Research > Homework Center > Databases

Trusted Online Research Tools for Students

"Help! I can't use Wikipedia!" The resources listed below come from trusted sources that you and your teachers can cite with confidence. All you need to access these resources from school or home is a Multnomah County library card number and PIN (usually the last four digits of your home telephone number).

Grolier's Encyclopedia: Access all the Grolier's encyclopedias with one click, or visit them individually. Grolier's encyclopedias include The New Book of Popular Science, Lands and Peoples, and La Nueva Enciclopedia Cumbre. For help using this database, click here.

World Book Encyclopedia: Access all the World Book encyclopedias with one click, or visit them individually. Includes Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos. For help using this database, click here.

Magazines, newspapers, radio and television (Electric Library): Articles and transcripts of news shows from 1995 on with an emphasis on current events. Electric Library includes a comprehensive map and picture file. Algunos artículos de medios de comunicación están disponibles en español. For help using this database, click here.
Magazine and newspaper articles (Info Trac): Search magazines, newspapers, podcasts and reference books for up-to-date articles on current events, arts, popular culture and more. High school students select Student Edition; middle school students select Junior Edition, elementary school students select Kids InfoBits. For help using this database, click here.
The Oregonian and other newspapers: The full text of articles published from 1988 on in five Oregon newspapers and those from major U.S. cities. The New York Times is available as well. For help using this database, click here.
Oregonian Historical Archive: This database lets you search and view the actual Oregonian, 1887-1987. This is the place to go for local, historical information or to get the historical local perspective on a national topic or event. For help using this database, click here.
World Newspapers (Library PressDisplay): Instant access to 1700+ newspapers from 92 countries in 48 different languages! Plus offers instant translation.
Current events (World News Digest): Articles from Facts on File on current world events and recent history (1940 on). For help using this database, click here.
News photographs, charts, graphs and tables: A collection of over 750,000 photographs and other images from the Associated Press.
Countries, states and provinces (CultureGrams): Search for up-to-date cultural and statistical information for countries around the world. For help using this database, click here.
Language Learning (LiveMocha): Choose from over 35 languages to learn. For ages 13 and up. Students under 13 can use LiveMocha for Kids found here.
Social issues (Opposing Viewpoints): Arguments and analysis of more than 1,000 controversial topics. For help using this database, click here.
Science news and science fair projects (Today's Science): Research the latest news in biology, chemistry, the environment, space, physics and technology. Find science fair ideas and tips for a successful project. For help using this database, click here.
Biographies: In-depth information on the lives of more than 220,000 people, and brief "thumbnail" biographies of nearly one million individuals. For help using this database, click here.
Writing and literature: A collection of biographies, bibliographies, critical essays, work overviews, author-related websites, and timeline events for more than 120,000 current and historical literary figures. For help using this database, click here.
Careers: Information about different occupations and what type of education/training is necessary for each is available from the Career Information Service at the University of Oregon. It includes information on scholarships. For help using this database, click here.
Teen Health: Covers important teen health issues like cancer, mental health, STDs, eating disorders, obesity, asthma, sleep disorders and more. Teens can send questions to Ask Dr. Jan, take quizzes, and share a personal story. For help using this database, click here.
Need help from a person right now?: Tutors at Live Homework Help can assist you with your Math, Science, Social Studies and English homework every day from 2 to 10 p.m.; Los tutores de Live Homework Help (ayuda en vivo con las tareas) pueden ayudarte con tus tareas de Matemáticas y Ciencias Naturales todos los días de 2 a 10 p.m.; Chat with librarians at L-net 24/7. They will direct you to resources you can explore on your own. You don't need your library card number to use L-net.