Online Resources - Categorized

Research tools to meet every information need

Categorized | Alphabetical

Your library card is the key to unlock the paywall in front of more than 40 online resources.
  • Supports research at any age from your first book report to tracing your family tree
  • Includes peer-reviewed publications, news articles, historical documents, ebooks and video
  • Reviewed regularly to ensure you have access to the best resources

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Ebooks, Newspapers & Magazines

BiblioBoard Library
Find your next favorite author from BiblioBoard's selection of independent authors from the Sacramento area, California, the US and Canada. Part of the Indie Author Project.

BookFlix
Strengthen early reading skills with animated, read along ebooks. You’ll find fiction and nonfiction books on topics for every interest. (Ages 3-8)

Enki California Digital Library
Access over 5,300 ebooks with no wait. Browse curated lists including the Indie Author Project collection, which features over 400 award-winning indie-published ebooks. This collection has been made available to Sacramento Public Library as a partnership with Biblioboard.

News
Provides access to thousands of current international, national and local news sources to support your research needs.
 
Hoopla
Choose from thousands of ebooks, audiobooks and comics. With no waiting, titles can be borrowed immediately and read in your web browser or downloaded to phones or tablets.
 
Libby
Access our largest collection of ebooks and audiobooks, plus over 3,500 magazine titles via this mobile app.
 
LGBTQ Magazine Archive
Archival runs of 26 of the most influential, longest-running serial publications covering LGBT interests. Includes the pre-eminent US and UK titles – The Advocate and Gay Times, respectively. Chronicles more than six decades of the history and culture of the LGBT community.
 
LGBTQ Thought and Culture
Resource hosting books, periodicals, and archival materials documenting LGBT political, social and cultural movements throughout the twentieth century and into the present day.
 
Magazines & News
Find articles on just about every topic from news and current events to history, technology and health. 
 
National Geographic
Take an inside look at interesting places from all over the world via your computer or mobile device.

National Geographic Kids
Explore animals, cultures, history and places around the world. (Grades 1-8)

New York Times
Read breaking news and award-winning journalism from the New York Times. To use the Library’s subscription, click redeem (the code is autofilled) and you'll be asked to create an account with the New York Times. Each login provides you with 72 hours of continuous access.

Newspapers.com California Collection
Access an archive of over 400 California newspapers from 1851–2009. Search for obituaries, marriage announcements, birth announcements and more.
 
OverDrive
Access our largest ebook and audiobook collection. Browse by genre or search for an author or title.

Overdrive Magazines
Access over 3,000 magazine titles and start reading immediately with no wait online or via the Libby app.

OverDrive | Kids Catalog
Browse by recommended books or grade level.

OverDrive | Teen Catalog
Browse and search young adult and teen titles in our ebook, comic and audiobook collection.
 
Sacramento Bee
Read the daily paper in a full-color e-edition that looks just like the print edition or access the archives dating back to 1857.

Sacramento Business Journal
Stay current on the latest news and developments impacting the business community in the Sacramento region. Includes the Business Journal's annual Book of Lists.

Wall Street Journal
Access the Wall Street Journal from anywhere! Simply create your account and you can start reading immediately. Your access will be available for the next 3 days. After 3 days, simply come back and click the above link again and login as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created. Please note that patrons not permitted to share the sign-on credentials with any other person whatsoever.
 
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Streaming Video & Audio

60 Minutes
Stream episodes from 60 Minutes: 1997-2014 collection. Each news segment serves as a standalone short documentary on a specific news topic.

Alexander Street Collections
The following resources are supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

  • Theater, Music and Dance Video Collection A diverse collection of Music, Dance and Theatre content, covering hundreds of genres and a wide range of content types, from instruction to performance. Leading content providers include the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Qwest TV, Smithsonian, L.A. Theatre Works, Broadway On-Demand, and many more.
  • Audio Drama: The L.A. Theatre Works Collections Delivers some of the most significant dramatic literature of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries by leading actors from around the world, all from the curated archive of the nation’s premiere radio theatre company and recorded specifically for online listening. 
  • Music Online: Smithsonian Global Sound for LibrariesProvides an extensive virtual encyclopedia of unique American folk, blues, soul, jazz, and protest songs, as well as a broad range of world music through partnership with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Hoopla
Choose from thousands of ebooks, audiobooks and comics. With no waiting, titles can be borrowed immediately and read in your web browser or downloaded to phones or tablets.

Kanopy
This video streaming platform offers over 30,000 films (documentaries, international films, blockbuster movies, learning cinema, TV series, and a whole kids collection). Kanopy is available on numerous devices (desktop, smart phones, tablets, TVs, etc.) to accommodate its users. 

LGBTQ Studies in Video
A cinematic survey of the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as well as the cultural and political evolution of the LGBT community. This first-of-its-kind collection features award-winning documentaries, interviews, archival footage, and select feature films exploring LGBT history.
 
Qello
Explore the world’s largest streaming collection of full length music performances, concert films, and music documentaries. Offers thousands of films and documentaries with new concerts added every week streamed to any device. You can find Qello in the Libby app.
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Research Tools & Journals

Academic Journals
For those assignments that require scholarly and peer-reviewed journal articles.
 
African American Experience: The American Mosaic
A collection of contributions from the African-American community including those who achieved prominence in the arts, entertainment, the sciences, business, the military, and politics as well as nameless others who endured the travails of slavery and institutionalized discrimination.

American Ancestors — Available only at Central Library with a Genealogy librarian
Research genealogy using the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s collection of civic and church records, newspapers, military and court records, tax and voter lists, diaries, published genealogies and more.
 
Ancestry.com
Discover your unique family history with billions of free records from around the world, including census and vital records, immigration and passport records, plus periodicals, books and photos. You can also send documents home from the library for your own records. 
 
Auto Repair and Maintenance
The Chilton Library for automotive repairs and maintenance is a useful DIY database for car owners and technicians. Chilton is updated annually with maintenance and specification tables for the newest make and models. It is also the go-to preparatory resource for technicians in training.
 
Biography
Find a biography in this collection covering the world’s most influential people, both historic and contemporary.  
 
Britannica
A go-to site for learning about any subject, including thousands of up-to-date articles, images, videos, audio clips and primary sources for all grades and all reading abilities
 
Consumer Reports
Reliable and unbiased reviews and guides on products that will leave you well-informed before your next purchase of an appliance, car, health product, electronic equipment and home and garden equipment.
 
Digital Sanborn Maps
Research local history with city plans and maps dating from 1867-1970.
 
eLibrary Research eBooks & Magazines
A multidisciplinary database designed for students and educators at high schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Editorially created pages provide valuable context for both common and obscure research topics. The full text content, includes books, magazines, journals, newspapers, photographs, transcripts, and videos.
 
News
Provides access to thousands of current international, national and local news to support your research needs.
 
Heritage Quest
Start your ancestry search online from the comfort of your own home with digital collections of U.S. census data, bank records, Revolutionary War records and more.
 
Informe Académico
Scholarly journals in Spanish and Portuguese.
 
NoveList.
Use this tool to find read-alikes, listen-alikes and which book you should read next in a series.
 
ValueLine
Get investment ratings, research, statistics and forecasts for thousands of stocks and mutual funds.
 
Virtual Reference Library
A collection of encyclopedias and reference books covering a range of the most-studied topics including animals, literature, Native American tribes, history, American decades, government and law.
 
Weiss Financial Ratings
Online listing of the trusted Weiss guides to stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Also contains the valuable Medigap tool detailing Medicare supplemental insurance options and Financial Literacy Basics guides about budgeting, paying off student loans, opening bank and investment accounts, and other key financial skills.
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Professional & Personal Development

Adult Learning Center
Career resources including live academic coaching, and help with resume writing, the GED, the citizenship test, and basic computer questions.
 
ArtistWorks
Provides musical instrument players world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals via the Libby app. Offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals. All levels of player can access hundreds of hours of high quality video instruction, studio quality play-along tracks, and downloadable written materials, tablature and sheet music. Find ArtistWorks in the Libby app.

AtoZ Databases
Find business and residential contact information, create mailing lists and visuals for marketing and sales leads, and start your next job search.
 
Bluebird Languages
12 million interactive audio lessons that teach you any of 163 languages on your mobile device. Requires an Android or iOS device.

Coursera New user registration | Existing user log in
Access to over 5,000 courses and certifications aimed to help build skills for in-demand jobs. All courses are taught by top instructors from over 200 leading universities and companies. Subtitles are offered in over 50 different languages. Coursera users prior to October 15, 2022 will need to re-register to access this current subscription. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
 
Craftsy
An online resource for all creative makers from basic instruction to advance techniques via the Libby app. Offers over 1,400 instructional video classes that cover such topics as sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, drawing, painting, photography, jewelry making, gardening, woodworking, writing, and yoga. Every class is led by expert instructors and also offers downloadable resources. Craftsy offers live streaming events that its users can attend. Find Craftsy in the Libby app.
 
Driving Tests and Prep
Navigate the California Department of Motor Vehicles with easy-to-follow driver’s prep resources, including handbooks and practice tests for car, motorcycle, and commercial driver’s licenses. Available in English, Spanish and Russian.
 
Gale Courses
Six-week-long online programs are taught by college instructors. New courses begin each month, and lessons are assigned twice a week, enhanced to support varied learning styles. Enjoy self-paced learning and engagement with other students and the instructor with weekly discussion boards. This service is available 24/7.

GetSetUp
A social learning platform that offers over 500 classes taught by peers who are experts in their field. Classes cover physical health, mental health, vocational health, social health, and technology. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Great Courses
A video streaming service via the Libby App that offers over 250 courses on a variety of subjects including: travel, science, mathematics, history, philosophy, literature, fine arts, music, business, and personal development. Over 3,000+ hours of engaging video content. All courses are taught by top experts and each course offers a guidebook. 

Hiveclass
A digital resource for young patrons that provides interactive, high quality video instruction in a variety of sports and activities.
 
Job Tools (JobNow)
Provides users with a host of services to help in every step of the job search process including job searching, resume template, professional resume review, and live interview coaching.
 
LinkedIn Learning
Access over 16,000 expert-level video tutorials on everything including C++ Coding training, Excel Essentials, Graphic Design, Photography. If you want to learn or master a skill, LinkedIn Learning compiles high-quality how-to series, put together by some of the most successful industry experts. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
 
Mango Languages
Advanced learning techniques and expert-level instruction to make learning a new language easy. Choose from 71 different languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese and English.

New York Times Cooking
Access 19,000+ expert-tested recipes, easy-to-follow cooking guides, and more. To use the Library’s subscription, click redeem (the code is autofilled) and you'll be asked to create an account with the New York Times. Each login provides you with 24 hours of continuous access.

Northstar Digital Literacy
An online learning platform aimed at acquiring skills for daily life, employment, and higher education. Provides online, self-guided modules to assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks on computers and online including: Using Technology in Daily Life, Essential Computer Skills, and Essential Software Skills. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
 
Pronunciator
Pronunciator is a listening and speaking-focused language learning tool with more than 80 languages to study.
 
Test Preparation
Prepare for major exams like AP Calculus or the SAT with practice tests, ebooks and courses in Testing & Education Reference Center. For students in high school, college or graduate school and job seekers.
 
Tools for Veterans (VetNow)
Supports your community's veterans and their families with navigating the VA bureaucracy, providing academic tutoring, and employment transition assistance. Live navigation support is available, and all navigators are veterans. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Transparent Languages
Customizable language learning for over 100 languages. Transparent has courses for all ages and levels, and includes classes developed specifically for students in grades K-3.

Weiss Financial Literacy
Online listing of the trusted Weiss guides to stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Also contains the valuable Medigap tool detailing Medicare supplemental insurance options and Financial Literacy Basics guides about budgeting, paying off student loans, opening bank and investment accounts, and other key financial skills.
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Tools for Students: K-5

Biography
Find a biography in this collection covering the world’s most influential people, both historic and contemporary. 

BookFlix
Strengthen early reading skills with animated, read along ebooks. You’ll find fiction and nonfiction books on topics for every interest. (Ages 3-8)

Britannica
A go-to site for learning about any subject, including thousands of up-to-date articles, images, videos, audio clips and primary sources for all grades and all reading abilities
 
CultureGrams
Learn about countries from all over the world and the U.S. states. (Grades 2-12)
 
Elementary Research (Primary Search)
Offers content from reliable and age-appropriate books, magazines and news stories on elementary school topics, including animals, arts, geography, health, literature and social studies.
 
Online Tutors (HelpNow)
Connect with a live tutor who can help students in Kindergarten through 12th grade with a variety of subjects including math, English, history and more. Tutors are available daily from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. PT in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
 
Missions of California ebooks
Always available ebooks on the California missions. Login: Missions Password: Missions
 
National Geographic Kids
Explore animals, cultures, history and places around the world. (Grades 1-8)
 
ScienceFlix
Provides you with a better understanding of science concepts and ideas with hands-on projects, videos, interactive features and more. (Ages 9+)
 
SIRS Discoverer
Selected research content for novice researchers, especially elementary and middle school students and educators. (Grades 3-9)

Teaching Books

  • Teaching Books for Libraries Enriches the reading experience for pre-school through young adult readers with read-alongs, interviews with favorite authors, book trailers, games, and much more.
  • Teaching Books for Schools Provides a wealth of support for Pre-K-12 educators with teaching ideas, instructional support, supplementary activities, and more to help deepen connections of students with books and reading.

Test Preparation
Prepare for major exams like AP Calculus or the SAT with practice tests, ebooks and courses in Testing & Education Reference Center. For students in high school, college or graduate school and job seekers.
 
TrueFlix
Build knowledge of science and social studies paired videos, interactive ebooks and engaging project ideas and activities. Recommended for 8-11 years of age.

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Tools for Students: Middle & High School

 

Alexander Street Collections
The following resources are supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

  • Theater, Music and Dance Video Collection A diverse collection of Music, Dance and Theatre content, covering hundreds of genres and a wide range of content types, from instruction to performance. Leading content providers include the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Qwest TV, Smithsonian, L.A. Theatre Works, Broadway On-Demand, and many more.
  • Audio Drama: The L.A. Theatre Works Collections Delivers some of the most significant dramatic literature of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries by leading actors from around the world, all from the curated archive of the nation’s premiere radio theatre company and recorded specifically for online listening. 
  • Music Online: Smithsonian Global Sound for LibrariesProvides an extensive virtual encyclopedia of unique American folk, blues, soul, jazz, and protest songs, as well as a broad range of world music through partnership with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.


Biography
Find a biography in this collection covering the world’s most influential people, both historic and contemporary.

Britannica
A go-to site for learning about any subject, including thousands of up-to-date articles, images, videos, audio clips and primary sources for all grades and all reading abilities
 
CultureGrams
Learn about countries from all over the world and the U.S. states. (Grades 2-12)

Ebook Central
Over 12,000 ebook titles to support multiple subject areas including English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Information Literacy and Technology. Includes professional development content for educators & school faculty. (Grades 9+)
 
eLibrary Research eBooks & Magazines
A multidisciplinary database designed for students and educators at high schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Editorially created pages provide valuable context for both common and obscure research topics. The full text content, includes books, magazines, journals, newspapers, photographs, transcripts, and videos. (Grades 6+)

Middle School Research (Middle Search Plus)
Supports middle school research with full-text articles from popular middle school magazines, reference e-books, and primary source documents and videos. Subjects include history, current events, science and sports.

High School Research (MAS Complete)
Find reliable content to support high school-level research assignments, papers and projects. Authoritative content includes primary sources, biographies, news stories and journal articles and multimedia content, like archival film clips, maps, graphs, and videos from the Associated Press.

Points of View Reference Center
Get multiple perspectives on controversial issues to sharpen analytical and critical thinking skills and develop persuasive arguments and essays.

Science Reference Center
Find the latest on scientific topics, from genetic engineering to astronomy.
 
Online Tutors (HelpNow)
Connect with a live tutor who can help students in Kindergarten through 12th grade with a variety of subjects including math, English, history and more. Tutors are available daily from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. PT in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Interactive: Science
Explore interactive 3D models and take a deeper dive into chemistry and biology.

SIRS Discoverer
Selected research content for novice researchers, especially elementary and middle school students and educators. (Grades 3-9)
 
SIRS Issues Researcher
Curriculum-aligned database of content organized by complex issues, ideally for middle and high school students and educators. (Grades 6+)

Teaching Books

  • Teaching Books for Libraries Enriches the reading experience for pre-school through young adult readers with read-alongs, interviews with favorite authors, book trailers, games, and much more.
  • Teaching Books for Schools Provides a wealth of support for Pre-K-12 educators with teaching ideas, instructional support, supplementary activities, and more to help deepen connections of students with books and reading.

Test Preparation
Prepare for major exams like AP Calculus or the SAT with practice tests, ebooks and courses in Testing & Education Reference Center. For students in high school, college or graduate school and job seekers.

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Early Learning Resources

Beanstack
Discover our favorite books and apps matched to your child's age and interests.

BookFlix
Strengthen early reading skills with animated, read along ebooks. You’ll find paired fiction and nonfiction books on topics for every interest. (Ages 3-8)

ReadyRosie 
Create modeling moments for your child with this video service to engage your child to boost learning.

Teaching Books

  • Teaching Books for Libraries Enriches the reading experience for pre-school through young adult readers with read-alongs, interviews with favorite authors, book trailers, games, and much more.
  • Teaching Books for Schools Provides a wealth of support for Pre-K-12 educators with teaching ideas, instructional support, supplementary activities, and more to help deepen connections of students with books and reading.

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