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Online Databases and Services

All of the databases can be accessed from within the Library.  Some are also available from home or office, but you will need to use your Novi Library card number to login.

Quick Links:
 American History  Kids' Resources
Automotive Repair Legal Information
Books and Literature News & Current Events
Business and Company Information
People and Genealogy
Computer Technology Religion
Education Science
General Reference Resources World History
Health Information CD-ROM Databases only available in the Library
My Library DV
My LibraryDV - Downloadable videos - only available from home.

Online Book Clubs - Sign up for any of the following email book clubs and everyday you will receive a 5-minute sample from a book.  

American History

The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:

Dictionary of American History, 3rd ed., 10v, 2003 - 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. 

Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy, 2nd ed., 3v, 2002 - Essays by subject experts treat concepts and doctrines, policymaking, commerce and science, human rights and arms control, with specific articles on topics ranging from anti-imperialism to environmental diplomacy, from refugee policies to terrorism and countermeasures. Also includes a chronology.

Encyclopedia of the Great Depression, 2v, 2004 - Provides a comprehensive overview of a topic that is central to high school and college curriculums around the world. This wide-ranging, multidisciplinary encyclopedia features entries on Depression-era politics, government, business, economics, literature, the arts, society, and culture.

Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America, 2nd ed., 3v, 2000 - Contains 8,000 to 12,000 word essays on specific culture groups in the United States, emphasizing religions, holidays, customs, and languages in addition to providing information on historical background and settlement patterns. Also covers ethnoreligious groups such as Jews, Chaldeans, and Amish. Each essay lists organizations and research centers; name, address, and contact information for periodicals, radio, and television stations; and a further readings section.

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History, 2v, 1999 - Designed to answer such key questions as: How has the U.S. Constitution shaped the economy of the United States? What were the consequences of Prohibition on consumers' behavior? This title presents 1,000 entries, era overviews, event/movement profiles, biographies, business/industry profiled, geographic profiles, and more.

St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, 5v, 2000 - Includes more than 2,700 signed essays ranging from 500 to 2,500 words, written by subject experts and edited to form a consistent, readable, and straightforward reference. Entries include subject-specific bibliographies and, where appropriate, photographs and textual cross-references to related essays.

U*X*L American Decades, 11v, 2003 - 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.

Automotive Repair

ChiltonLibrary.com - represents the most authoritative automotive repair information available to car owners.  There are thousands of year, make, and model combinations covering the most popular vehicles in the past 30 years, plus additional coverage of specialty models. 

Books and Literature

Books In Print Online - Patrons can now access -- on Library computers or remotely from their home computers -- the most authoritative database of information on books, audio books, videos, and e-books, as well as information about publishers and authors/contributors.  This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Downloadable Audiobooks - Download and listen to audiobooks through the Internet anytime using netLibrary.  Titles featured are published primarily by Recorded Books and Books-on-Tape.  Play them on desktop or laptop PC’s supporting Windows Media Player 9 or above, or transfer favorite titles to a wide range of portable devices.  These databases paid for by Novi Public Library. 

eBooks from netLibrary - Provides access to the MEL eBook collection, which includes approximately 11,000 titles on a variety of subjects. Users must create an eBook account in the Library before using the database from home.

Literature Resource Center (LRC) - Provides access to biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses of authors from every age and literary discipline. Covers more than 120,000 novelists, poets, essayists, journalists, and other writers, with in-depth coverage of 2,500 of the most-studied authors. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

NoveList Plus - NoveList Plus is a readers' advisory service that offers a wide range of resources that will expand your staff's ability to serve fiction and non-fiction readers of all ages.  Users may search by a variety of techniques.  It contains some full text (first chapters).

What Do I Read Next? - Includes over 100,000 recommended titles, more than 58,000 plot summaries, and awards information from 562 awards, all to help users uncover new reading adventures, find long-remembered favorites, and discover award-winning titles. Search by genre, subject, author, title, series, and more. A monthly highlights page allows the user to see selections of award winners, upcoming titles, and titles that revolve around different subjects each month.

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Business and Company Information

Business and Company ASAP - Provides researchers with information on companies, markets and industries. From market trends, mergers, and acquisitions to current management theory and company overviews. Access business and trade journals, newspapers, and company directory profiles with full text and images.

Business and Company Resource Center - is a fully integrated resource bringing together company profiles, brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies, and periodicals. Search this database to find detailed company and industry news and information.

Encyclopedia of Business and Finance, 2v, 2001 - Presents a depth of information on wide-ranging areas concerning business, including accounting, economics, finance, information systems law, management, and marketing. Arranged alphabetically, this two volume set includes extensive cross references and a comprehensive index. (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Encyclopedia of Small Business, 2nd ed., 2v, 2002 - Designed to provide entrepreneurs with how-to information that they can apply to their own business. Contains 600 detailed articles and overviews of all the key information needs of small business owners, including financing, financial planning, business plan creation, market analysis, sales strategy, tax planning, and human resource issues.

General Business File ASAP - Analyze company performance and activity, industry events and trends as well as the latest in management, economics and politics. Access to a combination of broker research reports, trade publications, newspapers, journals and company directory listings with full text and images available.

Reference USA - Use this database to locate directory information on companies all around the country. Find information such as location, sales volume, contact person, number of employees, and more. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Small Business Resource Center
This database covers all major areas of starting and operating a business including financing, management, marketing, human resources, franchising, accounting and taxes.  This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Value Line
- Includes on-line access to Value Line's leading publications covering stocks, mutual funds, options and convertible securities as well as special situation stocks. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

 

Computer Technology

Computer Database - Use this database to find computer-related product introductions, news and reviews in areas such as hardware, software, electronics, engineering, communications and the application of technology.



Education 

HelpNow - Powered by Brainfuse, this database provides on demand homework assistance from expert tutors.  Subjects include math, science, social studies, and English for those in grades 3-12 and is available from 2pm-11pm seven days a week.  HelpNow also includes a skill building and writing lab.  This database is paid for by the Novi Public Library.

LearnATest - Full of online test preparation materials and interactive exams for many standardized tests including the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, police officer, postal worker, U.S. citizenship, and much more. Users must create a LearnATest account in the Library before using the database from home.


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General Reference Resources

Expanded Academic ASAP - From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images!

First Search - Provides access to a wide variety of magazine and newspaper databases. Many contain abstracts only, but Wilson Select Plus and Business and Industry are full text.

Gale Encyclopedia of the Unusual and Unexplained, 3v, 2003 - Responds to the surging interest among students for information on topics relating to magic, witchcraft, the supernatural, and other mysterious phenomena. Information is arranged in an objective manner, presenting varying viewpoints when appropriate, and is written at a level that younger students and researchers can understand. Covers the history, people, and practices related to each topic, as well as popular literature, television programs, and movies related to the subject.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

General One File - A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social sciences, sports, technology, and many general interest topics. Millions of full-text articles. Updated daily.

General Reference Center Gold - A general interest database that integrates a variety of sources in one easy-to-use interface. Use General Reference Center Gold to find articles from newspapers, reference books, and periodicals, many with full-text and images. Find the latest current events, popular culture, business and industry coverage, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.

Infotrac OneFile - A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily.

Professional Collection - A collection of educational journals picked for their relevance in the modern world for today's professional.

SIRS Renaissance - SIRS Renaissance provides dynamic information on architecture and design, culture, literature, multimedia, music, performing arts, philosophy and religion, and visual arts.  Articles, which are all full text, are selected from more that 1,200 domestic and international publications.

Virtual Reference Library - A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7.  This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

 

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Health Information

CINAHL Basic - CINAHL Basic is an authoritative resource for nursing and allied health professionals, students, educators, and researchers.  This database provides indexing for 2,857 journals from the fields of nursing and allied health.  The databases contains more than 1,000,000 records dating back to 1982.  It has limited full text.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco: Learning About Addictive Behavior, 3v, 2003 - Covers the range of topics related to addiction for researchers in grade six and above. Approximately 200 articles cover everything from binge drinking to the role of genetics in addictive behaviors. Also included are additional articles on media representation, drug use in schools, herbal supplements, and more.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Encyclopedia of Aging, 4v, 2002 - Written by experts for a general audience, articles cover topics such as biology, medicine, economics, law, psychology, sociology, and history as they relate to aging. Illustrated with photos, graphs, and line drawings.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 2nd ed., 4v, 2005 - Presents current, unbiased information on alternative and complementary medical practices, including reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, chelation therapy, kinesiology, yoga, chiropractic, Feldenkrais, polarity therapy, detoxification, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, biofeedback, Ayurveda, and osteopathy. Information on recommended therapies for specific disorders and diseases, medicinal uses for plants and herbs, are balanced by conclusions of studies on efficacy and analysis of current levels of acceptance by traditional scientists and doctors.

Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, 2nd ed. - Includes entries covering cancers, cancer drugs, treatments, side effects, and diagnostic procedures.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library).

Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, 2nd ed. - 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.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library).

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed. - 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.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library).

Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers, 3v, 2004 - 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.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Genetics, 4v, 2003 - A comprehensive collection of articles on all aspects of genetics, from Mendel to the decoding of the human genome. Explains the workings of genes and chromosomes, genetic diseases, and biotechnology. Also covers the ethical, legal, and social issues connected to genetic science. Includes full-color photos and line drawings, a glossary of scientific terms, and coverage of careers in the field.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Health and Wellness Resource Center - Use this Resource Center to find magazines, journals, newspapers, definitions, directories, and information on: Fitness, Pregnancy, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Alcohol and Drug abuse, Prescription Drugs, etc. Included are links to diet, cancer, and health assessment sites as well as government databases. The material contained in this Resource Center is intended for informational purposes only.

Health Reference Center Academic - Use this database to find articles on: Fitness, Pregnancy, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Alcohol and Drug abuse, HMOs, Prescription Drugs, etc. The material contained in this database is intended for informational purposes only.

Macmillan Encyclopedia of Death and Dying, 2v, 2003 - Comprehensive exploration of the place of death in contemporary life. Coverage of topics is broad and multi-disciplinary.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Medline - Patients and health professionals. Covers all areas of medicine, including dentistry and nursing. From the National Library of Medicine.

 

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Kids' Resources

Culture Grams Online -  World Edition contains reports on 187 countries and cultures, focusing on 25 categories including history, personal appearance, gestures, family, economy. and more.  This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

eLibrary Elementary - Geared toward a K-6 audience. Includes magazine and newspaper articles, book excerpts, pictures, maps, and more.

Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource, 21v, 2005 - offers broad, comprehensive coverage of the animal kingdom, ranging from the simple (sponges and coral), to the complex (mammals). Animals are grouped by major classifications: sponges; corals; jellyfishes; segmented worms; crustaceans and mollusks; insects; fishes; amphibians; reptiles; birds and mammals. (Virtual Reference Library)

Junior Edition - Formerly SuperTOM Junior, this periodical database is designed for students in junior high and middle school, with magazines, newspapers and reference books (most are full-text) for information on current events, the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

Kids Edition - Formerly PrimaryTOM, this periodical database is designed for elementary school students, with easy access to full-text magazines, newspapers and reference books for information on current events, the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

Kids Infobits - Kids InfoBits meets the research needs of students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. It features a developmentally appropriate, visually graphic interface, a subject-based topic tree search and full-text, age-appropriate, curriculum-related magazine, newspaper and reference content for information on current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

SIRS Discoverer - Provides access to full text articles on a wide range of topics, such as animals, countries and cultures, current events, and many others.

Student Edition - Formerly SuperTOM, this database is designed for high school students, with access to a variety of indexed and full-text magazines, newspapers and reference books for information on current events, the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

 

Legal Information

Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, 2nd ed., 4v, 2002 - This uniquely interdisciplinary resource covers legal, sociological, psychological, historical, and economic aspects of crime and justice worldwide. Entries cover civil and criminal issues, from domestic violence to terrorism. Entries cite pertinent legal cases as well as publications for further information. Also includes a glossary of related terms.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Encyclopedia of Ethical, Legal and Policy Issues in Biotechnology, 2v, 2000  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

LawChek - *only available in the Library* A very user-friendly database offering simple answers to everyday legal questions. It includes state-specific information, forms, and a glossary of legal terms. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

LegalTrac - Use this database to find articles in all major law reviews, law journals, specialty law and bar association journals and legal newspapers. Included are articles on Federal and State Cases, Laws and Regulations, Legal Practice, and Taxation. Also included are: British Commonwealth, European Union and International Law.

 

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News and Current Events 

Detroit News - Search the full text of the Detroit News articles from 1999-present.

Grand Rapids Press - Full Text of the Grand Rapids Press.

Infotrac Custom 120 Full Text Newspapers - A collection of newspapers from around the Country and the World, including the Detroit Free Press and New York Times.

Lansing State Journal - Full Text of the Lansing State Journal.

 

 

People and Genealogy

Ancestry Library Edition - *only available in the Library* - This new database is replacing AncestryPlus and is targeted for library users.  It now contains passenger lists from all major U.S. ports including New York, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Orleans, naturalization records ranging from 1700 to 1900, immigration records for more than 100 countries, an increase of more than 10 million names, and more. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Biography Resource Center - Provides in-depth coverage of current and historic people from almost every field. Includes many full text articles and portraits. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Biography and Genealogy Master Index - indexes current, readily available reference sources, as well as the most important retrospective works that cover individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and from all areas of the world.

Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd ed., 5v, 2000 - Winner of the 1993 Dartmouth Medal, this classic reference has been updated to reflect the many changes in society and in the field of sociology in recent years. Articles covering core issues such as race, poverty, violence, economics, pregnancy and abortion have been updated and expanded, and completely new articles have been written on topics such as the Internet, privacy, and epidemiology.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

Heritagequest - HeritageQuest Online combines digital, searchable images of U.S. Federal Census records with 22,000 titles from the digitized version of the UMI® Genealogy & Local History collection and other valuable content including Freedman's Bank records, PERSI, the Revolutionary War Era Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, and the LexisNexis® U.S. Serial Set.  It is mostly full text.

International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family, 2nd ed., 4v, 2003 - Adopts an international, cross-cultural approach to such diverse topics as adolescent parenthood, family planning, cohabitation, widowhood, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, codependency, and commuter marriages. Includes articles specific to countries and religious traditions, examining the history of family life within these cultures and discussing how families have been affected by political and social change.  (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)

 

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Religion

The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:

Contemporary American Religion, 2v, 1999 - More than 500 articles cover the broad range of popular religious culture of the United States at the close of the twentieth century. Beliefs, practices, symbols, traditions, movements, organizations, and leaders from the many traditions in the pluralistic American community are represented. Also includes cults and phenomena that drew followers, such as Heaven's Gale and UFOs.

Encyclopedia of Buddhism, 2v, 2004 - 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.

 

Science

The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:

Beacham's Guide to the Endangered Species of North America, 6v, 2000 - 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.

Biology, 4v, 2002 - A comprehensive collection of articles on all aspects of biological science, including its history and issues. Includes articles on biology-related careers and important individuals, as well as topics from active transport to zoology research. Amply illustrated with full-color photos and line drawings. Glossary illuminates scientific terms.

Chemistry: Foundations and Applications, 4v, 2004 - Covers chemistry, its laws, processes, applications and subdisciplines. Reviews the history of the field, from the Bronze Age and alchemy up to modern research and practical applications. Includes biographies of scientists past and present and examines the role chemistry plays in various aspects of everyday life. Provides information about chemistry's many branches such as inorganic, industrial, atmospheric, and computational chemistry, and biotechnology.

Encyclopedia of Bioethics, 3rd ed., 5v, 2004 - This edition is a complete revision of the Dartmouth Medal-winning set first published in 1995. Covering a wealth of topics on the ethics of health professions, animal research, population control and the environment, the set helps researchers to consider the impact of new scientific knowledge and its potential to harm or benefit present and future generations.

Environmental Encyclopedia, 3rd ed., 2v, 2003 - Provides in-depth, worldwide coverage of environmental issues. Each article is written in a nontechnical style and provides current status, analysis, and suggested solutions whenever possible.

Genetics, 4v, 2003 - A comprehensive collection of articles on all aspects of genetics, from Mendel to the decoding of the human genome. Explains the workings of genes and chromosomes, genetic diseases, and biotechnology. Also covers the ethical, legal, and social issues connected to genetic science. Includes full-color photos and line drawings, a glossary of scientific terms, and coverage of careers in the field.

Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., 16v, 2004 - A completely revised and updated version of the original work published in Germany in 1960, this edition incorporates recent developments in the animal world as noted by prominent advisors and contributors from the scientific community.

Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource, 21v, 2005 - offers broad, comprehensive coverage of the animal kingdom, ranging from the simple (sponges and coral), to the complex (mammals). Animals are grouped by major classifications: sponges; corals; jellyfishes; segmented worms; crustaceans and mollusks; insects; fishes; amphibians; reptiles; birds and mammals.

Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy, 3v, 2001 - Covers the broad field of energy in over 250 illustrated articles written by academics and experts in the field. Includes biographies of people who made significant contributions to the science and technology of energy.

Mathematics, 4v, 2002 - Explores the functions of math in daily life, as well as its role as a tool for measurement, data analysis, and technological development. This illustrated set also explains basic concepts of math and geometry, and provides information on historical milestones, notable mathematicians, and today's career choices. Each volume includes photos, illustrations, sidebars, bibliographies, and a glossary. Broadly applicable for middle school through high school students, as well as general readers.

Plant Sciences, 4v, 2001 - A comprehensive collection of articles on all aspects of plant sciences, from forensic botany to genetic engineering, from wheat to kudzu. Includes articles on careers related to plant sciences and important individuals, as well as topics from acid rain to wood products. Amply illustrated with full-color photos and line drawings. A glossary illuminates scientific terms.

Pollution A to Z, 2v, 2004 - Provides the latest information on a variety of pollution issues, including sources, disposal, remediation, the ethical, social, and legal environment, careers, and much more. Articles range from topical essays on acid rain, cancer, noise pollution, and zero growth population to biographies on key figures.

Science and Its Times: Understanding the Social Significance of Scientific Discovery, 8v, 2001 - The histories of science, technology, and mathematics merge with the study of humanities and social science in this interdisciplinary reference work. Essays on people, theories, discoveries, and concepts are combined with overviews, bibliographies of primary documents, and chronological elements to offer students a fascinating way to understand the impact of science on the course of human history and how science affects everyday life. Approximately 2,000 entries represent people and developments throughout the world, from about 2000 B.C. through the end of the twentieth century.

Space Sciences, 4v, 2002 - 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.

U*X*L Encyclopedia of Landforms and Other Geological Features, 3v, 2004 - Focuses on the physical and geological aspects, structure, and features of 48 of the earth's landforms - what they are, how they look, how they were created, how they change over time, and major geological events associated with them. Written for middle school students to support earth science and landform-related assignments, alphabetically arranged entries follow a standard and consistent subheaded format; range in length from 9 to 11 pages; and cover common and unusual landforms such as archipelago, estuary, isthmus, tributary, and many more.

Water: Science and Issues, 4v, 2003 - 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.

World of Earth Science, 2v, 2003 - This title in Thomson Gale's "World of" Series is a comprehensive guide to the concepts, theories, discoveries, pioneers, and issues relating to topics in earth science. Its encyclopedic approach offers approximately 650 entries in a convenient A-Z format, cross-reference headings, and is written in easy to understand language.

 

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World History

The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:

Africa: An Encyclopedia for Students, 4v, 2002 - Based on the scholarship in the acclaimed Encyclopedia of Africa, aimed at college and graduate students, this work presents Africa, from Egypt to Cape Town and from prehistoric times to the present day, in a format accessible to high school students. This set spans many disciplines, covering animals, foods, holidays and festivals, tribal groups, ecology, music and art, trade and economy, geography, religion, folklore, and fossil and skeletal discoveries.

Ancient Europe, 8000 B.C. to A.D. 1000: Encyclopedia of the Barbarian World, 2v, 2004 - This encyclopedia explores the many peoples of early European civilizations responsible for such accomplishments as the rise of farming in the Neolithic era and the building of Stonehenge. Coverage expands from prehistoric origins through the early Middle Ages (8000 BC to AD 1000) when tribal movements helped define the end of ancient culture and the rise of the modern European world.

Countries and Their Cultures, 4v, 2001 - 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.

Culture Grams Online -  World Edition contains reports on 187 countries and cultures, focusing on 25 categories including history, personal appearance, gestures, family, economy. and more.  This database paid for by Novi Public Library.

Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security, 3v, 2004 - Provides a comprehensive, subject specific guide to the history, uses, scientific principles, and technologies of espionage, intelligence, and security, with special emphasis placed on the current ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding this very topical subject.

Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, 3v, 2003 - 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.

Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, 2v, 2004 - This encyclopedia looks at Islam's role in the modern world, doing so in context of the religion's history and development over the last 13 centuries. Contains thematic articles, biographies of key figures, definitions, illustrations, maps and more.

Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, 6v, 2002 - Nearly 700 contributors from around the world, including 25 Asian countries, provide 3,000 articles on Modern Asia from a global perspective. Historical articles emphasize people, places, events, and developments that have had a lasting influence on Asia. Articles also cover Asian relations with Western nations, the relations between nations within Asia, and also the flow of people, goods, and ideas within Asia and globally.

Encyclopedia of Russian History, 4v, 2004 - Providing a comprehensive discussion of the people, politics, economics, religion, culture, and social systems of Russia, this work spans the time from the earliest beginnings of the Russian nation (among the ancient Eastern Slavic tribes) to the end of czarist Russia and on through the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. It provides the necessary information for readers to obtain a greater understanding of and appreciation for Russia in all of its many spheres.

Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World, 6v, 2004 - Explores European history from 1450-1789, from the print revolution to the French Revolution. Includes 1,150 articles written by eminent scholars covering major topics in art, government, and education as well as providing biographical entries on key figures of the period. Also covers topics specific to the era, such as apocalypticism, guilds, food riots, royal mistresses and lovers, the Spanish Inquisition, Utopia and others.

Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages, 5v, 2004 - Provides a broad overview of costume traditions of diverse cultures from prehistoric times to the present day. Examines more than 430 items of human decoration and adornment, ranging from togas to turbans, necklaces to tennis shoes. Explores how and why items were created, the people who made them, and their uses. This set shows how clothing, headwear, body decorations, and footwear reflect the different cultural, religious, and societal beliefs.

Renaissance: An Encyclopedia for Students, 4v, 2004 - This set has been prepared especially for nonspecialists, focusing on Renaissance-era topics most studied in high school world history, art, literature, economics, and science curriculum. Includes entries on a range of topics, including Florence, Galileo, heraldry, Medici family, opera, piracy, Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci, and many others. Includes a master chronology with topical timelines, a bibliography with age-appropriate further reading sources, and a comprehensive index.

 

CD-ROM Databases only available in the Library:

Rosetta Stone - Learn a new language!  Choose from: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English (UK), English (US), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (BR), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain). This database paid for by Novi Public Library.  Headsets with microphones available at the Information Desk for use in the library.

Federal Tax Forms, Instructions, & Publications

Michigan Tax Forms & Instructions

 

Some of these online databases are provided free of charge by Michigan ELibrary through federal LSTA and state funding.

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