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Research Tools for Students

This is a collection of online newspapers, encyclopedias, reference books, and research tools for students working on homework and projects. They are sorted by subject:

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This resource may only be used within the libraryDatabases with this icon near the title may only be accessed from Lake County Public Library's public computers, located at each of our branches.

Science:

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National Geographic Virtual Library

A complete archive of National Geographic magazine - every page of every issue.

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Science In Context

In-depth articles, experiments, broad overviews, and biographies in every area of science from life sciences to space to technology. Tips for Using

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ScienceFlix

iPad/tablet ready science! Explore units on Earth Science, Technology and Engineering, Space, Biology, and Physics, each complete with articles, videos, quizzes, and experiments.

Language Learning:

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Mango Languages

Free languages courses in many languages. Some offer specialized language courses geared toward specific careers. View Tutorial

Biographies:

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Biography InContext

Comprehensive information on just about any famous person, including inventors, politicians, celebrities, and many others.

Can't Find It?
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If you can't find what you're looking for in any of our databases, give your local library a call. They can help you figure out which databases would be most helpful to you to further research your topic.

If you'd like to ask a librarian, but it's after library hours, just head over to our Ask a Librarian page! This form lets you contact us at any time of day or night. We'll get you an answer within 24 business hours. Happy researching!

Newspaper, Articles, Encyclopedias:

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Black Life in America

Comprehensive coverage of the African American experience from the early 18th century to the present day. Sourced from more than 19,000 American and global news sources, including over 400 current and historical Black publications.
Learn How to Use It

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Encyclopaedia Britannica

An excellent place for beginning research. General information on a variety of topics.

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Explora for Middle/Secondary Schools

Mobile-friendly topic search - an excellent starting point for research. Read reputable articles on any subject, or just browse for ideas. (via INSPIRE)

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Explora for Primary Schools

Mobile-friendly topic search - an excellent starting point for research. Read reputable articles on any subject, or just browse for ideas. (via INSPIRE)

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Explora for Public Libraries

Mobile-friendly topic search - an excellent starting point for research. Read reputable articles on any subject, or just browse for ideas. (via INSPIRE)

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General OneFile

Contains articles from newspapers and magazines from around the world. Searchable by audience, keyword, or publication title.

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NewspaperARCHIVE Library Edition

Browse through global and local newspaper articles dating back to 1607. Search by first and last name, dates, or regions.

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Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Presents the different sides of current events from several magazines and newspapers.

English & Reading:

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This resource may only be used within the libraryABCmouse.com

With 3,500+ interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, ABCmouse.com’s award-winning online curriculum is an invaluable resource for young learners (ages 2-6+). From Age of Learning, Inc.

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Dictionary of Literary Biography

Reliable information on authors and their works in an easy to understand, engaging format, while placing writers in the larger perspective of literary history.

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EBSCO Research Databases

Search more than 2.4 million e-books on a variety of subjects, including 450,000+ DRM-free titles.

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Gale Literary Sources

Search for academic articles, essays, and topics about literature. Includes items from Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and more.

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Literature Criticism Online

Browse articles about authors and their works, or browse by topic. Also includes a search engine that allows you to search for articles by year (helpful if you're required to have more recent sources!) Results from this resource are also included in Gale Literary Sources.

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Literature Resource Center

Contains full-text articles from journals and lit magazines, as well as critical essays, full-text works, and biographies. Designed to give the researcher contextual understanding of their topic. Results from this resource are also included in Gale Literary Sources.

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Scribner Writers Online

Original, scholar signed essays on the lives and works of authors from around the world from all time periods

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Twayne Authors Online

In-depth critical introductions to the lives and works of major writers of the world within the context of the time period in which they lived

History & Culture:

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AtoZ the USA

Information about the United States, including capitals, cities, rivers, lakes, and the states.

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AtoZ the World

Information about 176 countries for both students and travelers.

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AtoZ World Food

Traditional recipes for 174 countries of the world in all course categories, plus cultural information regarding dining etiquette, daily meals, and more. View Tutorial

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National Geographic Virtual Library

A complete archive of National Geographic magazine - every page of every issue.

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U.S. History inContext

Presents different perspectives on historical issues side-by-side.

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World History inContext

Presents different perspectives on world issues side-by-side. Includes biographies of important world players and overviews of major historical eras.

General Databases:

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Career Cruising

Learn more about a career path here! Career Cruising contains information about different careers as well as the steps you'll need to take to begin your own (such as courses of study required for different careers). Tips for using Career Cruising

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Driving-Tests.org

Everything you need to prepare to take your Indiana driving test! Contains FAQs and practice tests for cars, motorcycles, and CDL. Resources also available in Spanish!

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INSPIRE

A searchable database of databases, free to all Indiana residents. INSPIRE works at any LCPL location, but you can also create an account confirming your Indiana residency for home access. More info on home access

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LCPL Catalog

Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!

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LearningExpress Library

Practice tests, tutorials, articles, and study materials to help you prepare for tests like the ACT and SAT, the GED, GMAT and LSAT, the U.S. citizenship exam, career and licensure exams, and more. View Tutorial (Via INSPIRE)

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LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)

A library of video courses taught by industry experts. Learn business, software, technology, and creative skills! Take courses in 3D animation, music production, marketing, programming languages, and more. View tutorial

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MasterFILE Elite

Full text for nearly 2,300 periodicals covering general reference, business, health, education, general science, multicultural issues and much more. Also contains full text for more than 350 reference books, over 55,000 primary source documents, an image collection of nearly 1.9 million photos, maps and flags and more than 75,000 videos from the Associated Press. (via INSPIRE)