Databases
To use our online resources, click on a subject area or browse the alphabetical list below. If you have questions about how to use them, please come by or call us at the Reference Desk, 246-0520. If you are using our online resources from home, you will need your Thomas Ford library card number to log in.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | PQ | R | S | U | V | W | XYZ |
Academic Search Complete
Full-text articles to support research in animal science, anthropology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, ethnic and multicultural studies, general science, geography, geology, law, mathematics, music, pharmaceutical sciences, physics, psychology, religion and philosophy, science and technology, veterinary science, women’s studies, and zoology. Includes access to video from the Associated Press (AP).
Ancestry
In Library Only – The most asked for collection of genealogical databases. Many state, national, and international resources are included.
Auto Repair Source
Offers a wealth of information to help you diagnose, repair, and maintain cars and vehicles. Includes service and repair procedures, diagrams, recall information, specifications, labor estimates, and parts pricing.
Biography in Context
Biography in Context includes nearly a million biographical entries spanning history and geography. Great for biography reports.
Black Life in America
The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.
Britannica Library (Away from Library)
Britannica Library is a respected general purpose encyclopedia. Adult, teen, and children’s versions of the encyclopedia are available on this site.
Business Source Premier
Full-text articles to support research in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, and operations management. Includes access to video from the Associated Press (AP).
Chicago Community Collection
Explore and stay informed on local topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources spanning the Chicago Sun-Times, the Doings and more. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.
Chicago Sun-Time Collection
Explore Chicago area history through local news, events and people with the Chicago Sun-Times Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.
Consumer Health Complete
Full-text articles to support research in aging, cancer, diabetes, drugs and alcohol, fitness, and nutrition. Includes teen health topics for teens and parents.
Consumer Reports
Access Consumer Reports online to find ratings and reviews of consumer products.
Creative Bug
Creativebug has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Heritage Hub
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information and potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900’s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7.
History Reference Center
Full-text articles to support research in history and genealogy and lesson plans to support student learning.
Legal Information Reference Center
Resources to assist you in legal matters of all kinds, including business law, financial planning, family law, property and real estate, and rights and disputes. Includes full text reference books from Nolo, the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses.
Literary Reference Center Plus
Novels, short stories, poems, plot summaries and synopses, and literary criticism. Research guides, lesson plans, and citation tools support student learning.
MasterFILE Complete
Find articles from almost 2400 magazines, journals, and reference books covering a variety of topics, including business, health, education, and current events. MasterFILE Complete also includes images, maps, and flags. Use this for general information and for researching articles on a specific topic.
Media on Demand/Libby
Read a selection of popular magazines online or download them to a tablet. Both current and back issues look just like paper editions.
Middle Search Plus
Resources to support middle school students, including biographies, magazines, primary source documents, photos, maps, and flags. Includes Sports Illustrated Kids, Scholastic News, National Geographic and dozens more. Articles include reading level indicators (Lexile).
Newspaper Source Plus
Full-text newspaper articles and television and radio transcripts. Includes the Associated Press (AP), CNN Wire, PR Wire, UPI (United Press International), Xinhua, The Chicago Citizen, and more.
NoveList K-8 Plus
Reading recommendations for kids’ fiction and nonfiction that you can search by Lexile, subject, and grade level.
NoveList Plus
Tell Novelist an author or a title you enjoyed and it will suggest similar reading. You may search for novels by subject, authors, and titles. Book book club discussion guides and essays are included.
Points of View Reference Center
Resources for students to understand issues, develop critical thinking skills, and develop persuasive arguments. Includes essays, overviews, articles, and transcripts on, citizens’ rights, earth and environmental issues, global issues, health and medicine, and media and communications.
Primary Search
Resources to support elementary school students, including encyclopedias specifically for kids, articles from children’s magazines including Highlights and Junior Scholastic, and a large image collection.
Science Reference Center
If you’re researching scientific topics, try the Science Reference Center. Topics include biology, chemistry, earth and space science, environmental science, health and medicine, history of science, life science, physics, science and society, science as inquiry, scientists, technology and wildlife.
WorldCat Discovery
WorldCat Discovery helps you find books, DVDs, music, and more in libraries around the world, and request items through your home library.