Online Resources
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Agricola »
Agricola is a bibliographic database consisting of selective worldwide coverage of primary information sources in agriculture and related fields. The literature cited is primarily in English, but over one-third of the database comprises citations in Western European, Slavic, Asian, and African languages.
Ancestry Library Edition »
Ancestry® Library Edition is a collection of over 7,000 databases that contain billions of historical records including censuses, vital records, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, directories, photos, and maps. Countries for which data is available include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, China, etc. Available for use within the library only (no remote access).
Bendable Maine »
Bendable is a robust learning marketplace. It allows Maine residents of all ages and backgrounds to easily discover content that is just right for them on a wide variety of subjects and then acquire new knowledge and skills through online courses as well as local, in-person learning opportunities.
Birds of the World »
Birds of the World is a powerful research database that brings together deep, scholarly content from four celebrated works of ornithology with millions of bird observations from eBird and multimedia from the Macaulay Library into a single platform where biologists and birders can explore comprehensive life history information on birds. [note: formally Birds of North America]
Business Collection »
A comprehensive business resource for the undergraduate researcher seeking company news, the public library patron making personal investment decisions, or the high school student looking to major in business administration, Business Collection provides full-text coverage of all business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and strategy, as well as business theory and practice.
Business Premium Collection »
The most comprehensive business offering, comprising all content from ABI/INFORM Collection; Accounting, Tax and Banking Collection; Asian and European Business Collection; Business Market Research Collection; and Entrepreneurship Database. With global coverage in business and economics, the collection features thousands of full-text journals, dissertations, and working papers, as well as trade publications, market research reports and more.
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Chilton Library »
This auto repair database provides step-by-step instructions, pictures, and diagrams to help with vehicle maintenance and repair.
Try the Vehicle Selector to select the year, make and model of your car. Then find further information like repair, maintenance, and bulletins/recalls.
cloudLibrary »
Download popular eBooks for free to your phone or tablet from cloudLibrary. This service is offered in partnership with other Maine libraries, with some additional content purchased by Portland Public Library and available to Portland Public Library cardholders exclusively.
cloudLibrary NewsStand »
Stay entertained & informed with the world’s largest catalog of digital magazines and newspapers delivered directly to your devices. Instantly access 7,000+ titles in more than 60 languages when you browse online or download cloudLibrary NewsStand. The easy-to-use online module & standalone app (available from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) offer individual articles, back issues, and an EZ read mode. All you need is your library card!
Comics Plus »
Comics Plus is a digital platform offering thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and manga to PPL card holders. You can access titles using a smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Every Comics Plus title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on your computer, tablet, or phone. Sign in as "Portland Public Library, ME” and use your library card number (the entire number with no spaces) as your Library ID.
Communications and Mass Media Collection »
The Communications & Mass Media Collection brings together information found in more than 400 journals. Nearly 3 million articles on all aspects of the communications field, including advertising, public relations, linguistics, and literature, meet the needs of researchers.
Congress.gov (Legislative Information) »
Congress.gov is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information. The site provides access to accurate, timely, and complete legislative information for Members of Congress, legislative agencies, and the public.
Consumer Reports »
ConsumerReports.org is the sister product of the Consumer Reports print magazine--both are published as an independent nonprofit testing and information organization. As one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services, the organization provides overviews, ratings, and recommendations.
Enter your library barcode when prompted for Patron ID.
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DemographicsNow »
Access a demographic report on any geography, the maps tab to view a simple map and the 2010 census files as they are released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Look here to for easy access to other data files in the future.
Digital Commons »
Digital Commons is a collection of the Portland Public Library featuring digitized materials that capture and preserve the history and community life of Portland, Maine. These materials are drawn from the library’s own collections and from partnering organizations in the region.
Digital Maine Library »
The Digital Maine Library provides every resident of Maine with access to online resources that include a collection of full text articles and abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals and reference. It also provides students, business people, public library patrons, and higher education students and educators the ability to use online learning tools.Thousands of magazines, newspapers, and reference books are available anywhere in the State.
Directory of Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms »
Brings together both venture capital and private equity organizations into one comprehensive directory - updated, offering valuable, current, and detailed information entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. Includes over 300 new firms and over 1,000 new partners. These numbers bring the total number of firms to over 3,000 firms, over 1,000 branches, and over 12,000 partners. In addition, more than 15,000 portfolio portfolio companies listed.
Driving Tests »
Maine specific information for driving tests. Includes car practice tests, motorcycle practice tests, CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) practice tests, online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL) and an FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions.
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EconLit »
This database is published by the American Economic Association and provides bibliographic coverage of a wide range of economics-related literature. An expanded version of the Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) indexes of journals, books, and dissertations, EconLit covers both economic theory and application. Also included are full-text of book reviews published in the Journal of Economic Literature since 1993.
Economics and Theory Collection »
The Economics & Theory Collection offers instant access to full-text academic journals and magazines--with a strong emphasis on titles covered in the EconLit bibliographic index. Powered by InfoTrac, it includes more than 1,800 titles. Content is useful for starting a business, marketing a product, developing policy, analyzing trends, constructing economic models, investing for the future, researching rates, and more.
Entrepreneurship »
This database covers all aspects of starting and operating a business, including accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, tax, etc.
Environmental Studies »
Focusing on the interdisciplinary study of sustainability and the environment, Gale In Context: Environmental Studies provides a wealth of authoritative content, empowering learners to critically analyze and understand important topics that affect people around the world.
Environmental Studies & Policy Collection »
The Environmental Studies & Policy Collection is a digital resource that answers inquiries about environmental concerns with coverage of more than 5.4 million articles from more than 300 journals and book references.
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Gale LegalForms »
Gale LegalForms provides a comprehensive look at various types of legal documents, including those related to bankruptcy, bill of sale, contracts, divorce, employment, incorporate, LLC, landlord/tenant, living wills, name change, power of attorney, real estate, taxes, and last willMany of the forms and documents are available in Word or Adobe format and can be edited and used with minor modifications to suit users' needs by simply "filling in the
Gale Power Search »
Unsure of where to start your research? Start by searching this database, which provides access to over 37,000 books, magazines, journals, and newspapers. This database is a great place to start research on any topic.
Gender Studies »
Gender Studies offers full-text access to periodicals and professional publications relating to gender identity and expression. This database is especially helpful to students and professionals working in healthcare, policy, and community organizing.
Global Newsstream »
One of the largest collections of news from the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Enables users to search the most recent global news content and archives which stretch back into the 1980s featuring content from newspapers, newswires, and news sites in active full-text format. All titles are cross-searchable allowing researchers easy access to multiple perspectives, resources, and languages.
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Health and Medicine »
This database is for students and professionals who are looking for current research in the world of medicine. It offers reports and articles from trade magazines and academic journals.
Health and Wellness Resource Center »
Provides a thorough overview of health-related topics, including diagnoses, treatments, and drugs. Find newspaper, magazine, and academic articles, as well as encyclopedia entries and videos.
Heritage Quest »
HeritageQuest offers genealogy information, including census data, local history articles, revolutionary war records and more.
Home Improvement Reference Center »
Through a collection of comprehensive full-text content, this database provides users with detailed, user-friendly “how-to” information covering a variety of home improvement and repair projects. Subjects include: maintenance, remodeling, electrical work, decorating home and garden, outdoor improvements, plumbing, and wood projects.
Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Collection »
Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Collection provides access to scholarly journals, magazines, and trade publications that cover topics including the cultural and economic aspects of travel and tourism. The curious traveler will also find a wealth of information, from contents on state parks and information on planning a vacation to full-text travel guides from Fodor's.
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Insurance and Liability Collection »
Protection of assets—physical or intellectual—is a concern for those ranging from the individual property owner to multinational corporations. The Insurance and Liability Collection connects researchers to hundreds of thousands of updated articles from leading journals.
Internet Archive »
Internet Archive is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
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Learning Express – Adult Core Skills »
Achieve your personal education and career goals. Build your math skills; become a better reader; improve your writing, speaking, and grammar; prepare for the GED® test; or become a U.S. Citizen.
Learning Express – Career Preparation »
Are you preparing for a professional exam? Are you curious about a particular occupation or looking to improve your workplace skills? Choose the Career Prep Center and begin your path to a bright future. Prepare for an entrance exam, occupation exam, join the military or become an officer, prepare for the WorkKeys® Assessments and the TOEIC®.
Learning Express – College Admissions & Test Prep »
Getting into college is an important step to building a strong future. First, you must do well on your college admission tests and write a personal essay that highlights your special talents. Use this center to get the resources you need to achieve your college preparation goals. Prepare for important exams like the ACT®, SAT®, AP®, PSAT/NMSQT®, TOEFL iBT® and IELTS™ Tests, and College Admissions Essay Writing.
Learning Express – College Students »
College Students
Achieve your undergrad goals and prepare for future success. This center provides valuable resources that help college students strengthen their academic skills, prepare for placement tests, and get ready for graduate school entrance exams.
Learning Express – Computer Skills »
Video courses are the fastest and easiest way to learn how to use a computer. Use the materials in this center to learn the basics of computers, from searching the Internet to using popular programs for word processing, creating spreadsheets and databases, learning computer graphics and illustration, understanding your operating system, and more.
Learning Express – High School Equivalency Center »
Earning a high school equivalency credential can open the door to better income, a more fulfilling job, and a college education. If you are preparing for the GED® test, GED® en Español, HiSET® or TASC™ exams, our practice tests, interactive tutorials, and eBooks will help you reach your goal.
Learning Express – School Center »
Skill-building resources for classroom and homework success. Learn about how the resources in this center work with the Common Core State Standards. Elementary math and English language arts skills; Middle School math, English language arts, social studies skills and High School entrance exam prep including COOP, HSPT, SHSAT, SSAT, ISEE®.
LGBTQ History in Government Documents »
This guide lists documents discussed in the presentation given at the 2016 Federal Depository Library Conference -- "We’re Here, We’re Queer, and We’re in the Public Record: Federal Government Documents on the LGBT Movement." The authors envision this as a living guide and intend to update it as new relevant resources become available. Jesse Silva, Librarian, UCBerkeley; Kelly L. Smith, Librarian, UCSD.
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Maine Memory Network »
The Maine Memory Network, a project of the Maine Historical Society, is a statewide digital museum that provides unprecedented access to over 10,000 historical items from over 160 museums, historical societies, libraries, and other organizations from every corner of Maine.
Maine News Index »
The Maine News Index (MNI) is a collection of abstracts that cover substantive Maine- or Portland-related articles published in local newspapers and magazines. MNI Online covers articles published from 1992 on. For the period 1945-1992, please consult the card file index in the Portland Room. Indexed periodicals include Down East, Mainebiz, Island Journal, Portland Monthly, and Casco Bay Weekly.
Mango Languages »
Available from home—set up an account with your email address, and library barcode and create a password.
Mango Languages is a fun, fast, and interactive online language-learning system to learn languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Mandarin Chinese, Greek, Italian, Russian, or English.
MedlinePlus »
The National Library of Medicine manages MedlinePlus. This resource contains information about diseases, treatments, medication, and other wellness topics. Find up-to-date information and videos without medical jargon and in many languages.
Morningstar Investment Research Center »
Limit of 2 simultaneous users
Visit Morningstar Investment Research Center to access this data-rich site for company, stock, mutual fund, ETF and market information from in the library or visit Morningstar at home with your library card number.
Novelist K-8 Plus »
NoveList K-8 Plus is a database about books specifically for younger readers. It helps kids find books that are just right for their reading level and interests. Parents, teachers, and librarians can also find tools to teach with books and engage young readers.
Novelist Plus »
NoveList Plus is the premiere database of reading recommendations, available through libraries around the world. It is a comprehensive source of information about books that includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more.
Nursing and Allied Health Collection »
This database for healthcare professionals and students contains full-text academic articles. Find the most recent information about the health, medicine, and medical technology topic of your choice.
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Opposing Viewpoints in Context »
Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an online resource covering today's hottest social issues - helps students research, analyze, and organize a broad variety of data for conducting research, completing writing assignments, preparing for debates, creating presentations and more.
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Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Collection »
This database provides access to magazines and journals covering physical therapy, sports medicine, and injury rehabilitation. It is a comprehensive resource for professionals and students.
Portland Contemporary Archive »
Portland Contemporary Archive, originally Isolating Together, is Portland Public Library’s digital archive where we collect stories from you, our community members, about how COVID-19 is impacting your life. Browse the collection and learn about how YOU can submit!
Portland Jewish Oral History Project »
Photographs and oral history recordings with members of Portland's vibrant Jewish community are available here online. Bringing together Portraits of the Past: The Jews of Portland Dr. Konnilyn G. Feig, Director, commissioned by the Jewish Community Center, 1976 and The Oral History Project of Documenting Maine Jewry, supported by the Maine Humanities Council, 2009. For more information, contact: dmj@mindspring.com
Pronunciator Language Learning »
Self-paced language learning for 80 languages and ESL for 50 non-English languages. Audio lessons, interactive textbooks, intelligent flashcards, pronunciation analysis, phrasebooks, and quizzes.
Psychology Collection »
This database provides access to articles about psychology, ranging from brain chemistry to treatment methods. It also offers access to Psychology Today and other popular psychology-focused magazines. It is helpful for students, academics, and psychology professionals.
PubMed »
Managed by the National Library of Medicine, PubMed offers access to almost 30 million citations, many providing links to full-text articles. Medical professionals and researchers consult this database, and it is regularly updated.
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Reader’s Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982 »
The 1890-1982 is an online index to over 3 million articles from approximately 374 popular magazines. Use this to search for articles and primary sources that pre-date the scope of the Digital Maine Library.
Reference Solutions »
Contains basic directory information for more than 210 million U.S. residents and 14 million businesses in all zip code areas of the United States. Information includes name of business, address, telephone number, headquarters, branch and subsidiaries identification, SIC codes, yellow pages headings, ticker symbol, credit rating, number of employees, and estimated sales volume. Also includes some federal, state, and municipal offices.
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Small Engine Repair »
Small Engine Repair Reference Center has repair information for lawnmowers, water craft, ATVs, motorcycles, tractors, snowmobiles and more.
Sun Journal »
Full text coverage, Jan 26, 2006 - present.
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TumbleBooks »
TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. They are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sounds, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book (and some classics) which you can read, or have read to you.
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United States Census Data »
The U.S. Census Bureau is the leading source of statistical information about the nation’s people, places, and economy, providing snapshots of the nation’s population size and growth, and detailed portraits of the changing characteristics of our communities. Census data can be downloaded in a tabular format. An excellent tool to help teachers and students learn and apply statistics.
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Value Line »
Limit of 2 simultaneous users.
Value Line is an investment management solution, providing in-depth financial information, research, and advanced analytical tools for new and experienced investors. The Investment Survey contains up-to-date, weekly issues. For each stock in its universe it offers year-ahead and 3-to-5-year probable relative price performance, projections of key financial measures, and concise, objective commentary on current operations and future prospects.
Value Line Investment Survey: Small and Mid-Cap »
Limit of 2 simultaneous users.
The Small and Mid-Cap Survey offers full-page reports on ~1800 smaller stocks. Each page contains current and historical financial information and stock price data. Includes Performance rank, adapted from the well-known Value Line Timeliness rank, and is designed to predict a stock's relative price performance for the next 6-12 months. From "Dashboard", click "Browse Research" (top), then "Small & mid-cap featured" (right side).
Value Line Research Center for Academic Libraries »
Value Line Research Center for academic libraries includes online access to Value Line's leading publications covering stocks, mutual funds, options and convertible securities as well as special situation stocks.
Weiss Ratings Consumer Guides »
Weiss Ratings Consumer Guides offers easy-to-use tools to help patrons navigate through nine important areas. Each easy-to-read, step-by-step guide is packed with accurate, unbiased information and recommendations you've come to expect from Weiss Ratings. Each 50-70 page guide offers a narrative about the subject, what you should look for when choosing a plan or policy, recommended companies to work with and so much more.
Weiss Ratings Consumer Guides: Insurance and Financial Products »
Nine how-to guides that will help you plan for & select the right insurance and financial products. Available guides include automobile insurance, elder care choices, health savings accounts, homeowners insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplement insurance, term life insurance, and variable annuities. Each guide includes helpful Worksheets & Planners to further aid your decision-making process.
World Factbook (CIA) »
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.
