Research Databases
All Resources
A to Z databases
Requires Library CardThis business database is ideal for identifying sales leads, creating mailing lists, doing market research, and much more. With over 30 million business and executive profiles, AtoZdatabases is one of the most comprehensive business databases on the market, offering the latest business and financial information for researchers at all levels.
Academic One-File
Academic OneFile is the premier source of peer-reviewed full-text scholarly content across the academic disciplines. With millions of articles available in both PDF and HTML full-text, Academic OneFile is both authoritative and comprehensive.
America’s News (Newsbank)
Requires Library CardAmerica's News provides access to information on people, issues and events in the local area and around the country. This comprehensive resource offers hundreds of millions of current and archived full-text articles from news sources nationwide in a single, fully searchable online database. It includes the electronic editions of more than 3,000 U.S. news sources.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is the world's largest online resource for family history. Search 7 billion historical records, millions of family trees, and 65 million photos.
In Library Only
Books & Authors
Requires Library CardBooks & Authors makes exploration of genre fiction and essential non-fiction fun! By leveraging our entire award-winning What Do I Read Next? collection, patrons and students alike can be sure that their next big read comes with a BIG recommendation.
Britannica Library
Requires Library CardMulti-media encyclopedias and dictionaries for all ages. Includes thousands of images, videos, and links to reliable internet resources.
Business Insights
Easily find information on companies, industries and more in the context of timely news, statistical data, and in-depth reports.
Chilton Library Online
Requires Library CardThis 24-hour on-call "mechanic" provides quick online access to repair, maintenance and service information on the most popular cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the road today.
ConsumerReports.org
Requires Library CardUnlimited access to ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews, and product video clips for over 7,000 products including electronics, appliances, home & garden, cars, baby gear, and food prodcuts.
Council Bluffs Library Digital Archive
The Library’s Digital Archive contains digital editions of materials from our Special Collections. Browse hundreds of local historic photographs, documents, yearbooks and more. New materials are added regularly, so check back often to be sure you are not missing out on anything!
Credo Reference
newRequires Library CardCredo provides reference sources for learners of all types. This diverse collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, atlases, and more.
Daily Nonpareil (Full Text 1857 – Current)
Requires Library CardExplore local history with full-text articles of the Daily Nonpareil from 1857-present. Read about community issues and events, business, education, government, sports and more.
Digital Sanborn Maps
Requires Library CardBrowse historic maps of Council Bluffs and surrounding area. Sanborn fire insurance maps are valuable historical tools for anyone who wants to learn about the history, growth, and development of American cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
First Search
Requires Library CardFirstSearch provides electronic access to many databases covering a wide range of topics and formats. Underlying FirstSearch is the WorldCat database, used for locating materials from libraries around the world.
Foundation Directory
For non-profits and grant seekers, this database includes millions of records related to foundations, corporate donors, and grantmaking charities
In Library Only
Gale Databases
newRequires Library CardSearch thousands of magazines, journals, and articles all in one place. With millions of articles available in both PDF and HTML full-text, Gale Databases are both authoritative and comprehensive.
Gale Virtual Reference Library
Requires Library CardReference e-Books that can download or read online. Areas of emphasis include business plans, travel books, biographies, current events, encyclopedias, and much more.
General One-File
General OneFile is a one-stop source for news, magazine, and periodical articles across a wide range of general interest topics and disciplines. With millions of articles available in both PDF and HTML full-text, General OneFile serves a wide audience of readers.
hoopla digital
Requires Library CardDigital movies, television shows, music albums, graphic novels, and audiobooks. Download the free hoopla digital app on your device to begin enjoying thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios and record companies available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary download to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or Apple TV.
Kids InfoBits
Requires Library CardKids 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.
Learning Express Library
Requires Library CardA web-based learning solution that provides access to a comprehensive collection of test preparation tools, including academic skill building in reading, writing, math and science, standardized test preparation, college admissions test preparation, professional licensing and certification test preparation, high school equivalency test preparation, soft skills training, cover letter and resume creation, and much more.
Lynda.com
newRequires Library CardLearn new business, software, creative, and tech skills with expert-led online video tutorials. Expert teachers will help you acquire new skills or advance your career. Topics include software, coding, design, IT, animation, and more.
Medline Plus
MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand.
Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary
Requires Library CardThe largest, most comprehensive American dictionary in print or online.
New Book Alerts
Be the first to know when new titles arrive at the library. Browse and discover new materials at the library. Book Descriptions, reviews, and direct links to the library catalog make finding and reserving new books easier than ever.
NewspaperARCHIVE
Requires Library CardNewspaperARCHIVE is a resource for historical and genealogical information. The archive spans more than 400 years of family history, small-town events, world news and more. Read dozens of historic Iowa papers.
Novelist Plus
Requires Library CardDiscover new books with Novelist, a reader advisory service that provides access to information on thousands of fiction titles and offers a wide range of featured content to serve fiction readers of all ages.
Overdrive
Requires Library CardBrowse thousands of e-Books and digital audiobooks and download to your smartphone or digital device. Read today's most popular titles without leaving the house!
RBdigital Audiobooks
Requires Library CardBrowse thousands of digital audiobooks and download to your computer, smartphone, media player, or other devices. Get the RBdigital app and listen to great audiobooks for free on your device. The app is available for Android, IOS, and Kindle.
RBdigital Magazines (formerly Zinio for Libraries)
Requires Library CardDownload digital editions of today's most popular magazines! The convenient way to read brand new magazines on your tablet, smart phone, or other digital device. Download the RBdigital app on your device and start reading great magazines for free. The app is available for Android, IOS, and Kindle.
Research In Context
Requires Library CardCreated specifically for middle-schoolers, Research In Context combines the best of Gale's reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more. Students will find outstanding support to complete assignments in core subjects including literature, science, social studies, and history.
Select Reads
Sign up to receive book recommendations sent directly to your inbox. Just pick a favorite subject or genre, and we will send you a new list of recommendations each month.
Transparent Language
newLearn a new language using Transparent Language, a free service of your public library! Choose from over 100 languages. Transparent Language is a fun and easy way to learn a new language.
Value Line
Investment research on stocks, mutual funds, options and convertibles. Value Line is an investment management solution that enables both new and experienced investors to make timely, better-informed decisions using in-depth financial information.
In Library Only
