SUBSCRIPTION DATABASES

Not all information on the internet is accessible without charge. Many libraries now subscribe to electronic databases, collections of digital information organized for efficient retrieval by computer searches. The information in these proprietary collections is often more selective, quality-controlled or specialized than freely available information. In addition, many valuable publications are now available in a digital format.

Use of these select digital information sources is limited to those who hold library cards.

Mark Twain Library cardholders have access to the subscription databases listed here. Some databases are subsidized directly by the library, some are offered by Joel Barlow High School and can be accessed by Redding residents, and some are made available to all state residents by ICONN, Connecticut's Digital Library.

Please stop at the front desk on your next visit to the library for a complete list of web addresses and passwords to access these valuable information sources.

Library-funded databases/digital publications
(can be used only in the library)

  • Ancestry® Library Edition: the most comprehensive source of genealogical information on the web; the site recently added complete U.S. military records

  • Morningstar: the well-known investment research firm rates mutual, hedge and other funds (library also receives the print edition of its reports). See Reference Desk for password.

Library-funded databases/digital publications with remote access
(can be used at the library and from home)

  • Britannica Online: the country's most respected encyclopedia is now available in digital format. The website is available from the library and also from home (requires your 14 digit barcode).

  • ConsumerReports.org: on-line access to product reviews and ratings from Consumer Reports (to use from home, you will need to enter your library card number)

  • Redding PILOT Online (from NEWSBANK): allows patrons to browse PILOT articles by date, starting with the June 5, 2003 edition; letters to the editors, obituaries, and general news articles can be accessed.

  • Job Now: get help writing a resume or cover letter. Live online interview coaching.

  • Downloadable Books: download audiobooks to your computer, portable audio devices, and cellphones (now IPOD-compatible!)

Joel Barlow High School electronic databases
(can be used at the library and from home)

  • ABC-CLIO A set of five separate interactive databases, in the areas of American government, American history, ancient history, world geography, and world history; each database includes at least 15,000 primary and secondary sources

  • eLIBRARY a collection of diverse information resources, ranging from newspapers and books to radio transcripts and video clips, that can be searched by reading level

  • FACTS ON FILE: ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES an excellent database providing articles on more than 800 "hot topics"; each article defines the topic, summarizes various viewpoints on the subject, and provides suggestions for further study; updated weekly

  • PROQUEST DIRECT the world's largest collection of magazine, journal, and newspaper articles

  • SIRS Its Leading Issues database provides hundreds of editorially-selected resources on selected topics from a broad selection of periodicals.

  • You may search more than one JBHS database at a time by using the ONE SEARCH or POWER SEARCH options.

ICONN databases
(can be used at the library and from home)

ICONN, Connecticut's Digital Library, offers more than 25 periodical, newspaper and reference databases in five different subject areas. They can be searched in a number of different ways. On the SEARCH PAGE:

  • Type your KEYWORDS in the search box for a complete search through all databases as well as the statewide library catalog; your results will include digital resources that you can immediately access, as well as books on your subject that can be immediately requested through the ICONN reQuest delivery system (by clicking on the book link and then the "request item" button)

  • Click on SELECT ICONN RESOURCES for the option to search through the group of databases focusing on your desired subject or resource area; you will have direct access to information in these databases, which offer collections of periodical and reference sources

  • Choose the LINK TO INDIVIDUAL RESOURCES to search through just one database at a time. Elementary and secondary school students may want to use this option.