We are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of research databases for your use. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners provides funding for a large number of databases from Gale Cengage, ProQuest, as well as resources from Encyclopedia Britannica. Please note: If your library card barcode begins with D, you can only access databases by sharing your Massachusetts location.

Skip to Digital History | Newspapers

Go to this link to find a full list of databases and reference works, available for researchers of all ages, and to “power search” across multiple databases.

Academic OneFile (Gale)
Over 10,000 full-text peer-reviewed journals.

Ancestry Library Edition (available for use in the library)
Includes coverage of United States census, vital, church, court, and immigration records, as well as record collections from countries worldwide. This collection of more than 4,000 databases and two billion names is a strong complement to HeritageQuest Online.
Want help using this resource? Click here to request an appointment. 

Biography (Gale in Context)
Over 400,000 biographies on literary figures, as well as people involved in science, multicultural studies, business, entertainment, politics, sports, government, history, current events and the arts.

Britannica Online (Library Edition)
In addition to the famous encyclopedia, Britannica Online also includes a dictionary and thesaurus, atlases, timelines, and other features. Easy to use, and easy to find trusted information!

Environmental Studies (Gale in Context)
Reference works, multimedia materials, news and magazines, and more focused on current issues and science about the world around us. With just a few clicks users build a better understanding of our impact on the earth, and how to keep it healthy.

General OneFile (Gale)
A one-stop source for news and millions of articles on a wide range of academic and general interest topics: business, health care, environmental issues, hobbies, and much more.

Global Issues (Gale in Context)
Offers international viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events.

Health and Wellness (Gale)
Resources designed for both nursing and allied health students as well as consumer health researchers. The material contained in this database is intended for informational purposes only.

HeritageQuest
Combines digital, searchable images of U.S. federal census records with the digitized version of the popular UMI® Genealogy & Local History collection and other valuable content. Discover your family history today!

Literature Resource Center
Information on authors and their works in all genres and disciplines, from all time periods and from around the world.

LegalForms (Gale)
Access a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms and resources across the most popular legal areas.

News (Gale OneFile)
A comprehensive collection of resources relating to current events and news as well as important past events and news.

NoveList Plus
A database to help you figure out what to read next.  You can search by age levels, genres, or whatever your mood might be and get a list of recommendations of books to read along with descriptions. This database comes to us as part of our membership in C/W MARS.

Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context)
Covers timely issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular resource supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Informed, differing views help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.

Peterson’s Career Prep (Gale Presents)
Discover which careers suit you best, research potential career options, create a résumé and explore the requirements and outlooks for the occupations you’re interested in.

Peterson’s Test Prep (Gale Presents)
For standardized test preparation, researching and selecting college and graduate schools, finding tuition assistance, and exploring careers. Prepare for your certification, credentialing, or licensing exams for vocations in fields such as nursing, law enforcement, public safety, teaching, and more. Search through nearly 4,200 two- and four-year accredited schools and find your perfect fit. 

Science (Gale in Context)
An engaging online experience for those seeking contextual information on hundreds of today’s most significant science topics.

Science Database
With coverage dating back to 1986, ProQuest Science Journals features over 1030 titles, with more than 760 available in full text. Search over 2.7M records, dating back to the mid 1980s.

Transparent Languages
Language learners can build vocabulary, practice skills, and maintain what they have learned with Transparent Language Online, available anytime, anywhere in 110+ languages.

U.S. History (Gale in Context)
Contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in U.S. History.

World History (Gale in Context)
Contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in World History.

DIGITAL HISTORY
Digital Commonwealth
Explore historical collections from over 160 libraries, museums, and archives across Massachusetts. This site provides access to thousands of images, documents, and sound recordings that have been digitized by member institutions so that they may be available to researchers, students, and the general public.

Digital Public Library of America
An all-digital library that aggregates metadata — or information describing an item — and thumbnails for millions of photographs, manuscripts, books, sounds, moving images, and more from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States.

Massachusetts Archives Digital Repository
The Massachusetts Archives Digital Repository provides access to permanent digital records of Massachusetts state government. These records comprise born-digital materials, or records that were produced electronically, and digitized reproductions of originals at the Archives.

The National Archives and Records Administration
An independent agency of the United States government charged with the preservation and documentation of government and historical records. Learn more about how to do research at the National Archives.

University of Massachusetts Special Collections and Archives
Collects materials of enduring historical and cultural value relating to four major thematic areas: the history and experience of social change in America; the histories and cultures of New England with an emphasis on Massachusetts; innovation and entrepreneurship; and the broad community associated with the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

NEWSPAPERS
Please note: If your library card barcode begins with D, you can only access databases by sharing your Massachusetts location.

The Boston Globe from 1980 to current.

The New York Times from 1985 to current.