Research A to Z

Research Databases

Most of the resources below are funded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and are accessible by all MA residents with a library card.  Starting on July 1, 2025, a large number of these databases will no longer be available due to federal funding cuts.  These cuts were part of Executive Order 14238, which included the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  

Some of the resources, noted below, are funded by WSPL and are only accessible to West Springfield residents. For information on accessing these resources please contact your home library.

 

 

WSPL Galepages- Every available Gale database in one convenient location.

Agriculture Collection- With broad coverage of agriculture and its related fields, this collection provides a comprehensive view of this growing body of knowledge. Comprised of nearly 200 titles, researchers will have access to current and authoritative content that spans the industry -- from practical aspects of farming to cutting edge scientific research in horticulture.

American Ancestors(in Library access only) - Compiles the New England Historic Genealogical Society's collection of more than 12 million documents, manuscripts, records, books, microfilms, photographs and other artifacts dating back to the 14th century.

American History- From the explorers of the Americas to the issues of today´s headlines, American History investigates the people, events, and stories of our nation´s evolution. investigates the people, events, and stories of our nation´s evolution. Barcode: sdatabase

Ancestry Library Edition(in library access only)- Discover your unique family history! This resource includes billions of records from around the world, including from U.S., U.K., and Canadian census and vital records, immigration and passport records, periodicals and books, photos, and more.Funded by the West Springfield Public Library. Access is available only at the Library.

Britannica Escolar- Knowledge-building resource for students of age-appropriate digital content and learning tools in Spanish.

Britannica Library-Comprehensive encyclopedia meeting the reference needs for all patrons from students, to business professionals and lifelong learners. Offers "adult" and "kids" interface. Includes a dictionary, thesaurus, videos, images, primary sources, and e-books. (PLUS read-aloud at all levels and translation for over 50 languages)

Business Economics and Theory- With a strong emphasis on titles covered in the EconLit database, this collection provides academic journals and magazines focusing on topics in economics. Perfect for business classes, users will find more than 150 full-text journals to support their research.

ChiltonLibrary.com- ChiltonLibrary provides exclusive photographs, diagnostics designed by instructors, step-by-step repair procedures, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks in one easy-to-use web site. For a video on how to get started, click:HERE. Remote access is available for West Springfield residents with a WSPL card number.

Communications and Mass Media Collection- From marketing professionals to students studying for advanced degrees in linguistic theory, this collection provides current and accurate information from more than 100 journals focused on all aspects of the communications field. Key subjects covered include: advertising and public relations, literature and writing, linguistics, and many more.

Consumer Reports -  **NEW as of July 2025** Consumer Reports is a trusted source which delivers unbiased ratings and reviews. Research & Buy With Confidence. Stay Up-to-date on Recalls and Maintenance. Access is available for West Springfield residents with a WSPL card.

Criminal Justice Collection- Targeted collection of 700+ journals covering criminal justice including law enforcement, paralegal topics, and homeland security.

Culinary Arts Collection- Includes 150 of the major cooking and nutrition magazines. Coverage includes thousands of searchable recipes, restaurant reviews, and industry information.

Diversity Studies Collection- A must-have for social science, history and liberal arts coursework, this collection explores cultural differences, contributions and influences in our global community. This set includes more than 150 journals.

Driving-Test.org- A comprehensive resource for anyone planning on taking their driver's test; including: practice tests for cars and motorcycles based on the MA RMV permit manuals, a downloadable copy of the MA Driver's Manual, and FAQ that will help you navigate the process from applying for a permit to taking your license picture.

Environmental Studies and Policy Collection- Environmental Studies and Policy Collection provides access to scholarly journals, magazines, and other reference sources covering environmental issues and policies. The database includes diverse perspectives from the scientific community, governmental policymakers, and corporate interests.

Fine Arts and Music Collection- With more than 100 full-text magazines and journals covered in databases such as the Wilson Art Index and RILM, this collection will provide your students with resources to support research in areas such as drama, music, art history, and filmmaking.

Gardening, Landscape and Horticulture Collection- Targeted collection of journals and e-reference sources for gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Gender Studies Collection Gender Studies Collection- This collection of journals aims to provide balanced coverage of this significant aspect of our culture, covering such topics as gender studies, family and marital issues, health aspects, and many more.

Health Reference Center Academic- This multi-source database provides access to full-text nursing and allied health journals, plus the wide variety of personal health information sources, all in a single, easy-to-use database. The material contained in this database is intended for informational purposes only.

Home Improvement Collection- Even the smallest home improvement project can be daunting: with this collection of nearly 100 home improvement focused titles, hobbyists and professional carpenters alike will immediately put their projects on a more solid foundation. Coverage includes such topics as architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and many more.

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.

Information Science and Library Issues Collection- This collection, comprised of content from more than 100 leading industry journals, provides current and accurate information for this fast-moving field. Information professionals and other knowledge workers - from the research specialist to the information architect - will find appropriate and useful information in their areas of expertise, including such topics as information infrastructure, data processing techniques, metadata architectures, and more.

Insurance & Liability Collection- Protection of assets is a concern for all: from the individual property owner to the multinational corporation, all have a vested interest in ensuring the retention of their assets, be it physical or intellectual. This collection, of journals, takes a broad view of this multimillion dollar industry, covering such topics as labor relations, mortgage banking, legal issues, and more.

Leadership & Management Collection-Search authoritative periodical content covering topics like organizational dynamics, adult learning, and more.

Military and Intelligence Database Collection- Both the historian and reporter on the frontline will find useful information in this collection, composed of content from over 400 journals, which covers all aspects of the past and current state of military affairs. Key subjects covered include: socioeconomic effects of war, governmental policies, the structure of armed forces, and many more.

New York Times- Search the full text of The New York Times (starting in 1985).

Newsbank- The Springfield Republican (1988 - current), Advocate (North Adams: 2010 - current), Amherst Bulletin (1994 - current), Berkshire Eagle (2003 - current), Daily Hampshire Gazette (1994 - current), North Adams Transcript (2003 - current), Recorder (Greenfield: 1997 - current), Springfield Examiner (2011 - current), and the Valley Advocate (1996 - current).

Novelist- NoveList is a comprehensive tool to help you get the most our of your reading time. Browse recommendations, find series lists, retrieve author read-alikes, find discussion guides for your book group or search for more books like the one you just finished that you absolutely loved. Hundreds of thousands of titles, both fiction and non-fiction are included. Funded by CWMARS, library card required for login.

Overdrive Digital Catalog- Download thousands of ebooks, audio books or video right to your computer. In many cases, transfer to your mobile device and enjoy on the go. Funded by CWMARS, card required for login.

PebbleGo-PebbleGo is a curricular content hub specifically designed for K-2 students. Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities, it boosts engagement and fosters independent learning in core subject areas.

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Collection- Targeted collection of journals covering proven and experiment research and treatment techniques in the fields of physical therapy and sports medicine.

Pop Culture Collection- Pop Culture Collection provides access to scholarly journals and magazines that both analyze and contribute to popular culture. The database offers useful information for researchers in social science, history, art or liberal arts courses.

Popular Magazines- Popular Magazines includes 1000 of the most searched magazines across our InfoTrac esources. Full-text articles from titles like Consumer Reports, Time, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, US News and World Report, Vogue, Fortune, Business Week, National Review, Cosmopolitan, NPR and even Oprah are included in this database.

Psychology Collection-This set explores what makes people "tick" from childhood to death. This collection gives individuals a basic understanding of the study of the mind, emotions and how the human mind develops -- and diminishes -- over time. Your library's users will have instant access to 200 subject-appropriate full-text periodicals.

Religion & Philosophy Collection-Why do some people believe in Heaven? Is it fear, hope, upbringing or blind faith? Users of this collection can research different religions, philosophies and how they impact our daily lives.

Universal Class- ** NEW as of July 2025 ** Discover something new today! Explore hundreds of engaging online courses with UniversalClass and take your learning to the next level. Access is available for West Springfield residents with a WSPL card.

Vocations & Career- Collection Finding the right career can be a daunting and high stakes task: finding an appropriate institution of learning, job searching, and maintaining a career are all topics covered by this collection, providing current and applicable content for all vocational milestones. Offering content from nearly 400 journals, this collection provides content from general career guides to highly specialized industry journals.

War & Terrorism Collection- A definitive periodical collection of hand selected titles for analysts, risk management professionals and students of military science, history, social science.