Research Databases


Business Resources
Job Help Resources

Explora
Articles from journals, books, and magazines covering current events and more.


Gale eBooks
Reference book articles on business, history, science, humanities, and more.


Gale Directory Library
Directories on companies, publishers, associations, and more.


For Students

Academic Search Complete
Designed for academic institutions. Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research. Coverage on a wide range of topics.

Biography Reference Bank
More than 390,000 biographies. Includes full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.

Brainfuse HelpNow
Online homework help for students in grades K-12 and college intro classes. Tutors are available from 3:00 - 10:00 p.m. Writing Lab, Homework Question Center, and Skills Building also available.

Britannica Online
Encyclopedia Britannica articles.

Explora
Articles from journals, books, and magazines covering current events and more.

Gale eBooks
Reference book articles on business, history, science, humanities, and more.

History Reference Source
Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century. Contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books, and thousands of primary source documents.

LearningExpress Library
Supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become a U.S. citizen, and much more. Contains practice tests, interactive tutorials, e-books, articles, and flashcards.

Literary Reference Source Plus
Full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals, and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories, and poems.

MAS Complete
Designed for high school libraries and offers coverage of popular high school magazines and reference books. Wide range of subjects offered including art, history, sports, and music. Over 1,000,000 photos, maps, and flags. Full text magazines include Discover, US News & World Report, Scientific American, and more.

MasterFILE Complete
Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Magazines include People, Better Homes and Gardens, TIME, and Newsweek. Covers subjects including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.

Middle Search Plus
Magazines and reference books for middle school students. Includes thousands of biographies and primary source documents. Subjects include history, current events, science, and sports. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.

Points of View Reference Source
Presents multiple sides of over 500 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.

Primary Search
For elementary school students. Content from children's magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.

Salem Press
Reference book articles on current events through an historical lens.

Science Reference Source
Provides full-text for hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books, and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and a vast image collection.


Business and Investing

Business Source Complete
This database provides full-text coverage of top business, management and economics journals and periodicals. These valuable publications cover topics such as accounting, banking, finance, international business, marketing, sales and more.

Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Data on millions of U.S. businesses and residents, which can be sorted by business size, geography, and type of business.

Gale Directory Library
Directories on companies, publishers, associations, and more.

Morningstar
Investment information on mutual funds, stocks, and exchange traded funds.

Public Records (In library use)
Public Records (Use from home)
Records on new homeowners, new businesses, mortgages, bankruptcies, and foreclosures in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

Regional Business News
Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.

Small Business Source
Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.

Weiss Financial Ratings
Independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions, insurance companies, Medicare and investment options.


Careers and Jobs

Brainfuse JobNow
Online help with job coaching, interviewing, and resumes. Upload your resume to receive expert feedback. Assistants are available online from 3:00-10:00 p.m.

Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Research companies and enhance your job search.

LearningExpress Job and Career Accelerator Center
Gives job seekers the tools they need to explore careers, find open positions, apply for jobs, and get hired. Find information on careers, interest assessments to match individuals with ideal career paths, and tools to create professional resumes and cover letters.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly lynda.com)
Video tutorials on tech and business skills, including graphic and web design, business and career skills, photography, software, and more.


Consumer Information

Auto Repair Source
Repair information and schedules, diagrams, parts and labor estimates, servivce alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.

Consumer Reports
Product ratings and reviews, recommendations, and buying advice.

Consumers' Checkbook
Ratings on local businesses and services in the Chicagoland area.

Home Improvement Source
Includes maintenance, remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, wood projects, outdoor improvements, decorating, home & garden, etc. Includes more than 130 reference books.

Small Engine Repair Source
Repair guides for small engines and routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service, etc.). Also includes guides on extensive repairs such as engine and transmission disassembly. Coverage includes lawn mowers, motorcycles, tractors, and snowmobiles. Information on more than 25 years of engine models, with new and updated content added regularly.

Weiss Financial Ratings
Independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions, insurance companies, Medicare and investment options.


Genealogy

Ancestry Library (In library use only)
Research genealogy and local history through census data, the American Genealogical Biographical Index, and more.

FamilySearch (In library use only)
Bloomingdale Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. Using the library's computers or Wi-Fi, you can access millions of locked FamilySearch digital records that are only available in a Family History Center or Affiliate Library. Free personal account is required and locked records are only accessible for in-library use.

Fold3
Military records, including stories, photos, and personal documents dating from the Revolutionary War through recent conflicts.

Heritage Quest
Research genealogy through census data, family and local histories, and articles.

MyHeritage Library Edition (formerly World Vital Records)
Research genealogy through over half a billion names and records.


Health and Wellness

Alt HealthWatch
Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness. Sources include journals (some peer-reviewed) and reports.

Consumer Health Complete
Health information on diseases, fitness, nutrition, and mental health.

Health Source: Consumer Edition
Subjects include fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health, and more. Information comes from magazines, books, Clinical Reference System reports, and pamphlets.


Law

Legal Information Source
Thousands of legal forms by topic including bankruptcy, divorce, name changes, wills & estate planning, and more. Most of the full-text legal reference books provided through NOLO.

Legal Source
A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world. For attorneys, educators, businesspeople, law librarians, students, and paralegals.

Legal Forms
- Illinois Legal Aid Online - The Form Library has court forms, legal documents, and letters for many kinds of legal problems. Use their Easy Form programs to help you create the forms you need. You can also download blank forms and fill them out on a computer or by hand.
- Illinois Department of Health Advance Directives - Forms for living wills, Power of Attorney, and more.
- Illinois Courts - Approved Standardized Statewide Forms - Forms for divorce, name change, eviction, and more.

DuPage County Law Library
Find information on representing yourself, divorce, appeals, and expungement. Access online legal research tools WestLaw Next and Lexis Advance. A librarian is also available to assist litigants.


Literature and Reading

BookBrowse
Reviews, recommendations, read-alikes, books by theme, author bios and interviews, resources for book clubs, and more.

Literary Reference Source Plus
Full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals, and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories, and poems.

NoveList Plus
Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, read-alike recommendations, and complete series information. Also includes reader ratings and reviews. Create your own reading wish list.

NoveList K-8 Plus
For readers in grades K-8, find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.

TeenBookCloud
Online eBooks and read-along chapter books, YA novels, classic literature, graphic novels, educational videos, and audiobooks for middle school and high school students.


Magazines and Newspapers

Academic Search Complete
Designed for academic institutions. Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research. Coverage on a wide range of topics.

AGRICOLA
From the National Agricultural Library. Contains citations about all aspects of agriculture and related fields. Includes journal articles, monographs, theses, patents, audiovisual materials, computer software, and technical reports.

Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times full-text newspaper articles from 1986-Present. For full newspaper with images, select the Image Format (available from 2018-Present).

Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune full-text newspaper articles from 1996-Present.

Chicago Community Collection
Chicago suburb full-text newspaper articles. Includes Bloomingdale Press from 2009-2013 and Carol Stream Suburban Life from 2009-Present.

Daily Herald
Daily Herald full-text newspaper articles from 1997-Present.

Daily Herald
Daily Herald full-text newspaper articles from 1995-Present. For full newspaper with images, select the Image Format (available from 2021-Present).

ERIC: Education Resources Information Center
Index of journal articles, books, theses, curriculum guides, conference papers, standards, and guidelines on a wide range of education topics. Sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

Ethnic Diversity Source
This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.

Explora
Articles from journals, books, and magazines covering current events and more.

Global Newsstream
Newspaper articles for international, national, and regional papers including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Historical Newspaper: Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune historical articles from 1849 onward.

LGBTQ+ Source
Provides scholarly and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text, plus historically important primary sources, including monographs, magazines, newspapers, and videos. It also includes a specialized LGBTQ+ thesaurus containing thousands of terms.

Library & Information Science Source
Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.

MasterFILE Complete
Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Magazines include People, Better Homes and Gardens, TIME, and Newsweek. Covers subjects including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.

Newspaper Source Plus
Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources.

Professional Development Collection
Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. For psychologists, counselors, researchers, and students.

Religion & Philosophy Collection
Hundreds of full-text journals and magazines covering many religious and philosophical topics, including world religions, religious history, political philosophy, and philosophy of language.


Online Learning and Classes

Brainfuse HelpNow
Online homework help for students in grades K-12 and college intro classes. Tutors are available from 3:00 - 10:00 p.m. Writing Lab, Homework Question Center, and Skills Building also available.

CreativeBug
Thousands of award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Recommended for DIYers, crafters, and makers.

Gale Courses
Online courses for business professionals, teachers, health care workers, and lifelong learners. The six week courses are taught by college instructors and experts in the field.

Hobbies and Crafts Source
Subject areas include arts & crafts; games & electronics; models; needlework; outdoors & nature; and scrapbooking & paper craft.

LearningExpress Library
Supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become a U.S. citizen, and much more. Contains practice tests, interactive tutorials, e-books, articles, and flashcards.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly lynda.com)
Video tutorials on tech and business skills, including graphic and web design, business and career skills, photography, software, and more.

Pronunciator
Learn a new language. English language learners can also learn using non-English languages.

ProCitizen
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test with videos, drills, and quizzes. Covers the civics, reading, and writing portions of the exam.


WorldCat - Worldwide Library Catalog

WorldCat Discovery
Search the worldwide library catalog for items not owned in our system. Interlibrary loan service (ILL).