Reference and Research Sources

Power Search  or Quick Search

Gale PowerSearch gives you all the tools you need to search across multiple Gale collections of magazines, newspapers, and reference content, while efficiently managing your results. With the cross-search feature of Gale PowerSearch, you can search one, several, or even all available databases simultaneously. Search Tip Sheet. Click here for a full list of the databases. Click here for a full list of the collections searched.

 

Books and Reading Recommendations

  • Novelist – discover new titles and authors based on your favorite books.
  • NovelistK-8 – reading recommendations for grades K to 8, with the Novelist features you know and like.

Business Research

  • Business Insights: Essentials – Detailed company and industry news that includes profiles, company histories, brand information, rankings and investment reports, etc.
  • Morningstar Home Access – Morningstar.com Library Edition offers proprietary stock and mutual fund analysis, screening tools and portfolio-building features to library patrons.

Getting Started

  • Britannica Academic Edition –  Encyclopedia Britannica plus Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, magazines and periodicals, and many other research tools provides the variety of reliable sources that college students need to consult when conducting thorough collegiate research.
  • Britannica School –  the go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades Pre-K-12 and all reading abilities. Grade options available by clicking below.
  • Business Insights: Essentials – Detailed company and industry news that includes profiles, company histories, brand information, rankings and investment reports, etc.
  • Computers and Technology – Find computer-related product introductions, news and reviews in areas such as hardware, software, electronics, engineering, communications and the application of technology.
  • Educator’s Reference Complete –  Covers pre-school to college and most educational specialties, with federal and international reports and publications.
  • Expanded Academic ASAP – Starting point for academic research in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and technology.
  • General Reference Center Gold – Offers the latest content covering current events, popular culture, business and industry trends, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.
  • Health Reference Center Academic – Multi-source database provides access to the full text of nursing and allied health journals, plus the wide variety of personal health information sources in InfoTrac’s award-winning Health Reference Center.
  • Opposing Viewpoints in Context – Engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information and opinions on hundreds of today’s hottest social issues.
  • Oxford Islamic Studies Online – Features reference content and commentary by renowned scholars in areas such as global Islamic history, concepts, people, practices, politics, and culture, and is regularly updated as new content is commissioned and approved under the guidance of the Editor in Chief, John L. Esposito. This database has been made possible thanks to the Bridging Cultures Grant. Please note: Home access is not available.
  • Research in Context –  Created for middle-schoolers, combines reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more.
  • X-Plain Patient Education Health Tutorials – More than 1400 educational videos with basic health information about illnesses or conditions, medical tests and procedures. Versiones en español de este contenido también están disponibles aquí.

 For Students

  • ABCMouse.com – Helps children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners to succeed in pre-K, kindergarten, and early elementary school programs.
  • Britannica Academic Edition –  Encyclopedia Britannica plus Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, magazines and periodicals, and many other research tools provides the variety of reliable sources that college students need to consult when conducting thorough collegiate research.
  • Britannica School –  the go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades Pre-K-12 and all reading abilities. Grade options available by clicking below.
  • Kids InfoBits – Designed especially for students in kindergarten through grade five. Complete with an engaging, developmentally appropriate graphic interface, premier reference content and the best magazines for elementary students, Kids InfoBits addresses the way kids learn and conduct research.
  • Opposing Viewpoints in Context – Engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information and opinions on hundreds of today’s hottest social issues.
  • Research in Context –  Created for middle-schoolers, combines reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more.

For Parents

  • ABCMouse.com – Helps children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners to succeed in pre-K, kindergarten, and early elementary school programs.
  • Kids InfoBits – Designed especially for students in kindergarten through grade five. Complete with an engaging, developmentally appropriate graphic interface, premier reference content and the best magazines for elementary students, Kids InfoBits addresses the way kids learn and conduct research.
  • NovelistK-8 – reading recommendations for grades K to 8, with the Novelist features you know and like.

Genealogy

  • Ancestry.com (In-library access only) – Includes U.S. Federal census, American genealogical biographical index, immigration list index and more.
  • Castle Garden Immigration Center – is an educational project of The Battery Conservancy. This free site offers access to an extraordinary database of information on 11 million immigrants from 1820 through 1892

 Health

  • Health Reference Center Academic – Multi-source database provides access to the full text of nursing and allied health journals, plus the wide variety of personal health information sources in InfoTrac’s award-winning Health Reference Center.
  • Health Tutorials – More than 300 educational videos with basic health information about illnesses or conditions, medical tests and procedures.
  • Merck Manuals – A very informative consumer health database.

Magazine and Newspaper Resources

  • Academic OneFile – The premier source for peer-reviewed, full-text articles from the world’s leading journals and reference sources. Extensive coverage of the sciences, technology, medicine, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects.
  • Directory of Open Access Journals – A service that covers free, full-text, quality controlled scientific and scholarly journals.
  • General OneFile – A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily.
  • Google News Archive – Search and explore information from historical archives dating back over 200 years. For a quick how-to on using Google News Archive see this post on the Free Technology for Teachers blog.
  • Infotrac Newsstand (Gale) – Full-text newspaper database has several NY newspapers, including the NY Times from 1985-Present, as well as over fifty national and international newspapers. Click here for a title list. (Full-text)
  • NYS Newspapers – Collection of ten major newspapers published in New York State, searchable by section, keyword or relevance. (Full-text)
  • Press Reader – All you can read newspapers and magazines from around the globe. For use in the library, click here.

Online Courses

  • Driving-Tests.org – In partnership with Driving-Tests.org, the Westchester Library System is proud to offer free New York State Driver Permit practice tests and driver handbooks. Automobile, motorcycle and commercial handbooks and practice tests are available.
  • First Find – Has basic information on easy to read websites.
    • Learn English – Practice and learn English using several websites that include: Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening, Reading, Pronunciation and Writing. Test your progress with games and quizzes.
    • Get Your GED – Connect to websites that can help build your knowledge and skills you will need to pass the GED. You will also find general information about the GED and how to take the GED test in New York State.
    • Basic Computer Tips – How computers work and tutorials on how to use software.
  • LearningExpress Library 3.0 – Register for new interactive tutorials with integrated assessments; individualized prescriptive learning study plans; detailed guidance; tests with multiple modes for study; and score reports with recommendations for additional study. New platform that offers all of the same great content found in version 2.0 with improved functionality; easier-to-use navigation. Your login from version 2.0 will not work on this platform.
  • Lynda.com – A leading online learning company that helps anyone learn software, technology, creative and business skills to achieve personal and professional goals through a video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. Note: If you need to reset your password, please call Lynda at 1-888-335-9632. Select option 2 and specify that you are calling regarding Lynda Library.
  • Mango Languages – Online language learning through conversations and films, with over 60 foreign language courses featuring native speakers.
  • University of Fashion – Brings together the best fashion industry professionals to create lessons that inspire and educate students, teachers, home sewers and the fashion curious.

En Español

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