Databases are curated collections of articles, facts, images or other information compiled and published by experts or professionals in a particular field. Although accessed online, they are not websites — libraries and other institutions subscribe to provide access to these materials. With a library card you have 24/7 access to the GPL's databases.
Why do I need databases when I have the Internet?
The Internet offers huge amounts of information but no guarantee that a site is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Library databases save you time while providing high quality information in a commercial-free environment. Because the information comes from reliable sources, databases are a great resource for school papers and homework.
How do I access the library's databases?
All databases can be accessed from public computers in the library. Most databases are provided to public libraries in state-wide subscriptions by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners — anywhere in Massachusetts, just click on the link and you're in. A few resources restrict remote (or at-home) access to MVLC cardholders or Groton patrons — they will require logging in with your library card when you are away from the library building.
Please contact the Reference Desk if you need assistance or have questions about using our databases. Email or call 978-448-8000.
Can't find what you're looking for in GPL's database?
All Massachusetts residents are eligible to use Electronic Resources at the Boston Public Library. You can apply online for a BPL eCard.
Academic OneFile (Gale) This premier periodical resource provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources. Many academic journal articles provided in full-text, available in HTML and PDF formats. Also contains hundreds of podcasts and transcripts from NPR, CNN, and the CBC, as well as full-text New York Times content from 1985. [Go to database]
Academic OneFile Select (Gale) From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers - with full text and images. [Go to database]
Agriculture (Gale OneFile) Articles on farming, horticulture, and agriculture-related fields from nearly 200 authoritative journal titles. [Go to database]
American Ancestors (New England Historic Genealogical Society) Dozens of genealogical databases from the New England Historic Genealogical Society, including full text of the New England Historical and Genealogical Record, The Search for Missing Friends, and Massachusetts Vital Records 1841-1910. [In Library Access Only]
Ancestry Library Edition Thousands of family history databases, including vital records, census records, ship passenger lists, military records and lots more! [In Library Access Only]
Biography in Context (Gale) Biography In Context provides information and insight into the world's most influential people. This resource combines biographical information with multimedia and articles to present lives in context. [Go to database]
Boston Globe (ProQuest) Provides full text access to The Boston Globe - 1980-current. [Go to database]
Britannica Escolar (Primaria & Secundaria) [Go to database]
Britannica Library Edition A comprehensive reference resource with components for students and adults. A dictionary, a thesaurus, multimedia, and primary source materials are included. [Go to database]
Business (Gale OneFile) This collection contains articles on accounting, marketing and management, and related fields. [Go to database]
Communications and Mass Media (Gale OneFile) This collection provides information from more than 100 journals focused on the communications field. Key subjects covered include: marketing, advertising and public relations, literature and writing, linguistics, and more. [Go to database]
Consumer Reports Online More than 1,000+ Ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews, and product video clips from ConsumerReports.org. [In Library Access] [Home Access for Groton Residents]
Criminal Justice (Gale OneFile) The Criminal Justice Collection database focuses on all aspects of the criminal justice field. Publications include: American Criminal Law Review; Corrections Today; Criminal Justice; Criminal Justice Ethics; Forensic Examiner; Psychology Today; and more. [Go to database]
Culinary Arts (Gale OneFile) The Culinary Arts Collection includes 150 of the major cooking and nutrition magazines from 1980 to present. Coverage includes thousands of searchable recipes, restaurant reviews, and industry information. [Go to database]
Diversity Studies (Gale OneFile) A must-have for social science, history and liberal arts coursework, this collection explores cultural differences, contributions and influences in our global community. This set includes 150 journals. [Go to database]
EBSCOhost eBook Collection A collection of more than 7,000 e-books available to read online with some available for full download. Covering a wide range of nonfiction topics, as well as fiction for all ages. Includes "Complete Idiot's Guides" series. [In Library Access]
Economics and Theory (Gale OneFile) This collection provides academic journals and magazines focusing on topics in economics. Perfect for business classes, users will find more than 150 full-text journals to support their research. [Go to database]
Educate Station is an online resource offering a full curriculum for students from pre-K through 5th Grade. Created by a team of experienced educators from across the United States, it provides ready-to-use, hands-on activities for kids to do at home or at school. Weekly or monthly learning plans and worksheets. English language arts, math, science, social studies, social & emotional learning (SEL). [Go to database]
Elementary (Gale in Context) Learn about animals, plants, music science, sports, and more! For Grades K-5. A content-rich, authoritative, easy-to-use digital resource featuring age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content covering a broad range of educational topics. [Go to database]
Environmental Studies (Gale in Context) Understand environmental issues that affect people globally through topic overviews, journals, news, and multimedia content. [Go to database]
Environmental Studies and Policy (Gale OneFile) This collection provides multiple viewpoints of the field of environmental issues and policy including perspectives from the scientific community, governmental policy makers, as well as corporate interests. [Go to database]
Fine Arts (Gale OneFile) With more than 100 full-text magazines and journals covered in databases such as the Wilson Art Index and RILM, this collection provide resources to support research in areas such as drama, music, art history, and filmmaking. [Go to database]
Gardening and Horticulture (Gale OneFile) A collection of reference sources and journals focused on key issues in gardening, landscaping, and other areas of horticulture, this collection provides information for gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike. [Go to database]
Gender Studies (Gale OneFile) This collection of journals aims to provide balanced coverage of this significant aspect of our culture, covering such topics as gender studies, family and marital issues, health aspects, and many more. [Go to database]
General OneFile (Gale) Find magazine articles in popular, general-interest periodicals, with intuitive searching to tap into quality sources. [Go to database]
Global Issues (Gale in Context) Offers international viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, and current events. Portals bring together a variety of sources for analysis of social, political, military, economic, environmental, health, and cultural issues. [Go to database]
Health and Medicine (Gale OneFile) Includes the full text articles and images drawn from 40 nursing, allied health and medical journals; consumer health magazines; newsletters; pamphlets; newspaper articles; topical overviews; and reference books. Articles on:
Fitness, Pregnancy, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Public Health,
Occupational Health & Safety, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, HMOs,
Prescription Drugs, and more.
Material is intended for informational purposes only. This database was formerly known as Health Reference Center Academic. [Go to database]
Health and Wellness (Gale) Includes health/medical journals, numerous reference volumes, health videos from Healthology, Inc., pamphlets and health-related articles from general interest publications, in addition to a broad collection of Gale reference titles. Material is intended for informational purposes only. [Go to database]
HeritageQuest (ProQuest) Provides access to more than 4.4 billion historical and genealogical records. This essential collection of sources has coverage dating back to the 1700s and can help people both find their ancestors and discover a place's past. Census data, family records, local histories, tax lists, city directories, land and probate records, birth, marriage and death records, etc. All documents include original page images. [Go to database]
High School Edition (Gale OneFile) Find information on high school research topics plus pop culture, sports, and more the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports and more. [Go to database]
Home Improvement (Gale OneFile) Coverage includes such topics as architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and many more. [Go to database]
Hospitality and Tourism (Gale OneFile) Provides coverage of the hospitality and tourism field, including cultural aspects of travel, leisure activities, economic aspects of tourism, and more. [Go to database]
Information Science & Library Issues Collection (Gale OneFile) Information professionals and other knowledge workers will find information in their areas of expertise, including such topics as information infrastructure, data processing techniques, metadata architectures, and more. [Go to database]
Insurance and Liability (Gale OneFile) This collection, comprised of nearly 40 insurance-related journals, takes a broad view of this multimillion dollar industry, covering such topics as labor relations, mortgage banking, legal issues, and more. [Go to database]
Leadership and Management (Gale OneFile) Search authoritative periodical content covering topics like organizational dynamics, adult learning, and more. Updated daily. [Go to database]
LegalForms (Gale) – Massachusetts Thousands of official, state specific, federal, business, personal, real estate and general forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. [Go to database]
Literature Resource Center (Gale) Find up-to-date biographical information, overviews, full-text literary criticism and reviews on more than 130,000 writers in all disciplines, from all time periods and from around the world. [Go to database]
Middle School (Gale in Context) Academic articles, images, topic selections and more for Middle Schoolers. [Go to database]
Military and Intelligence (Gale OneFile) Find articles on governmental policies, socio-economics effects of war, and more. Includes The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia and The World Almanac and Book of Facts. [Go to database]
The New York Times (Gale) This database includes full-text of the New York Times from January 1, 1985 to the present. [Go to database]
News (Gale OneFile) Provides access to more than 1,100 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. [Go to database]
Niche Academy - Do you want to learn how to use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram? Check out the tutorials in Niche Academy. and they will help you get started. Niche Academy offers tutorials on other websites and online resources, too. If there's a topic you'd like but don't see, ask a librarian, and we may be able to add a tutorial on that subject. [Go to database]
NoveList Plus (EBSCO) Not sure what to read next? Find read-a-likes, recommendations, and more, all curated by librarians and publishing insiders. NoveList Plus has reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction, for all ages. Searchable by title, author, keyword, plot description, and series name. Search results can be limited by reading and age level. [In Library Use] [Home Access for All MVLC Cardholders]
Nursing and Allied Health (Gale OneFile) Nursing and Allied Health (Gale OneFile) provides access to academic journals and other reference content covering all aspects of the nursing profession, from direct patient care to health care administration. The database offers current and authoritative content for professionals already working in the field as well as students pursuing a nursing-focused curriculum. [Go to database]
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context) Covers timely issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular resource supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Informed, differing views help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions. [Go to database]
Pebble Go (Capstone) PebbleGo is a curricular content hub specifically designed for K-3 students. Contains hundreds of articles, activities, and videos and supports early literacy with read-aloud audio. The current subscription includes the Animals and Biographies modules. [Go to database]
Peterson’s Career Prep (Gale Presents) Provides users access to core career tools including, career assessments focused on a user’s interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences, comprehensive career information and job searching capabilities via integration with Indeed.com matches listings based on a user’s assessment results, and resume editing software that provides 5,000 resume templates and cover letter samples. [Go to database]
Petersons's Test Prep (Gale Presents) Petersons's Test Prep includes full-length practice tests for GED, SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, U.S. citizenship, and more. It offers information on undergraduate and graduate programs and tuition and scholarship assistance, as well as a resume builder and interviewing advice. [Go to database]
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine (Gale OneFile) This collection covers the fields of physical therapy and sports medicine, providing researchers with access to topics discussed in the field, including proven treatment techniques, experimental research theses, and many more. [Go to database]
Pop Culture Studies (Gale OneFile) This collection provides useful information for any researcher in a social science, history, art or liberal arts course. This collection is made up of 100 subject-appropriate full-text periodicals. [Go to database]
Popular Magazines (Gale OneFile) Popular Magazines includes 1000 of the most searched magazines. All the titles were selected based on the actual publication searches performed by library patrons. [Go to database]
Power Search (Gale) Search all Gale resources at once with PowerSearch. Search all the journals, magazines, primary sources, and reference resources provided Gale, or select which databases to search. [Go to database]
Power Search - Publication Search (Gale) [Go to database]
Psychology (Gale OneFile) Find articles on personality, the human mind, memory, and more. Access hundreds of subject-appropriate full-text periodicals - many cited in the PsycINFO index. [Go to database]
Religion and Philosophy (Gale OneFile) Research religions and philosophies of the world and how they impact our daily lives. This collection includes journals relating to spirituality and ideas. [Go to database]
Science (Gale In Context) Science in Context provides topic overviews, experiments, biographies, pictures and illustrations, as well as articles from over 200 magazines and academic journals and links to quality web sites. [Go to database]
Science (Gale Interactive) Interactive Science (Gale) provides engaging, interactive models that bring science to life. Helps students better visualize and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science. Students and instructors can manipulate and explore 3D models that are paired with reference and periodical content for further understanding. [Go to database]
Science Database (ProQuest) Over 7.3 million full text articles from over 1600 sources, supporting the needs of students studying applied and general sciences. Researchers have access to all the charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, photos and other graphical elements so vital to scientific and engineering literature. It supports the needs of students studying applied and general sciences. [Go to database]
Social Law LibraryA collection of Massachusetts court and state agency decisions from the Social Law Library’s legal research databases; provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Ask at Reference Desk for assistance with login. [In Library Access Only]
Transparent Language Online Language learners can build vocabulary, practice skills, and maintain what they have learned with Transparent Language Online, available anytime, anywhere in 110+ languages. [Go to database]
TumbleBook Library A collection of animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. The TumbleBook Library is a collection of licensed titles from children's book publishers. [Go to database]
U.S. History (Gale In Context) An engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events, and topics in U.S. History. This resource combines content from reference sources with with full-text magazines, academic journals, news articles, primary source documents, images, videos, audio files and links to vetted websites. [Go to database]
Vocations and Careers (Gale OneFile) Offering content from nearly 400 journals, this collection provides content from general career guides to highly specialized industry journals. [Go to database]
War and Terrorism (Gale OneFile) A collection for students of history, social science and current events. Gain valuable insight the causes, impacts and perceptions of war and terrorism on a global scale. [Go to database]
World History (Gale In Context) An engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in World History. This resource combines content from reference sources with with full-text magazines, academic journals, news articles, primary source documents, images, videos, audio files and links to vetted websites. [Go to database]
