Databases for Kids

What is a database?

A database is a collection of materials that are put together to make it easier for you to find things. For example, a magazine database will have articles from thousands of magazines you can search by using the computer.

How are databases different from what I get from Google?

Sometimes the sites you get from search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, do not give you the most reliable information (you may not always know who put the information there.

The results you get searching The Library's databases have already been looked at and evaluated. In other words, you do not have to worry if what you find is "good" information. It is!

Let's get started! What do you need to do?

• Click on the title of the database that you want to search.
• Don't forget-- If you are at home you will need to enter your library card and PIN numbers.
• Type what you are looking for in the search box on the screen. (For example: deserts, Anne Frank, pandas)
• Hit <ENTER> or click on the Search button.
• Click on the title of the article that you would like to read on the next page.
• Printing/Saving -- There are directions for printing and saving on each page.

Databases:

African-American History Online
Provides expansive and in-depth information on the people, events, and topics important to the study of African-American history.

American Indian History Online
Offers thorough access to more than 15,000 years of Native American culture, history, and heritage.
From Facts on File.

Curriculum Resource Center
Find people and events in history, information about countries and states, and great resources for your science projects.

Curriculum Resource Center: Junior Edition
Handouts for your projects and more...

Ebsco Animals
Learn about the nature and habitat for animals in this online animal encyclopedia. This is for more advanced young readers.

Electric Library
Search easily and quickly through newspapers, magazines, books, maps, pictures, audio, video, and even television and radio transcripts! Check the boxes under the colored picture of what you want to search.

Facts on File
Find articles about history, science; careers; and there’s even an atlas.

Funk & Wagnall’s New World Encyclopedia
Find thousands of simple-to-understand encyclopedia articles covering just about any topic imaginable.

Kids Search
Find easy to read magazine articles, photos, flags, and more! You can type in what you are looking for, or click on the picture of your topic.

Primary Search
Find articles from your favorite magazines like Ranger Rick, Lady Bug, Highlights for Children, National Geographic for Kids, and more!

Qikan Library
Find Chinese language short stories and poems to read by yourself or share with the rest of the family.

Searchasaurus
Find magazine articles that are perfect for your school reports! You can type in what you are looking for, or choose the dinosaur on your topic.

Test Prep from LearningExpressLibrary
Students in grades 4 and 5, you can get ready for standardized tests by working through Skills Improvement Practice Tests in Math and Reading.

World Atlas
Find full-color maps of countries, provinces, and states that you can print, along with other local information.