coming to the 5th floor.

Photos by Kylie Colter.
Qrtistic representations of Allosaurus by Fred Wierum.

Summer hours start today at Ottenheimer Library! ☀️📚

Beginning May 26 through August 7, the library will be operating on summer hours to support students all season long. Whether visiting to study, research, print, or simply recharge between classes, Ottenheimer Library is ready to welcome nursing students and the campus community this summer!

🕢 Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
🕢 Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🚪 Saturday: Closed
🕐 Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

It is Fossil Friday! Take a look at this Marine Oyster!

Exogyra (this oyster) is a common prehistoric oyster which lived in the warm seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous period. Yes, the kind of oyster you can eat with hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon, only they could grow to be the size of your head! This group of molluscs have been found in nearly half of all states in the US, including Arkansas! They can be found in South-Central AR, particularly in the Marlbrook Marl rock unit.

While these big shells may not be as flashy and fierce as some other fossils, they show scientists important parts of the prehistoric food chain and give us an idea of what these ancient ecosystems were like.

Shell-ebrate Fossil Friday with a visit to the first floor of Ottenheimer Library, where these prehistoric oysters are waiting in the display case, curated by Syd Joheimto, to make a splash!

Photos by Kylie Colter

☀️📚Ottenheimer Library’s Summer Hours begin May 26 and continue through August 7:

Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Whether stopping by to study, research, or recharge between summer classes, the library is here for you all summer long.

Congratulations to Jahzeel Escudero and Matthew McElhanon on their recent graduation from UA Little Rock! 🎓

Jahzeel earned an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Matthew graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and plans to continue his studies toward a graduate degree in Chemistry.

Pictured here, Computer Science student Manuel Gomez captures graduation photos in the library — and we’re honored our spaces could serve as part of these special memories. Congratulations to all of UA Little Rock’s 2026 graduates! ✨

Ottenheimer Library will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

A few of the staff from Ottenheimer Library, including Jessica and Marissa, spent this past Friday learning, connecting, and exploring new ideas at the ALPS InfoBits. It was held at the amazingly renovated Little Rock CALS Main Library Library. From engaging breakout sessions to conversations with library staff from across the state, the day was packed with inspiration and fresh tools to bring back to the workplace. Insightful sessions, meaningful networking, and even a delicious breakfast and lunch made for a fantastic day all around!