Tag: Adult Resources

Databases Series: New York Times

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  It’s Rebecca again!  I hope you enjoyed or learned something new from last week’s post by Mikaila, our Business and Career Librarian.  For those who haven’t been following this series, I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to this series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

Today, I’m going to introduce you to the New York Times.  That might sound a bit silly, because I’m sure all of you know what the New York Times is, but I’d bet some of you didn’t know that you could access the online version of this newspaper for free through the Chester County Library System! 

Access from home is provided in the form of a 24-hour day pass that can be renewed every day.  To get this day pass, first you’ll want to create an account with the New York Times website.  All you’ll need to do is input your email address and create a password.  Once you have an account with the website, go back to our databases page and click the Remote Access link to bring you to the page that will allow you to connect your library card to your account for the day.  You will then have full access to the New York Times online for 24 hours. To gain access again the next day, just click on that same Remote Access link, log in to your account if you aren’t already, and connect your library card.

Access from within the library is one step easier!  If you are on the library’s wifi network, all you need to do is create or log in to your account to get full access.  No need to link your library card and no 24-hour access limitation.

Find our links to the New York Times on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> N –> New York Times

This post is number eleven in this databases series! If you missed the previous installments, you can view them here.

Databases Series: Reference Solutions

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  My name is Mikaila.  I am the Business and Career Librarian here at Chester County Library, and I’m excited to be the first guest star on this series!  In line with the former posts, I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

This week, I’ll be discussing Reference Solutions (formerly known as Reference USA).  Reference Solutions is a multi-database resource that focuses on U.S. and Canadian data.  I usually describe it as an in-depth white pages/yellow pages in which you can research information on over 104 million U.S. businesses and 322 million consumers.  This tool is invaluable to small businesses who are looking to do the following: research your competition, so you can see where your competition is located as well as a snapshot of their business to get an idea of their day-to-day operating; create mailing lists for vendors, B2B, and B2C; record data and download heat maps for your reference or to input in a business plan; and generally better understand how you and your market fit in your service area.  Reference Solutions is updated regularly to ensure your research is verified.

Find Reference Solutions on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> R –> Reference Solutions

This post is number ten in this databases series! If you missed the previous installments, you can view them here.

Databases Series: Kanopy

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment
The logo for Kanopy Plus and Kanopy Kids. The logo for Kanopy Plus is text in varying shades of white, orange, and red. The logo for Kanopy Kids is images of cartoon characters around the text.

Hello!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

Today, I will introduce you to Kanopy, our free streaming service.  Kanopy offers films, TV shows, documentaries, and children’s programming available to stream on-demand for free with your library card.  While the content you can find on the site won’t be the latest big blockbuster, you can find a wide and ever-growing collection of audiovisual content, from the well-known to the lesser-known, from the BBC and classic films, to anime and K-Dramas, to children’s storytimes and PBS Kids.  There’s something on there for everyone!

Want to make sure your kids access only the media appropriate for them?  Click on the Kids button in the top right-hand corner to only show Kanopy Kids programs.

Stream Kanopy on your computer, through the mobile app on your smartphone or tablet, or through the SmartTV app directly on your television.  Just add your library card, create an account with your email and a password, and you’re in!

Find Kanopy on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Downloads.  Click on the orange button that says “Click Here” under Kanopy Plus, and it will take you directly to Kanopy.

This post is number nine in this databases series! If you missed the previous installments, you can view them here.

Databases Series: Black Freedom Struggle

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

In honor of Black History Month, today I will tell you a little bit about our Black Freedom Struggle database.  This database has a curated selection of primary sources designed for teaching and learning about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans and is available for free to everyone regardless of whether you have a library card or not.  Developed with input from Black history scholars and advisors, its easily discoverable materials are ideal for assignments and special projects focused on U.S. Black history.  Browse the materials by historical period, peruse featured documents, or use its resource guides to direct your learning.

Find Black Freedom Struggle on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> B –> Black Freedom Struggle

This post is number eight in this databases series! If you missed the previous installments, you can view them here.

Databases Series: Flipster

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Flipster.  Many of you have likely heard of Flipster, and some of you may even use it regularly.  But for those who don’t know much about it, Flipster is where you can find our collection of digital magazines. 

You can find over 100 magazine titles on Flipster, including HGTV Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Bon Appétit, and the Consumer Reports Buying Guide.  There are no holds; you can access any issue of any magazine at any time.  Issues will go back even as far as 2015 in some cases!  Access Flipster through your web browser or download the app on your smartphone or tablet.  Just log in with your library card number.

Find Flipster on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Downloads.  Click on the orange button that says “Click Here” under Read Digital Magazines, and it will take you directly to Flipster. Or go to your app store and download the Flipster app for your mobile device.

This post is number seven in this databases series! If you missed the previous installments, you can view them here.

Databases Series: Ancestry Library Edition

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

Welcome to the sixth installment in the series!  If you missed the previous ones, you can find them here.  Today, I will talk a little about Ancestry Library Edition.  Many if not most of you have likely heard of Ancestry before, but if not, Ancestry is one of the leading online resources for genealogical (family history) research.  Ancestry has 30 billion records from all over the world, from census and immigration data to historical newspapers, maps, photographs, and more.  Ancestry Library Edition gets you access to Ancestry’s wealth of information as long as you are on a library computer or connected to the library’s Wi-Fi network.

Pro tip:  While you cannot create an account on Ancestry Library Edition, and thus cannot save your research to the website, you can create a free family tree account on the regular Ancestry website, so you can download records from Ancestry Library Edition and then upload them into your family tree on the main site.

Find Ancestry Library Edition on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> A –> Ancestry Library Edition

For more genealogy research, you can also check out HeritageQuest or MyHeritage Library Edition.  HeritageQuest is owned by the same company as Ancestry, so you might recognize the user interface; it carries fewer records than Ancestry, but it has the collection of Freedman’s Bank records, which is unique to this resource.  MyHeritage Library Edition is a genealogy resource provided for free to all Pennsylvania library card holders through the State Library of Pennsylvania; it has 20+ billion records and is available in 42 languages.  Find HeritageQuest by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> H –> HeritageQuest.  Find MyHeritage Library Edition by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> M –> MyHeritage Library Edition.

Databases Series: Mango Languages

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

This post is number five in the series!  If you missed the previous posts, you can find them here.  Continuing on the theme of New Year’s resolutions, I figured this would be another good resource to mention, specifically for those with “learn a new language” on their 2025 resolutions list.  This resource is Mango Languages.

If you know of Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or Babbel, then you’ve essentially got the measure of Mango Languages, except with Mango you get full access with your library card without having to pay any fees for premium content.  Mango offers lessons in over 70 world languages and more than 20 English courses for second language speakers.  In these lessons, you will find not just basic vocabulary and grammar, but also specialty courses that offer a range of culturally specific topics.  Lessons can be downloaded for offline access, and you can access the program through your internet browser or the app.  Create an account to save your progress, or access it as a guest if you just want to try it out for the day.

Find Mango Languages on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> M –> Mango Languages

For more language learning, you can also check out Transparent Language Online, a resource provided for free to all Pennsylvania library card holders through the State Library of Pennsylvania!  Find Transparent Language Online by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> T –> Transparent Language Online.

Databases Series: LearningExpress Library

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment
The logo for Learning Express Library, which is text that reads "EBSCO Learning: Learning Express Library"

Hello and Happy New Year!  My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library.  (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!)  Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases.  A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

This post is number four in the series.  If you missed the previous posts, you can find them here.  This week, I will be talking about LearningExpress Library.  Now that 2025 is here and we’re all making our New Year’s resolutions, I’d bet that some of you have at least one resolution on your list along the lines of “learn a new skill,” “improve an old skill,” or “pass such-and-such exam.”  Raise your hand if this is you!

Well, LearningExpress Library can help you with these things and more!  It 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.  Learning centers contain practice tests, interactive tutorials, microlessons, e-books, articles, and flashcards.  To access the learning centers, simply follow the link on our website and create an account so that you can save your progress.

Find LearningExpress Library on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> L –> LearningExpress Library

Happy learning!

Databases Series: Morningstar Investing Center

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello! My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library. (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!) Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases. A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

This post is number three in the series! If you missed last week’s post, you can find it here. This week, I’m going to introduce you to Morningstar Investing Center. For those of you who are investors, you might already know of or have heard of Morningstar. Morningstar is a resource that provides trusted, unbiased research, expertise, analysis, and portfolio-building tools aimed at helping all levels of individual investor. You can find authoritative information on companies, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and stocks alongside its other features aimed at helping you grow as a hands-on investor and active trader. For those just starting out, check out Morningstar’s Investing Classroom, which offers courses either in text or in video on various investing-related topics, from stocks, funds, and bonds to retirement and lifestyle planning and more.

Find Morningstar Investing Center on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> M –> Morningstar Investing Center

*Please note that the library’s subscription only allows for a limited number of concurrent users. Please sign out when you’re not actively using it to allow others to access the resource.

Databases Series: Comics Plus

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Hello! My name is Rebecca, and I am the Information Literacy Librarian here at the Chester County Library. (You might recognize me as the librarian with the purple hair!) Welcome to a new series here on our blog where every week (or thereabouts) I’ll be introducing you to one of the library’s databases. A library database, for those who are unsure, is essentially just an online resource that the library pays for so that you can access it for free with your library card!

Last week I went over NoveList Plus. If you missed that post, you can check it out here! This week, I’m going to tell you a bit about one of our newer databases: Comics Plus. Comics Plus is a resource that offers unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from a wide range of publishers, including BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Fantagraphics, Image Comics, Kodansha, Papercutz, Yen Press, and dozens more. For those of you who are used to reading eBooks on Libby, Comics Plus will be a nice change as there are no holds, no wait lists, and no borrowing limits. Download the mobile app to your device or go to the website on your browser. Just log in with your library card, and you’ll have access to the whole collection!

Looking to get your kids set up with Comics Plus? The full collection includes some graphic content, so be sure to check out our curated collections for children or teens as well as Comics Plus’s Age-Appropriate Guidelines.

Find Comics Plus on our website by going to chescolibraries.org –> Tools and Research –> All CCLS Databases –> C –> Comics Plus