Using Public, Academic, and National Libraries
Many public libraries throughout the United States provide access to electronic resources within their library and remotely. For example:
- Most Massachusetts residents can access a number of online databases through the Massachusetts Libraries website.
- Some libraries like the Boston Public Library offer eCards that are just for using electronic resources and that can be registered for online.
Many public libraries can also obtain scholarly articles and books for you through interlibrary loan services for free or for a small fee.
Most public and some private university libraries provide visitors with onsite access to article databases. It is always worth checking with your local university about their visitor access policies.
In addition to the use of their print collections, some national libraries offer onsite and remote access to article databases. For example eResources from the National Library of Australia offers many databases that can be accessed with a library card including Ebsco eBooks, NewsBank Access World News, and the Economist Historical Archive. Find your national library.
Locating Library Resources
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National LibrariesList of National Libraries from around the world compiled in Wikipedia. Some national libraries provide onsite and remote access to article databases.
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Presidential LibrariesProvides access to the web sites of Presidential Libraries from Herbert Hoover to William Clinton. Materials available electronically include selected speeches, diaries, letters, and memoranda.
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The Library of CongressOnline collections including extensive American history resources.
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U.S. State Libraries & ArchivesList of U.S. State Libraries & Archives compiled in Wikipedia. Some state libraries provide free access to article and news databases.
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WorldCatFind books, journals, and other material types at libraries around the world by location. Your local library may be able to obtain items for you through interlibrary loan or you may be able to use items on site depending on visitor policies.