Library Databases

Biography

Biography and Genealogy Master Index, Biography Resource Center, The Complete Marquis Who's Who

Business

Encyclopedia of Small Business
General Business File ASA, General Business File International, ReferenceUSA

Children's

InfoBits

E-Books

Gale Virtual Reference Library, List of Titles, Gale Virtual Reference Library from TEL, TEL List of Titles, MyiLibrary

Education

Encyclopedia of Education, K-12 Professional Collection, LearnaTest

Genealogy

Ancestry Library

Health

Drugs and Controlled Substances, Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery, Health Reference Center Academic, Health and Wellness Resource Center

History

American Revolution Reference Library, Dictionary of American History, Gale Encyclopedia of U. S. Economic History, History Resource Center, U*X*L American Decades, Witchcraft in America, World War II Reference Library

   Not accessible outside of the library 

Library Databases

Arranged here are magazines, newspaper articles, book reviews, indexes, and reference books available online with full text. For access outside the library Memphis Public Library customers may call 901-415-2700 for username and password information. Your web browser must be set to accept cookies and Java script. Most of these databases can be accessed from outside the library, however, a few do have restrictions as noted below. Other information resources available on memphislibrary.org include: The Library Catalog, The Community Information File, The Memphis Death Records, The Internet Reference Database (a subject guide to the Internet),  the First Tennessee Small Business Center and the Health Information Center.

• African-American Almanac
  The African American Almanac provides historical and current information on African American history, society, and culture in 28 topical chapters (e.g., African American Firsts, Politics, Family & Health). It also includes a chronology, a chapter of important primary documents, directories of organizations and businesses, a bibliography of recently-published works, annotated lists of crucial court cases, a filmography, hundreds of brief biographies, and more than 650 photographs, illustrations, maps, and statistical charts located within the most appropriate text.
• American Revolution Reference Library
  Covers the events and people of the Revolutionary War period in easy-to-understand language. Students will find all the information they need for reports and class assignments on the period, including the biographies and primary source materials in this comprehensive set.
• Ancestry Library
  This database provides instant online access to more than 1 billion names, more than 3,000 databases, primary source documents, images and a variety of genealogy research aids. This database is  not accessible outside the library and no more than two library users may access the database at a time, if you are denied access, try again later.
• Animal Sciences
  This interdisciplinary resource explores the wide-ranging diversity that exists within the animal kingdom. Entries examine how animals develop, animal ecology and behavior, and the connection between animals and humans. Also includes biographies of key scientists who have contributed to the study of animal life, as well as career opportunities within the field.
• Beacham's Guide to the Endangered Species of North America
  Presents extensive data on the habitats and ecosystems of more than 1,200 species identified as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. Arranged taxonomically, entries include introductory information with an image of the species; a summary section detailing information on each species; a concluding summary of recovery efforts; and a bibliography of contacts for further information.
• Biography and Genealogy Master Index
  This database is a first stop index tool for learning where to look for biographical material on people from all time periods, geographical locations and fields of endeavor. Biography and Genealogy Master Index indexes any print product that includes biographical information on multiple persons. It also acts as an index to other indexes. No more than two users may access the database at a time, if you are denied access, try again later.
• Biography Resource Center + The Complete Marquis Who's Who(r)
  This database combines award-winning biographies from respected Gale Group sources. Biography Resource Center also includes full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals. Search for people based 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. With the Complete Marquis Who's Who(R), find quick reference information on an additional 900,000 people.
• Commercial Appeal
  1991 to current coverage of the Commercial Appeal newspaper. NewsBank offers 55 newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, The Tennessean, The St. Louis Dispatch and others. This service is not accessible outside the library. This database is not accessible outside the library.
• Countries and Their Cultures
  Focuses on cultures and countries around the world, specifically what is and is not shared culturally by the people who live in a particular country. Entries contain descriptive summaries of the country in question, including demographic, historical, cultural, economic, religious, and political information..
• Dictionary of American History
  The first comprehensive revision of this classic reference source, originally published in 1940, features updated and revised entries from previous editions, as well as more than 800 new entries covering recent events and topics not covered previously. This authoritative work serves students, scholars, and general readers interested in a wide range of topics in American history, from the well studied and familiar to the obscure.
• Drugs and Controlled Substances
  This single-volume resource provides detailed information on the physiological and psychological effects of addictive drugs and substances, from illegal drugs to commonly abused classes of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Entries cover the name of the drug, including official, street, variant and historical names; an overview of the substance; statistical analysis of the growth and decline of the use of the drug; mental, physiological and long-term effects of use; treatment and rehabilitation options; and much more.
• Encyclopedia of Buddhism
  This encyclopedia describes the Buddhist world view, basic teachings and practices of Buddhism, as well as its different schools and sects. In addition to containing entries on Buddhist scriptures, art, architecture, divinities, monastic orders, festivals, rites and ceremonies, this 2-vol. set explores the history of Buddhism, the different forms it has taken in different parts of the world, and how Buddhism has blended with other religions like Shinto, Confucianism, Daoism, Islam, and Christianity.
• Encyclopedia of Education
  Intended to provide a comprehensive description of the enterprise of education both within the United States and throughout the world. Approximately 900 articles offer a view of the institutions, people, processes, and products found in educational practice.
• Encyclopedia of Food and Culture 3v
  Presents 600 articles on food and its place in human culture and society, covering everything from agronomy to zucchini. Students, academics, and general researchers will find entries on everything from food preparation, distribution and storage to holidays and festivals, nutrition and health, and cultures and cuisines. Entries range from 250 to 10,000 words each and are supplemented by 400 photographs and illustrations, sidebars, recipes, menus, timelines, and a comprehensive index.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law
  Fills a much-needed gap between legal texts focusing on the theory and history behind the law and more practical guides dealing with the law and its everyday effect upon its citizens. Articles include brief descriptions of each issue's historical background, profiles of various U.S. laws and regulations, details of how laws and regulations vary from state to state, and comprehensive bibliographies that include print and Web resources and lists of relevant organizations.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
  Includes entries for all 150 disorders classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-IV-TR). Also features entries for prescription, alternative, and over-the-counter drugs, as well as the various therapies used to treat mental disorders
• Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders
  Provides clear, complete information on genetic disorders, including conditions, tests, procedures, treatments and therapies, in articles that are both comprehensive and easy to understand in language accessible to laypersons.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
  Includes information on more than 1,600 medical disorders and concepts. Each article includes in-depth discussion of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, procedures, and other related topics. Written for a general audience with an authoritative tone.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
  Written for students and professionals in the field. Entries cover topics in body systems and functions, conditions and common diseases, issues and theories, techniques and practices, and devices and equipment. Also discusses the roles of all major health professionals.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
  Written especially for patients and allied health care students by experts in the field, this encyclopedia covers approximately 450 surgical procedures and related topics, such as anesthetics, medications, and postoperative care. Entries include definition, purpose, demographic information, diagnosis/preparation, aftercare, risks, morbidity, and mortality rates, alternatives, and more.
• Granger's World of Poetry
  This database of poetry includes 250,000 poem citations, 13,000 poems in full text, 7,500 excerpts, biographies of leading poets, and bibliographies on hundreds of poems and poets. The database can be searched by keyword, first line, author, title, and subject. This service is not accessible outside the library.
• Harlem Renaissance 2001
  Centered around Harlem, a section of New York City and a thriving center of African American life and culture in the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance was a time of great artistic and intellectual achievement in the African American community. This reference guide presents a comprehensive overview of the events and people that comprised this rich period in American History in the early twentieth century.
• History Resource Center: US
  The History Resource Center: U.S. provides integrated access to over 1,000 historical (primary) documents, more then 30,000 reference articles, and over 65 full-text journal covering themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-Colonial times to the present. The material also includes access to the citations for over 180 additional history journals from the Institute for Scientific Information's Arts and Humanities Citation Index. No more than two users may access the database at a time, if you are denied access, try again later.
• LearnaTest
  Test Preparation and practice for a wide range of educational and occupational tests. Access outside the library is possible with a Memphis Public Library card number by choosing the "library card access" option. For a listing of tests included, see below.
• Literature Criticism Online
  Contains the complete, searchable text of the multi-volume reference works Contemporary Literary Criticism, Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism, Poetry Criticism, and Shakespearean Criticism, in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
• MyiLibrary
  This resource provides access to over 40 e-books in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, with titles on popular topics such as health, computers, test preparation, pet care, and more..
• NewsBank
  NewsBank offers 55 newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, The Tennessean, The St. Louis Dispatch and others. This service is not accessible outside the library. This database is not accessible outside the library.
• ReferenceUSA
  ReferenceUSA is a leading source of information on businesses and people for researchers, students, job seekers and government agencies. The database contains detailed information on more than 14 million U.S. businesses and 210 million U.S. residents. Access outside the library is possible with a Memphis Public Library card number.
• Space Sciences
  From the history of space exploration to the future of "space business," this set offers a broad survey of the space sciences. Includes biographies of scientists and the space-related job market.
• Student Resource Center - Gold
  A fully integrated database containing thousands of curriculum-targeted 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. Includes Student Resource Center-Health Module.
• Scribner Writers Series
  Scribner Writer's Series includes 15-20 page signed essays on more than 1,600 authors and literary genres drawn from 13 acclaimed Scribner print series.
• Tennessee Legal Forms
  Thousands of legal forms available, with more forms being added daily. The database includes official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. Important note: Library customers should consult an attorney for serious legal matters.
• Today's Science
  This database provides students from middle school through college with authoritative yet accessible information on the latest developments in science. Today's Science features overview articles linked to detailed news coverage, extensive use of illustrations, editorial cartoons, an automatic glossary, specially created biographies of scientists, and curriculum materials targeting multiple grade levels, including correlations to National Science Education standards. This database is not accessible outside the library.
• The Twayne Authors Series - Twayne World, English, and US Authors
  Twayne World, US, and English Authors each contains the full text of 200 frequently used Twayne Literary Masters books on individual World, US, or English authors, for a total of 600 individual full-text titles.
• U*X*L American Decades 11v, 2003
  Covers 20th-century events and social history beginning in 1900 and ending in 1999. Each decade is covered in a single comprehensive volume. Chapters begin with a chronology of world events and a general overview of the decade. Within each topic, alphabetically arranged entries discuss historically important events, issues, definitions of difficult concepts or terms, and other interesting trivia and sideline stories.
• Water; Science and Issues
  Integrates key concepts, current issues, traditional and emerging research, and major legislation in three subject areas: fresh water, marine waters, and policy and management. These topics are complemented by historical overviews, biographical sketches, and career information. Includes color photographs and illustrations, sidebars, and a glossary. Broadly applicable for general readers as well as those wanting a firm academic foundation.
• Witchcraft in America 2001
  This fascinating and informative source covers the history of witchcraft in the United States from the hysteria that facilitated the witch hunts during the Colonial Period to modern day followers of Wicca. Chapters include full text or excerpts from trial transcripts, diary entries, public notices, and many other primary sources. Biographical essays highlight prominent figures related to the Salem witch trials.
• World War II Reference Library
  Covers significant events, topics, and people related to the World War II period. Provides the in-depth information that students need to write reports and class assignments, including biographical profiles and primary source materials.

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