Niche Academy

Need help figuring out how to use and access eBooks and other online tools that the library offers? Check out the library’s Niche Academy. These brief, online tutorials will help walk you through using the library’s digital services and more! 

Note: An up-to-date list of  available tutorials can also be accessed by clicking on the tab marked “Tutorials” on the right side of your screen. 

Tutorials Available

Academic One File – Scholarly articles

Ancestry Library Edition – Genealogy database

Beanstack – Track your reading progress

Books and Authors – When you don’t know where to begin

BrainFuse – Tutoring and helpful resources

Brainfuse – Tutoría y Provechoso Recursos

BRIDGES by Overdrive – eBooks & eAudiobooks

Chilton – Auto repair instruction database

Computer Basics – Understanding the basics of computers and tips on using them

Consumer Reports – Consumer research

Facebook – Social media

Gale Courses – Free online courses

Gale Document Tools –  Instructions for using the tools found while viewing a document in any Gale resource

Gale Search Tools –  Instructions for using the search tools found in any Gale resources

Gale Virtual Reference Library – Reference databases

Genealogy – Basics in researching family history

GoodReads – Book recommendations

Hoopla – eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, and video

Instagram – A mobile app for sharing books and videos online

LinkedIn – Social networking for job seekers and professionals

Manage Your Account Online – How to use Urbandale Public Library catalog and access your account online

Microsoft Office: Excel – How to create and work with spreadsheets using Microsoft Office Excel

MorningStar – Investment tools

Novelist Plus – Book recommendations

Overdrive/Libby – eBooks, Audiobooks, and more

Pinterest – Online idea boards

Reference Solutions – Business and consumer information

Snapchat – a social media channel for sharing photos and videos

Transparent Language – Foreign language tutorials

Twitter – Social media

Urbandale Public Library Social Story – We have created a social story that will give you a better understanding of what to expect at the library.

ValueLine – Investments database