Teacher’s Take-Out!

Sampling menu of library databases

Here’s how to access NYPL’s databases:

  1. Go to
  2. Click on ‘Research’
  3. Click on ‘Articles and Databases’
  4. Databases are listed in alphabetical order. If you are not accessing the database from the library, enter the number on the back of your library card.

Try these databases:

African-American Experience – Click on the link labeled “Analyze” for classroom resources

American-Indian Experience – Click on the link labeled “Analyze” for classroom resources

AP Multimedia Archives – Use this database for current photos that NYPL’s Digital Collection does not have

Credo Reference – Information and reference sources on various subjects in different languages for students whose native language is not English

Electronic Enlightenment –Is a network, interlinking letters in a way not previously possible and bringing together a uniquely connected collection of primary documents from the making of the modern world

Grolier Online – At the bottom of the page is an area that is labeled “For Educators” click on the picture. Scroll down and on the left side of the page is a section labeled “Lesson Plans” you can choose by subject or grade.

On that same page underneath is a box labeled “Printables” click on that. This is where you can print out graphic organizers and maps for your students.

HistoryResourceCenter – Variety of historical data from primary sources and includes maps and illustrations.

Latino-American Experience – Click on the link labeled “Analyze” for classroom resources

Learning Express Library – Improve math, reading, writing skills, study for the SAT and other tests with practice exercises and tests

New YorkState Newspapers – Have a project about a current event? Search the major New York newspapers here

NYPL Digital Gallery –NYPL Digital Gallery provides free and open access to over 700,000 images digitized from The New York Public Library's vast collections, including illuminated manuscripts, historical maps, vintage posters, rare prints, photographs and more

Opposing ViewpointsResourceCenter – Articles presenting both sides of a controversial issue

Professional Development Collection –Provides a highly specialized collection of full-text journals, designed for professional educators

WorldBookOnlineReferenceCenter – Click on “WorldBookOnlineReferenceCenter” scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the link that’s labeled “For Educators and Homeschoolers” this will give you the link for lesson plans

Hint: Save the stuff you find on these databases to read later.

Either:Copy and paste the text into a Word document and save it in Rich Text Format (.rtf) to a flash drive. Rich Text Format files can be read by any word processor, so you don’t need Microsoft Word to read it.

Or: Email the article to yourself. Most databases have a button on the page to help you do this.

Database Terminology:

Periodicals: newspaper, magazine, journal

Full Text: entire article is available

Citation: bibliographic information about the article

Abstract: a summary of the article is available

Scholarly/Professional Journal: original research in a specific field and have been reviewed by other scholars

Peer-Reviewed Journal: is an academic periodical that has a review process to ensure its accuracy