The Paly Library Online Databases & Virtual Reference
Paly has access to fourteen databases and over 20 virtual reference sources due the generous support of the Paly community and PiE Grants! PLEASE SEE INCLASS LIBRARY INFORMATION AND PASSWORDS FOR LOGIN INFORMATION OR EMAIL THE LIBRARIAN
NEW ADDITIONS
American National Biography- In depth "portraits" of more than 17,400 deceased American men and women from every field (government, the arts, sports etc.) and era. Email the librarian or check InClass Library and Information "class" for password information.
Curriculum Video On Demand has videos for a wide vareity of subject areas studied in high school. Please email the librarian for username or password information or check the Library and Information Passwords class on InClass.
LITERARY REFERENCE CENTER. This is a great place to research information about books, films, authors, plays, and there is a great literary glossary.
EBSCOhost Research Databases This database takes the place of ProQuest as it offeres a wide range of national and international periodicals through its MAS Ultra Collection (magazines, digital reference books, images, maps, primary source documents etc.) and Newspaper Source Plus. It also has a health information database, ERIC and a professional resource collection for educators. There are two interfaces both using the same passwords User ID: paly Password: pausd. No passwords should be necessary at Paly, except when using wireless connections.
The graphic interface is called Student Research Center where you can search for information from magazines, newspapers, primary source documents, images, maps, and a digital books collection (biographies are particularly good). Many high schools and middle schools use this interface.
The more advanced interface is called EBSCOhost Research Databases. Colleges and public libraries tend to use this interface. Using the EBSCOhost interface you can combine various products (all those included in the Student Research Center plus ERIC and professional resources) to search them together or choose to search them individually. Use the Choose Databases link located above the search box to choose individual databases to search.
Points of View Use this databas to research controversial topics. This product is perfect for currrent event and issues research and great for debate or persuasive essays.
GLOBAL ISSUES IN CONTEXT This comprehensive international current events database with topics ranging from foreign affairs to science and technology combines background information, full-text periodicals (newspapers, academic journals, commentary) from a variety of international sources, AP news feeds, podcasts, primary source documents, maps, tables, charts, and text-to-speech technology. PLEASE let me know what you think. rkellerman@pausd.org
GENERAL REFERENCE & SUBJECT-SPECIFIC VIRTUAL REFERENCE BOOKS
World Book Encyclopedia Paly Login: palyhs and Password: viking. More than just an online version of their famous encyclopedia, World Book Advanced entries link to websites, primary source documents, and magazine articles. This is a great place to start a research project or get some information fast.
Gale Virtual Reference Gale Virtual Reference books are searchable versions of print reference books. Go to Basic Search and open up subject tabs to view individual book titles. Click on a specific book to search it or search the entire collection by typing in a keyword in the search box. Some articles include links to websites, and it is easy to link from one article to the next. Examples of books from the collection include: Encyclopedia of World Biography, American Decades Primary Sources, Encyclopedia of War, Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, Encyclopedia of Genocide and Crimes Against Hummanity, Encyclopedia of European History 1450-1789, Harlem Renaissance, Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, Encyclopedia of Recipes and Foods of the World, Encyclopedia of Religion.
PERIODICAL & ACADEMIC JOURNALS
EBSCOhost Research Databases This database takes the place of ProQuest as it offeres a wide range of national and international periodicals through its MAS Ultra Collection (magazines, digital reference books, images, maps, primary source documents etc.) and Newspaper Source Plus. It also has a health information database, ERIC and a professional resource collection for educators. There are two interfaces both using the same passwords User ID: paly Password: pausd. No passwords should be necessary at Paly, except when using wireless connections.
JSTOR JSTOR. Find academic journals and historic archives in all subject areas with an emphasis on History, English, Humanities. Most journals are a few years out of date. In order to use JSTOR from outside of Paly you will need your own account. If you have never logged in to create your own Paly account please go to JSTOR Paly Login to register. If you already have a JSTOR account you will need to go to JSTOR Paly Login to reactivate your account at the beginning of each school year. Use the regular JSTOR login from now on. Follow directions to Register. If you need help view JSTOR searching tutorials
HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE FOCUS (Good for English research as well)
American History, World Geography, World History Ancient, World History Modern, Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society
African American Studies Center Check InClass Library Information and Passwords or email the librarian for access information. A comprehensive database with 8,000 articles, maps, photos, timelines detailing the African American experience on both a personal and international scale.
Daily Life Online Research daily life during various time periods of history from ancient to recent times.
Salem History Password: viking. This guide corresponds to the print version of Milestone Documents in American History located in the library.
ENGLISH MUSIC & ART FOCUS
Oxford English Dictionary OED. Check InClass Library Information and Passwords or email the librarian for access information. OED online is THE resource for understanding the English language. Look up words and find their origins. Discover new words as the language constantly changes.
Grove Music Check InClass Library Information and Passwords or email the librarian for access information. Grove Music is a comprehensive music resource for research with an audio component as well. Download the Scorch plugin from Sibelius to listen to the audio.
Grove Art Check InClass Library Information and Passwords or email the librarian for access information. Grove Art is an expansive resource for every aspect of visual art from prehistory to present day. Perfect for hummanties, art history, and other explorations.
SCIENCE & LIVING SKILLS FOCUS
Salem Health Password: viking. This guide corresponds to the new print version of Magill's Medical Guide located in the library.
EBSCOhost Research Databases User ID paly Password pausd. This database takes the place of ProQuest as it offeres a wide range of national and international periodicals through its MAS Ultra Collection (magazines, digital reference books, images, maps, primary source documents etc.) and Newspaper Source Plus. It also has a health information database, ERIC and a professional resource collection for educators. There are two interfaces both using the same passwords User ID: paly Password: pausd. No passwords should be necessary at Paly, except when using wireless connections.
Get a Public Library Card to Use Electronic Resources
Palo Alto Public Library Link to the online application form from the home page by going to Apply for Card link located below the calendar. This card is temporary for 30 days. Go to a library branch to pick up a permanent card.
Last updated January 28, 2010