Research Databases

A database exclusively focused on African American family history research, with an emphasis on primary sources, including but not limited to: federal census records, draft and service records, free(d) and slave records, and church records. Provides exclusive access to Black Genesis, a state-by-state resource guide for African American genealogy, and AfriGeneas, a social networking website devoted to African American genealogy. From ProQuest. [User Guide & Hands-On Practice Exercises.] 

A collection of poetry, drama, and prose based on books and other sources originally published in print. Subcollections include the Bibliography of American Literature, Editions and Adaptations of Shakespeare, The Bible in English, English Prose Drama 1280-1915, Early American Fiction 1774-1850, African-American Poetry 1700-1900, and more. From OhioLink.

The library edition of Ancestry.com, this collection of thousands of databases and billions of indexed names contains census, vital, church, court, and immigration records from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on the United States and United Kingdom. From ProQuest. [Search Tips, Sample Searches, & Useful Charts & Forms.]

An authoritative database of indexed and full-text education literature and resources dating from 1966 to the present that is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences in the U.S. Department of Education. Contains multiple source types, including but not limited to: journal articles, curriculum guides, policy papers, books, and an education-specific thesaurus containing over 11,700 terms. Search results can be narrowed by education level as well as by the intended audience. From EBSCOhost. [Support Page and User Guide.]

A collection of military records from Ancestry.com, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of individuals who served. Why the name? It comes from a traditional flag folding ceremony, in which the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of veterans. From OWL. [Beginner's User Guide.]

A collection that provides genealogical and historical sources for more than 60 countries, with coverage dating back as early as the 1700s. From ProQuest. [Tips & Tricks.]

Packed with author biographies, plot summaries, critical essays from leading publishers, multimedia content, and much more, this full-text database is the perfect place to start research for a school English project. Also includes a literary glossary; a research guide to literary research, writing and critical reading; and lesson plans to support classroom instruction. From EBSCOhost. [User Guide.]

An online learning resource that helps user learn new languages and/or strengthen their skills in ones that they already know. Covers 71 languages. From OWL. [User Video Tutorial.]

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the U.S. federal government's record keeper, and researchers can access important primary documents through its digital archival databases. The main National Archives website features special sections on America's Founding Documents, Veterans' Service Records, Research Resources, and Educator Resources--as well as an A-Z subject index--so be sure to take a look at it too. [Beginner's User Guide.]

Need information for an opinion paper or a class debate, or just curious about a controversial subject? This database, which provides factual overview articles alongside pro and con opinion pieces, is an excellent place to start. Also contains research guides on relevant subjects that include but aren't limited to: "Choosing a Topic", "Debate Etiquette", "Evaluating a Website", "From Notes to Outline", "Judging Fact vs. Opinion", and beyond.

A full-text database geared towards educators, librarians, and education researchers that contains peer-reviewed journals, educational reports, and more. From EBSCOhost. [User Guide.]

With coverage that ranges from 1911 to the present, this database of full-text, scholarly journals and magazines about religion and philosophy is a useful resource for researchers and students. Topics include world religions, theology, epistemology, political philosophy, religious history, history of philosophy, philosophy of language, and beyond. From EBSCOhost.

Need a map of an Ohio city? This database provides access to over 40,000 detailed city maps drawn between 1882 and 1962. From OWL.