Howard County Library System

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Online Resources Alphabetically

GALE PowerSearch:





A

  • ABC-CLIO eBook Collection
    This tool for middle and high school students includes more than 7,000 encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, and guides on topics from business to world history.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Academic OneFile Select (Gale)
    Collection of scholarly journals and general interest titles that covers everything from art and literature to economics and the sciences.
  • AMA DoctorFinder – free website
    This is a free web site provided by the American Medical Association. Includes more than 690,000 American doctors. Physicians can be searched by name or by specialty and location, and listings include such information as education, specialty, hospital affiliation, and type of practice.
    Full-Text Articles
  • American Periodicals
    Search almost 2,000 magazines and journals published from colonial days to the dawn of the 20th century.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Ancestry Library Edition
    Find billions of records from around the world, including census and vital records, immigration and passport records, plus periodicals, books and photos. ** Not available from home. Ancestry must be accessed from computers within library branches.
    Full-Text Articles
    Only available within the library.

  • Archives Unbound (Gale Primary Sources)
    Search primary source materials related to Maryland history, such as Maryland’s city and business directories from 1752-1929, letters and reports from the War of 1812, Confederate newspapers, and more.
    Full-Text Articles
  • ArtistWorks
    Learn an instrument, vocal techniques, or art skills from award-winning teachers with these free self-paced online video classes. Classes include traditional instruments such as piano and guitar as well as less common ones such as mandolin and ukulele. Click on the “get a pass” button to sign in with your library card number and get 30 days of access to music lessons.
  • AtoZdatabases
    Detailed directory including contact information for residents and households, businesses and executives, and healthcare professionals. Also has a job search feature.
    Directory Listings

B

C

  • CAREAPP – free website
    Led by Howard County Health Department, CAREAPP helps you find local services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more.
  • CareerOneStop – free website
    This free website by the Department of Labor allows you to learn about new career paths, find training, search job ads, and includes helpful tips for job hunters.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Cisco Networking Academy – free website
    Prepare for a new career in a technology field or brush up on your digital literacy skills. Available classes cover topics of Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Linux Operating System.
  • cloudLibrary
    Use the free cloudLibrary app to browse, check out, download and read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks. Borrowing limit of 8 titles, loan period of 21 days.

  • Communications and Mass Media (Gale OneFile)
    Academic journals and magazines focusing on all aspects of the communications field. Key subjects covered in the database include advertising and public relations, literature and writing, linguistics, and more.
  • Consumer Reports
    Find reviews of products, such as appliances, electronics, home and garden items, kids’ items, and more.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Coronavirus Research Database by ProQuest
    A collection of journal articles, preprints, conference proceedings, dissertations, and more info related to COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. Includes comprehensive research background coverage of past pandemics and epidemics, like MERS and SARS, to give researchers, students, and medical workers context around the current global crisis.
    Full-Text Articles

D

  • Digital Maryland – free website
    An electronic collection of historical and cultural documents, images, audio, and video held by notable Maryland institutions.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Diversity Studies (Gale OneFile)
    Collection of journals that explores cultural differences, contributions and influences in the global community.
  • Driving-Tests.org – free website
    Prepare to take the written Maryland driving exams for cars, motorcycles, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) with this series of free online tests.

E

  • EBSCO eBook Collection
    A collection of ebooks on many different topics ranging from arts & architecture to true crime.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Economics and Theory (Gale OneFile)
    Academic journals and magazines focusing on topics in economics and related fields.
  • Educator’s Reference Complete (Gale OneFile)
    Provides periodical and journal articles on multiple levels of education from preschool to college, and every educational specialty—such as technology, bilingual education, health education, testing, administration and more.
  • Elementary research (Gale In Context)
    Authoritative, age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned digital content covering a broad range of educational topics including Animals, Arts, Geography Literature, Social Studies, Technology, and more.

  • Entrepreneurship (Gale OneFile)
    Academic journals and magazines perfect for both business school students and entrepreneurs. The database offers content that includes insights, tips, strategies and success stories.

F

  • FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center – free website
    Use this web site to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.
  • Fine Arts (Gale OneFile)
    Periodical database for serious students of drama, music, art history, and filmmaking.
  • Foundation Directory Online
    Research 110,000 funders and more than 1.3 million recent grants made to institutions.
    Directory Listings
    Only available inside the following branches:
    • Central Branch
    • Miller Branch
  • Foundation Grants to Individuals (now included in Foundation Directory Online)
    Search 6,200 foundation programs that fund students, artists, researchers, and other individuals.
    Directory Listings
    Only available inside the following branches:
    • Central Branch
    • Miller Branch
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – free website
    This U.S. Department of Education free web site is an essential destination for the parents of college age students because filling out an FAFSA form is the first step when you apply for federal student grants, work-study aid, and loans. You may also use this form to apply for most state and some private aid. While print FAFSA forms are widely available, this web site allows you to fill out and deliver the form online. Also included on this site is the online equivalent of the print Federal School Code List.
  • Free DMV Permit Practice Tests – free website
    Prepare to take the written test for your Maryland learner’s permit with these practice tests.
  • Freegal Music
    Log in with your library card and PIN to download and stream music. Choose from more than 7 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. HCLS customers can download up to three DRM free songs each week and stream up to three hours of music per day. 3 downloads per week and unlimited streaming.

G

  • Gale Courses
    More than 300 six-week online classes on a variety of topics, including business, technology, health care, personal development, the arts, and hobbies.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Gale eBooks [formerly Gale Virtual Reference Library]
    This tool offers electronic access to encyclopedias, almanacs, and other research books that, in earlier days, were only available in print. Includes eBooks on a broad range of topics from arts to technology.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Gale LegalForms
    Maryland-specific legal forms for routine situations like name changes, power of attorney, lease agreements, wills, and business transactions. These forms are fill-in-the-blank, downloadable, and continuously updated to reflect the latest laws. Also includes definitions of common legal terms, legal Q&As, sample letters, and a law digest.

  • Genealogy Connect (Gale)
    Features research and e-books on topics such as genealogy best practices, immigration, Atlantic states, the American Revolution, and much more.
    Full-Text Articles
  • General OneFile (Gale)
    Large general interest resource for full-text periodicals and popular magazines.

H

  • HeritageQuest
    Some overlap with Ancestry.com, but this tool has a strong collection of family and local history e-books, and is also accessible from your home computer.
    Full-Text Articles, Directory Listings
  • High School research (Gale In Context)
    Resource for papers, projects, and presentations that empowers the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills with content aligned to national and state curriculum standards.
  • Home Improvement (Gale OneFile)
    Offers more than 4.5 million articles from more than 200 home improvement-focused titles, covering topics including architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and others.
  • hoopla
    Stream and temporarily download movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers. Follow the “Sign Up” instructions to begin and then “Sign In” on subsequent visits. No holds lists and borrowing limit of 10 titles per calendar month. Lending period depends on format.

  • Howard County Government – free website
    The official web site of the Howard County Government. This free resource can be used to locate county agencies and information about county services.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Howard County Government Map & Data Website – free website
    View local GIS datasets and maps of green infrastructure, local crimes, health inspections, historic sites, and more. Also includes aerial photos from 1943 – present.
  • Howard County Office of Workforce Development – free website
    Provides personalized services to assist local job seekers and businesses with all of their employment needs.
    Full-Text Articles

I

  • Indigenous Peoples of North America
    Find short films, photos, newspaper articles, manuscripts, and much more about Native Americans.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Infobase eBooks
    Ebooks for high school and college students on careers, current issues, business, literature, math, science, the arts, and U.S. History. Most of these ebooks are about topics in literature. ** Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when accessing this resource.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Interactive Science
    This tool brings biology, chemistry, earth, and space science to life, letting users explore 3D models by zooming in, rotating, or pulling them apart. Currently not available for mobile devices.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Interlibrary Loan (Marina)
    Marina is the interlibrary loan system for Maryland’s libraries. Use Marina to borrow books that are not owned by Howard County Library System.
    Directory Listings

K

  • kanopy
    Stream more than 30,000 films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform by downloading the kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. Limit of 8 play credits and 3 Great Courses per month. Lending period of 2 to 3 days per title.
  • Kelley Blue Book – free website
    This free web site is a useful place to find pricing information for both new and used cars, motorcycles, jet skis, and snowmobiles. It also provides automotive reviews and ratings. A similar service is edmunds.com, though it seems to focus exclusively on automobiles. Local information on automobile pricing and availability can be found in the print and online automotive pages of the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post.
    Directory Listings

L

  • LearningExpress Career Preparation Center
    Learn more about various career fields, improve your job searching, networking, interviewing, and teamwork skills, and study for job-related exams.
  • LearningExpress Library
    Practice tests for AP exams, the GED, the SAT, grad school entrance exams, and various jobs. Also includes tutorials on math skills, writing skills, and citizenship requirements.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Liberty Magazine Historical Archive (1924 – 1950)
    This once-popular weekly U.S. magazine featured contributions from some of the biggest politicians, celebrities, authors, and artists of the 20th Century.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Library of Congress Digital Collections – free website
    Maps, photos, letters, diaries, newspapers, sound recordings, and short films from throughout American history.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Life Magazine Archive (1936 – 2000)
    Life was a popular photojournalism magazine featuring story-telling through documentary photographs and informative captions, providing subscribers with intimate views of real people and their real life situations.
    Full-Text Articles
  • LinkedIn Learning for Library [formerly lynda.com]
    More than 16,000 on-demand streaming video classes taught by real-world experts on technical skills, creative techniques, and business strategies. Free mobile app available. When asked to enter library ID, please type hcls (all lowercase letters). You will then be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN. ** Please note that you must use the login link on this page. You cannot sign in from your personal LinkedIn profile.

  • Literature Resource Center (Gale)
    Find biographies, reviews, literary criticism, primary sources, and topic overviews.
    Full-Text Articles
  • LitFinder (Gale Literature)
    Find more than 145,000 poems, short stories, essays, speeches, and plays representing the work of more than 79,000 authors.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Little Pim
    Designed to expose young children (ages 0-6) to foreign languages. Mango's Little Pim offers 15 different languages, and teaches children 60 words and phrases per session.
  • lynda.com [now LinkedIn Learning for Library]

M

  • Mango
    Online training for adults in 45 different foreign languages. Also includes lessons for individuals in need of English as a second language training. You must create a free account to keep track of your learning progress.

  • Marina (Interlibrary Loan)
    Marina is the interlibrary loan system for Maryland’s libraries. Use Marina to borrow books that are not owned by Howard County Library System.
    Directory Listings
  • Maryland Digital NewsBank
    Read 45 local Maryland newspapers (including the Howard County Times and Columbia Flier) online. Text-only; no photographs or advertisements. Also includes text-only versions of 27 magazines such as Washington Family Magazine, National Review, and Slate, plus special reports on hot topics like world health.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Maryland Manual On-Line: A guide to Maryland & its government – free website
    The official directory of Maryland state government with information on state, county, and municipal governments.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Maryland State Job Postings – free website

  • Maryland Workforce Exchange – free website
    Find info on upcoming job fairs and recruitment opportunities as well as the top Maryland employers who are currently hiring.
  • Maryland.gov – free website
    The official government web site of the Maryland, including information for residents, business, and visitors.
    Full-Text Articles
  • MedlinePlus – free website
    This web site by the National Institutes of Health is a very thorough encyclopedia containing information about diseases, conditions, wellness issues, drugs, supplements, and more.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Middle School research (Gale In Context)
    Created specifically for middle schoolers, this resource combines reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more.
  • Morningstar’s Investing Center
    Includes detailed information on stocks, mutual funds, bonds, ETFs, and other investments. ** Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when accessing this resource.
    Full-Text Articles
  • MUZZY Online
    Aimed at kids ages 6 and up, this service uses interactive lessons, stories, and songs to teach eight different foreign languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, and English).
  • MyHeritage Library Edition
    One of the most internationally diverse genealogy databases of its kind with more than 6 billion historical records from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Includes exclusive family tree profiles from Geni. New collections added monthly.

N

  • National Geographic Kids
    Includes National Geographic Kids magazine as well as videos, photos, and e-books on animals, the environment, history, places, science & tech, and people & cultures.
    Full-Text Articles
  • National Geographic Virtual Library
    Includes National Geographic magazine from 1888 to the present as well as recent issues of National Geographic Traveler.
    Full-Text Articles
  • New York Times (1980 – present)

  • New York Times Archives (1851 – 2019)

  • News (Gale OneFile)
    Searchable access to more than 2,300 major U.S. regional, national, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. It also includes thousands of images, radio, and TV broadcasts and transcripts.
  • NextReads
    Are you looking for books to read in your favorite genres? Sign up for our e-newsletters and get great book suggestions by e-mail.
  • Nineteenth Century U.S. Newspapers
    Features full-text and images from urban and rural papers throughout America in the 1800s, with an emphasis on topics such as the American Civil War, African-American culture and history, Western migration, and Antebellum-era life.
    Full-Text Articles
  • NorthStar Digital Literacy – free website
    Online, self-guided assessments measure mastery of basic and advanced computer skills. Build skills in key areas and demonstrate your knowledge by earning badges. Topics include: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, advanced skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Social Media and Using Technology in Daily Life.
  • NoveList
    Adults and teens can find books of interest by searching for favorite authors or genres. Read book reviews and see best-of lists. ** Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when accessing this resource.
    Full-Text Articles
  • NoveList K-8
    Students in grades K-8 (and their teachers) can find book suggestions for their next great read. ** Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when accessing this resource.
    Full-Text Articles

O

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – free website
    This free website by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics includes information such as required training, wage levels, and growth outlook for almost any job imaginable.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Online Homework Assistance (Brainfuse)
    This service by Brainfuse offers live tutoring seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. for all grade levels.
  • OverDrive / Libby (Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium)
    Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, or magazines to your computer, tablet, Kindle, or smartphone. Use OverDrive’s website to send eBooks to your Kindle, or use Libby, the free mobile app, to borrow and read instantly on your mobile device. Libby is available in the iTunes App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft. Borrowing limit of 10 titles at a time and place up to 10 holds at a time. Lending period up to 21 days.

  • OverDrive / Libby eMagazines
    Find current & past issues of your favorite popular magazines. All magazine issues are instantly available -- no waiting lists. Also, eMag issues don't count towards your OverDrive checkout limit of 10 eBooks/eAudiobooks.

  • Oxford Reference
    A collection of more than 40 ebooks from Oxford focusing on history and the arts.
    Full-Text Articles

P

  • PebbleGo
    Designed for PreK through third grade students, PebbleGo features built-in reading and research tools expertly leveled for new readers. Audio supports navigation, and articles include narrated text, highlighting, audio, and video. Topics include Animals, Earth and Space, Biographies, and Social Studies.
  • People’s Law Library of Maryland – free website
    This site, maintained by the state of Maryland, provides resources to help you evaluate your legal situation, research the law, file cases, prepare for court, appeal a decision, and more. Find info about consumer law, criminal law, domestic violence, family law, probate, and much more.
  • Peterson’s Test and Career Prep (Gale Presents)
    Use the VisualCV resume creator tool, the cover letter editor, or the website editor to create attractive documents that promote your skills to employers. You can also research career overviews and take assessments to locate jobs that align with your values, personality, and interests. Find practice tests, courses, and test prep e-books for SAT, ACT, GED, and other major job tests, plus a scholarship and college search tool.
  • PressReader
    Read thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world and instantly translate them from one language into another. Only includes last 90 days of news, no historic archives.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Project Gutenberg – free website
    A digital library of more than 50,000 free eBooks, including many classic titles in epub and Kindle formats. Download eBooks to a device or read them online.
  • ProQuest Global Newsstream [formerly ProQuest Newsstand]
    Includes more than 1,600 U.S. and world newspapers, such as the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Toronto Star, the Guardian, etc.
    Full-Text Articles

R

  • Rosetta Stone Online
    Engage in the proven language immersion method that more than 22,000 schools and 12,000 businesses have trusted for over the last 20+ years. Select from 30 languages structured around core lessons in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Microphone required for speaking lessons. ** Important note: Only customers with library cards starting with 21267 can use Rosetta Stone. To get a 21267 card, please visit your nearest HCLS branch during business hours. Also, Rosetta Stone isn't licensed for classroom use. A+ student cards will not authenticate. For classroom use, please use Mango Languages instead.

S

  • Science (Gale OneFile)
    Helps researchers to remain current with the latest scientific developments in particle physics, advanced mathematics, nanotechnology, geology, and hundreds of other areas.
  • ScienceFlix
    Watch, read, and learn about science topics, including earth science, space science, life science, human health, physical science, and technology & engineering.
    Full-Text Articles
  • SIRS Issues Researcher
    Includes articles exploring hot topics in society. The pro/con organization of this information is helpful for assignments on opposing viewpoints.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Smithsonian Collections Online (Gale Primary Sources)
    Includes Smithsonian magazine as well as Air & Space magazine.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Storyline Online – free website
    The Screen Actors Guild Foundation records well-known actors reading children’s books and makes graphically dynamic videos so that children around the world can be read to with just the click of a Storyline Online video book image.

T

  • Teacher Reference Center (EBSCO)
    Indexing and abstracts for nearly 300 peer-reviewed journals. Topics covered include Best Practices, Curriculum Development, Literacy Standards, Pedagogical Research, Instructional Media, Language Arts, Science & Mathematics, School Administration, and more.
  • TeenBookCloud [formerly TumbleBookCloud]
    TeenBookCloud is a middle school and high school collection containing graphic novels, enhanced novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks.
  • Time Magazine Archive (1923 – 2000)
    Each issue of this prominent weekly magazine was intended to be read in under an hour. Time featured current events, politics, sports, and entertainment news and is an important resource for researchers studying 20th-Century history.
    Full-Text Articles
  • TrueFlix™
    Children who are proficient readers can watch a streaming video, read a nonfiction book, then further explore and research the subject matter through TrueFlix. TrueFlix also provides ideas and goals to assist beginning researchers with projects and homework assignments.
  • TumbleBook Library
    TumbleBooks are interactive picture books that children in grades K-6 can read or have read to them. Includes books in Spanish and French as well as graphic novels and math stories.

U

V

  • Value Line
    Online version of Value Line’s printed services that includes data, statistical analyses, projections, ratings, and surveys on stocks, funds, and other securities.
    Full-Text Articles
  • Vocations and Careers (Gale OneFile)
    Access to journals and magazines that aid users in researching a vocation, finding an appropriate institution of learning, job searching, and maintaining a career.

W

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