Database Collections
The Urbandale Public Library subscribes to numerous databases to assist
you in your research. You will need a library card to access these
databases.Articles from Newspapers and Magazines
Consumer Reports - Provides ratings and consumer information on a variety of products. Ask at the reference desk for a staff member to assist with the password. In-library use only. (http://www.consumerreports.org)
Des Moines Register full-text - Search the Des Moines Register from 2006 to the present for full-text articles. Users must enter their 14 digit Urbandale Library barcode number from the back of their library card. (http://proquest.umi.com/login)
EbscoHost - Search a number of databases which cover a wide range of topics and contain full-text articles, citations and abstracts from sources such as magazines, journals and newspapers. EbscoHost is also available in a number of languages. This database is accessible from within the library and outside the library with a user ID and password, available by contacting the library. (http://search.ebscohost.com)
EBSCOhost List of Indexed Titles - An alphabetical listing of the periodicals indexed in the EBSCOhost databases. (http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/databases/ebsco/title-list)
FirstSearch - FirstSearch includes eight databases: WorldCat (a catalog of over 53 million records of books and other materials in OCLC libraries worldwide), ArticleFirst, ERIC, GPO, MEDLINE, PapersFirst, ProceedingsFirst and UnionList. FirstSearch is accessible from within the library and from outside the library with a user name and password, available by contacting the reference desk. (http://firstsearch.oclc.org/fsip)
Issues and Controversies -
Provided by the Facts
On File News Service, Issues and Controversies analyzes and explains
hundreds of controversial topics in a language and format students can
understand, with balance, accuracy and regular updating. For usage outside
of the library, users must enter their 14 digit Urbandale Library barcode
number from the back of their library card. (http://www.2facts.com/Direct2.aspx?ItemID=WE57&ID=99079)
Address and Telephone Directories
Reference USA - Business and residential telephone and address
directories, nationwide. Users must enter their 14 digit Urbandale
Library barcode number from the back of their library card. (http://www.referenceusa.com)
Auto Repair
Auto Repair Reference Center - Car repair information by year, make,
and model. Contact the reference desk for user name and password. (http://search.ebscohost.com)
Biographies
Biography Resource Center - Discover fascinating facts about
world famous people throughout history. For usage outside of the library,
users must enter the first 13 digits of their Urbandale Library barcode from
the back of their library card.
(http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/urbandalepl)
Genealogy
Ancestry Library Edition (inside of library usage) -
Includes immigration, vital, census, court, military records and more.
(http://ancestrylibrary.proquest.com)
HeritageQuest (inside of library usage) - Includes images and
indexing of the 1790-1930 U. S. federal censuses, 8,000 family
histories, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) which covers 6,300
genealogy and history periodicals, and a number of other databases. (http://www.heritagequestonline.com)
HeritageQuest (outside of library usage) - Use this link when
using a computer outside of the library. Users must enter their 14
digit Urbandale Library barcode number from the back of their library
card. Problems with barcodes should be directed to the reference desk
staff at (515) 331-4488. (http://www.heritagequestonline.com/barcode?aid=13687)
Investment Research
Valueline -
This service provides information and advice on stocks and industries.
Contact the reference desk for user name and password. (http://www.valueline.com)
Languages
Mango Languages – Mango is an online language learning system
teaching practical conversation skills for real communication. It’s the
fast, easy and effective way to learn to speak a foreign language. (http://libraries.mangolanguages.com/urbandale/start)
Reading Suggestions
Novelist and Novelist K-8 - Advice on good fiction for adults
and youth. These databases are accessible from within the library from
all public access computers, as well as outside the library with a user
ID and password, available by contacting the library. (http://search.ebscohost.com)
Test Preparation
LearningExpress Library
- LearningExpress Library is an interactive online learning platform featuring
over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and
workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam
preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam
preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading,
writing, and math, for all ages. You'll get immediate scoring, complete
answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.
Library card barcode number required for remote access.
(http://www.learningexpresslibrary.com)