Articles & Databases, A-Z Listing

The Algonquin Area Public Library District provides access to special subscription databases to our patrons. This service is free 24/7 for Algonquin Area Library card holders only!

To connect from home, have your library card barcode number ready to login. If you encounter problems with home access, please follow our tips for remote access users.

Note: The following icons may appear next to a database title:

- resource is only available within the library
- click on this icon for home/remote access from outside of the library.

If neither icon is listed with the database, simply click on the title to enter. You will be prompted for your library card barcode when you access from home.

A-Z Listing of Databases (or Arranged by Subject):

• Algonquin Area Obituary Index
  Indexes obituaries appearing in the Northwest Herald and the Algonquin Countryside from January 1, 2005 - Present. Selected obituaries Elgin Courier News are also included.  Select indexing of the Cardunal Free Press (Apr 1966- Dec 1985) is in progress

• Ancestry: Library Edition
  With over 2 billion records in over 3,000 databases, Ancestry Library is a comprehensive online source of information for genealogical and local history research.

• Auto Repair Reference Center  
  Access to a wealth of repair information, including wiring diagrams, from 1954 models to the present!

• Biography Resource Center
  This database combines award-winning biographies from respected Gale Group sources. Biography Resource Center also includes full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals.

• Business and Company Resource Center
  Business and Company Resource Center is a fully integrated resource bringing together company profiles, brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies and periodicals.

• Chicago Area Newspapers
  Search the Chicago Tribune (1985-), the Chicago Sun-Times (1986-), the Northwest Herald (2006-), the Daily Herald (1995-), and the Algonquin Countryside (1995-)! Includes articles, columns, and obituaries. 

• Chicago Tribune Historical Archive
  Search full-image articles, classifieds, marriage notices, and much more from 1849-1985! Great for all kinds of research needs.

• Consumer Reports Online
  Search current and back issues.  Ask at Reference Desk for login information.

• Digital Past
  This collection features books and pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County. Each book includes a text transcription and is fully searchable by keyword. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.

• Electric Library
  A collection of full text articles from magazines, newspapers, and broadcast sources.

• Encyclopedia Britannica Reference Center
  Search the full text of the famous encyclopedia, plus many other valuable reference sources. Includes extensive audiovisual content, atlases, and international news.  Great for any research project!

• First Search
  A collection of databases including Medline, ERIC, Article First, Wilson Select Full-Text, and many more.

• Gale Virtual Reference Library
  A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. Includes Grzimek's Animals Guide, American Decades, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Business Plans, and more!

• General Reference Center Gold
  A one-stop source for information focusing on business, current events, popular culture, sports and entertainment. Access hundreds of full text periodicals, newspapers, and major reference books.

• Grolier Online Reference Center
  Great for homework! Choose from Lands and Peoples, or Amazing Animals!

• Health@National Library of Medicine
  Free access to Medline/PubMed, Clinical Trials, Household Products Database, HIV/AIDS and Cancer info, Toxic Substances, and much more.

• HeritageQuest Online
  Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!

• Illinois Public Records
  Find new homeowners and businesses, foreclosures and sales, bankruptcies.

• LearningExpressLibrary
  Take online courses in programs like Excel, Word, Access, and Powerpoint!

• Literature Resource Center
  Literary criticism and analysis, author biographies, and much more!

• MedlinePLUS
  A comprehensive, free source for consumer health and medical information.

• New York Times Archive
  Search articles, birth announcements, and more, with coverage back to 1851! Use the search window at the top of the initial page.

• NoveList Adult Readers Advisor
  Find adult and youth fiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.

• NoveList for Children K-8
  Find children's fiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.

• Opposing Viewpoints Research Center
  A complete one-stop source for information on social issues. Access viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.

• PDR Online
  Full text of the current Physicians Desk Reference for prescription drugs.

• Reference USA
  A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc.

• ValueLine Research Center
  Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.

• Worldbook Reference Center 
  Complete text with images from the famous encyclopedia, along with information from many other sources. Includes a Spanish language encyclopedia. Great for homework help!