LibGuides: Free resources for reference: Home

InfoPlease

InfoPlease
An ad based resource collection from a legitimate encyclopedia from Columbia University and several almanacs. Real sources, a real “cite” button, but many ads. Middle School audience. Search “cell division” for a good example of content. Definitely worth checking out.

NeoK12

NeoK12
Infantile interface with surprisingly good information. The information level is K-12 and following the same “cell division” trail, I found great videos on the topic. That’s the catch - these are almost all videos and fun games. Ad based.

Training?

EBSCO Trainin
Online videos (free) and access to WEBx training (fee based) training in using EBSCO databases.

Maybe borrow a local high school librarian to put database training into context. “You got the info - now what do you do with it?” Sort of thing.

Finally - St. Louis County Library offers that free 30 minute librarian training. If you have anyone that lives in that area - they could take advantage of it. If no one is within the country - perhaps the library area they belong to officers it or will sponsor a class from the county.

Public Library of Science (PLOS)

Public Library of Science
The JSTOR of science. OPEN SOURCE science journals on every topic. Searching “cell division” brings many results - probably too complex for Middle School.

BRITANNICA

BRITANNICA
A sample of the entire Britannica content which can be purchased ON SALE NOW for 74.95 annually for one license. Usually double that. Extremely easy to use and excellent source with a “cite” button as well as links to allow for further research into the topic. Tried and tried to get info on a school license but no luck unless I agreed to a long conversation with a sales person. Can get a lot of content without paying. - and I believe you can ask for a 7 day trial.

St. Louis County Library

St. Louis County Library - Resources A-Z
Any county resident can access online databases for free - remotely!. You can also book a librarian for 30 minutes (free) to teach you how to use the resources. I did a free chat session with them to confirm this.
Best resource is Academic Search Elite by EBSCO. Or Academic OneFile

Librarian

Patricia Kuhn

Email Me

St. Louis Public Library

St. Louis Public Library - Resources A-Z
The same deal here as with County residents. Those within city can get free library card and access to these databases which leads me to believe that this is a lot like the APL - only closely guarded within the public library system. Academic Search Elite is the best for your purposes or Academic Onefile

Free resources for reference: Home

Free Reference Resources