Research Databases by Subject

Subject List


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Most of these resources may be accessed from home with your library card. If you aren't a current cardholder, you can apply for a library card online. 

By Subject


Auto Repair


Chilton
  • Resource for automotive (car and truck) diagnostic and repair information. Access the latest Technical Service Bulletins, and print wiring diagrams.  This database also has materials to help prepare for the ASE mechanic certification with test prep quizzes.
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Biography


Biography in Context
  • This database combines award-winning biographies from respected Gale Group sources. Biography in Context also includes full-text articles from hundreds of magazines and academic journals. Search for people based on name, or on one or more personal facts such as birth and death year, nationality, ethnicity, occupation or gender, or combine criteria to create a highly-targeted custom search.
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Books & Literature



Academic OneFile
  • (For book reviews, include phrase "book review" in keyword search)
  • A one-stop source for news, magazine, and academic journal articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, travel and many general interest topics. Titles include: Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, Library Journal, The New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and thousands more. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily.
NoveList
  • NoveList provides subject searching, reviews, and annotated book lists for over 135,000 fiction titles. Search for titles by subject, reading level, plot elements, or use a favorite author or title to find similar books. Browse lists of books by genre or awards won. Author Read-alikes discuss the appeal of a certain author and suggest other authors with comparable traits.
Student Resources in Context
  • Use Literature search for information on books and authors. A fully integrated database containing thousands of encyclopedia articles, primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of over 1,000 magazines, newspapers, over 20,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio and video clips.
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Education & Testing


LearningExpressLibrary.com (LearnATest.com)
  • Test preparation materials and interactive practice exams, based on official tests, that will help you improve your scores on academic, civil service, military, and professional licensing and certification exams. Provides immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and individualized analysis of your score.
Universal Class
  • Over 500 Courses covering subjects including: Computer Training, Personal Finance, How-To, GED Training, Business, Pet and Animal Care, Professional Development, Health Services Training, Music and Painting, And More!
Transparent Language Online
  • Learn one of 80 foreign languages for free!
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Encyclopedias


Culturegrams
  • Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world. (Grades 3-12)
ProQuest e-Library
  • Database Edition General reference aggregation of periodical and digital media content with editorial guidance for novice researchers. (Grades 6+)
Research Companion
  • A self-guided product that supports information literacy, writing, and research skills instruction.(Grades 8+)
SIRS Discoverer
  • A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators. (Grades 3-9)
SIRS Researcher
  • Pros and cons on 360+ (and growing) complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day. (Grades 6+)
Worldbook Online for Kids
  • Access the Worldbook Encyclopedia Online
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History & Genealogy


Ancestry: Library Edition
  • (In library use only)
  • Search thousands of databases of genealogical and historical information, including historical records, family trees, newspaper stories, photos and maps.
Archives Unbound
  • This resource offers online access to primary source materials covering a vast array of topics of importance to U.S. and California history. You will need your library card to access this database.
  • This website has information about indigenous tribes in Mexico.
Student Resources in Context
  • Use the U.S. History or World History topic buttons to browse for historical information. A fully integrated database containing thousands of encyclopedia articles, primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of over 1,000 magazines, newspapers, over 20,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio and video clips.

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Journals, Magazines & Newspapers


Academic OneFile
  • (For book reviews, include phrase "book review" in keyword search)
  • A one-stop source for news, magazine, and academic journal articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, travel and many general interest topics. Titles include: Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, Library Journal, The New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and thousands more. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily.
The New York Times
Watsonville Historical Newspaper Archive
  • Digitized copies of Watsonville newspapers spanning 1867-2012. This database is a work in progress, indexing and digitization are still occurring. Newspapers include the Pajaro Valley Times, the Santa Cruz and Pajaro Times, the Pajaronian, the Evening Pajaronian, the Watsonville Morning Sun, and the Register-Pajaronian. If you would like help using this database, please call the library's reference desk at 768-3404.  
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Medicine


MedlinePlus
  • Produced by the National Library of Medicine, brings you reliable and up-to-date information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. Available in Spanish and English.
  • Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, le brinda información confiable y actualizada en todo momento sobre enfermedades, condiciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer. Versiones en español e inglés.
Student Resources in Context
  • Use Science search for information on health topics. A fully integrated database containing thousands of encyclopedia articles, primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of over 1,000 magazines, newspapers, over 20,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio and video clips.
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Spanish / Español


MedlinePlus
  • Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, le brinda información confiable y actualizada en todo momento sobre enfermedades, condiciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer. Versiones en español e inglés.
  • Produced by the National Library of Medicine, brings you reliable and up-to-date information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. Available in Spanish and English.
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Statistics


Academic OneFile
  • (For book reviews, include phrase "book review" in keyword search)
  • A one-stop source for news, magazine, and academic journal articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, travel and many general interest topics. Titles include: Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, Library Journal, The New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and thousands more. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily.
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Youth

 
Opposing Viewpoints: In Context
  • Covering social issues and designed for middle and high school students, this collection includes pro and con viewpoint articles, topic overviews, full-text magazine and journal articles, statistical information, and images.
Student Resources in Context
  • A fully integrated database containing thousands of encyclopedia articles, primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of over 1,000 magazines, newspapers, over 20,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio and video clips.
Worldbook Online for Kids
  • Access the Worldbook Encyclopedia Online
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