Dog Days of Summer

Although this Texas summer has been mild in comparison to previous summers, it's still hot out there.

I have three dogs at home that I worry about while I'm at work so I used the library's Discovery@Tarleton service to locate some tips on keeping your beloved pets cool on a hot day.

Here are 10 tips I found from an article titled "Top Tips for a Cool Dog This Summer from Benny The Dog" from PR Newswire:

1. Provide plenty of fresh water

Always have fresh, cool water available at all times. Keep the water bowl in the shade and remember to carry a water bottle on walks.

2. Never leave your dog in the car on a hot day

Even when left for only a few minutes can cause brain damage or death. A car retains heat, even in the shade. Locked inside a car a dog can't cool down through panting because the air is too warm. An open window is not sufficient to keep a car cool enough.

3. Always provide access to shade

Ensure there is a shady area for your dog to retreat to. The temperature in the shade is considerably cooler than sitting under the sun.

4. Check for signs of heatstroke

Look out for early warning signs; excessive panting and drooling, a rapid heart rate, bright red tongue, very red gums or dizziness. In severe cases there could be; shock, coma, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

5. Exercise in the cooler hours

Early morning or late evening, walking in the cooler parts of the day is more comfortable for both dog and owner. Reduce exercise intensity on hotter days.

6. Go swimming

For water loving dogs swimming is one of the best forms of exercise in hot weather. Include water fetch toys to safely increase enjoyment for both dog and owner.

7. Use a dog cooling jacket

For longer walks or days out consider using a dog cooling jacket. This provides evaporative cooling, exchanging the dog's heat for the cool water stored in the jacket.

8. Use a cooling pet mat

These specialist dog beds use cooling gel technology to create a lower temperature than your dog.

9. Give your pet a frozen dog toy

Specially designed freezing toys can provide a satisfying treat to cool dogs on hot days.

10. Use dog boots

As heat rises from the ground, concrete or tarmac surfaces can become hot. Dogs both absorb and release heat through their paws. Boots help to isolate the heat and offer protection from hot pavements.

"Top Tips for a Cool Dog This Summer from Benny The Dog." PR Newswire 30 June 2014. Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 16 July 2014.

How do you keep your pets cool in the summer? 

Want to find more helpful hints using Discovery@Tarleton? 

Feel free to contact us for assistance in navigating Discovery or any of our other databases available:

(254)968-9249

reference@tarleton.edu 

Library Database: WorldCat

Did you know that the library has access to several databases on a wide variety of topics? With so many choices, the A-Z database list may seem intimidating. 

Here's a quick look at one of the databases which is helpful and easy to use: WorldCat.

Let's start with what you can do with WorldCat (and no, it's not a database of cats; however, you could find an abundance of resources on cats and wild cats if you're curious).

WorldCat is "the world's most comprehensive database of library materials" which means you can look up any item to see libraries who possess it within their holdings. This is extremely useful for people who use TexShare as they can find a local library to check out materials from when they are not near a Tarleton library or if a Tarleton library does not have an item they are seeking.

Here's a look at WorldCat's Advanced Search. From this search page, you can look up an item by title, author, material type, ISBN, ISSN, etc. You also have other choices such as limiting the results to year, item type, language, number of libraries, and more.

Here's an example of a search for a book by title. The title, Zelda: a Biography, is one that we have in the Tarleton Libraries' holdings. 

When you select search, WorldCat will automatically select Tarleton Libraries as your default library so you should see Tarleton Libraries displayed within the availability results first.

WorldCat is a helpful tool to use especially if you know the exact item that you're seeking. If you are a frequent TexShare user, I believe that you should become familiar with this database as it could save you a trip or help you locate an item faster.

If you have any questions about WorldCat or how to use it, contact the Reference Department: 

(254)968-9249 or reference@tarleton.edu

Don't forget your flash drive!

"Gatorade USB Drive 2" by molotalk on Flickr.

Students sometimes forget their flash* drives, or other items, while at the library. 

Missing something? Stop by the Circulation Desk on the main floor so we can check our Lost and Found area for you. 

You can also call us at (254) 968-9450 to inquire about lost items.

In the meantime, don't forget to use a backup system for important documents:
1) email yourself a copy, 
2) save it in the "cloud" (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc),
3) use our scanner, and/or
3) use your Tarleton T:drive.


*also known as thumb, USB, or jump drives.

Backing up your documents

Here are some things you can do to make sure you don't lose that all-important essay right before it's due:

1. Save automatically.  Enable the save and recover features in Microsoft Word 2010.

2.  Use your Tarleton T: drive. Flash drives are great, but they are also easy to lose (people leave some behind every week in the library).  To save to your T: drive, click on File and Save As.  In the drop down box, click on the drive icon with your st_username (under Computer) and click Save.
Now you can access your document anywhere on campus (as long as you're using the NTNET network).

3.  Use the cloud. E-mail yourself a copy of the paper, or use a "cloud" service such as Google Docs (now called Google Drive) or Dropbox.

By the way, if you think you may have left your flash drive behind in the library, stop by the Circulation desk and ask a staff member to check our Lost and Found.

And remember, we're happy to help you find research items for your papers and to answer questions about citations, formatting, and more. Just stop by the Information Desk on the main floor.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Tips for Achieving Your Goals

Have you ever set a goal for yourself? I’m sure many of you have since you’re here at Tarleton State University! But, have you ever set a goal that you felt was impossible to achieve? If you’re having trouble meeting your goal(s), here are 10 great tips to help you achieve them!

Concentrate on 1-2 goals at a time
Prioritize
Create a plan
Create Milestones
Find a Goal Buddy
Know your work habits
Track your goals
Give yourself a reward
Learn to say no
Take time off to be social

If you would like to see the complete article on setting your goals and achieving them, click here.

Also, the Dick Smith Library has a few resources within its collection on setting goals.

Here are two electronic resources available:

Self-management & Personal Effectiveness: How to Achieve Your Personal Goals in Life and at Work

Coach Yourself to Success: 101 Tips from a Personal Coach for Reaching Your Goals at Work and in Life