Research Tools

Ancestry Library

Provides access to a number of genealogical and historical resources, including images of the decennial U.S. census from 1790-1940. Ancestry Library Edition is only available from any HCPL location.

Among specific kinds of resources included are:

FamilySearch

FamilySearch is operated by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and is the largest genealogical institution in the world. Over the last two years, FamilySearch has worked to digitize their collection of 2.4 million reels of microfilm. In May of 2018, they added their 2 billionth image to the collection. They are currently on track to digitize the entire collection by the end of 2020.

In becoming an Affiliate Library, HCPL now has access to their massive collection of genealogical and local history materials spanning centuries and continents. A few examples of items that can be found in the collection include county and regional histories, family histories, vital records, church records, tax records, indexes, and directories. Due to restrictions, some items are only viewable at the Family History Library.

A FamilySearch account is required to access records. Sign-up is easy and free. A library computer or personal device connected to the library network must be used.

HeritageQuest

Heritage Quest Online is an essential collection of unique material for both genealogical hobbyists and professionals, with coverage dating back to the late 1700s.

Resources included are:

• Census Records: Search the U.S. Federal Census images from 1790-1930.
• Books: Search for information on people and places included in over 20,000 family and local histories.
• PERSI™: Search this index of genealogy and local history articles with information about people and places.
• Revolutionary War: Search records from the Revolutionary War Era Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files.
• Freedman’s Bank (1865-1874): Founded to serve African-Americans, this resource is searchable for individuals.
• U.S. Serial Set: Search memorials, petitions, and private relief actions of th eU.S. Congress.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

Newspapers.com Library Edition

Newspapers.com Library Edition is an extensive online database of 3,000+ historical newspapers from the early 1700s into the early 2000s. It contains a diverse blend of well-known regional and local newspapers in the U.S. and other countries.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

Brainfuse HelpNow

Get help now from live tutors, study guides, and practice tests. K-12 and college students can get live, one-on-one help with homework, studying, projects, essay writing and test prep in every subject, including algebra, biology, chemistry, physics, social studies, English, and more. Create your own study tools with flashcards, games, and virtual collaborative study rooms.

Adults can get help with resume writing, GED prep, Microsoft Office, US Citizenship testing, and academic and career support. All sessions are online and one-to-one with a live tutor.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

Inspire

INSPIRE is a collection of academic databases and other information resources such as magazine articles, books, encyclopedias, test preparation, and much more.

INSPIRE can help you research:

• If you would like more information, visit the FAQ on IN.gov

World Book Online Info Finder

World Book Online Info Finder contains content and features designed for school-age patrons’ homework and research needs : powerful research tools, including a Citation Builder, How to Do Research guides, and personalized My Research accounts. The site also features the entire World Book Encyclopedia, a dictionary, a biography center, virtual tours, and video showcases. World Book Online Info Finder provides links to current events and world newspapers.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

Legal Forms

Gale Legal Forms reflects the latest state laws and provides users with editable legal forms; law summaries for all 50 states, a collection of Legal questions with answers from an attorney, an attorney directory, and product descriptions that provide a brief overview describing what the form is used for and any applicable state law requirements.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

NoveList Plus

NoveList Plus is a comprehensive source of information about books that includes expert recommendations, reviews, read-alikes, series information, lists and more. NoveList's expertise in books and reading means that you'll always get the best help for finding just the right books.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

CQ Researcher

A database of in-depth, authoritative reports on a full range of political and social-policy issues extending back 10 years. Each report is footnoted and includes an overview, background section, chronology, bibliography and debate-style pro-con feature, plus tools to study the evolution of the topic over time.

Value Line

Whether you’re a beginning investor or a veteran looking for high-impact ideas, Value Line can position you for financial success quickly and easily. The uncontested authority in reliable, unbiased information, Value Line puts you in the driver’s seat with accurate and insightful investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies. From the latest data, sophisticated tools and proven ranks to expert analysis and guidance, Value Line gives you the power to evaluate investments with confidence. Make smarter, more profitable decisions with Value Line.

For users familiar with the print version, go here on the Dashboard for Parts 1-3:
Summary & Index - Part 1 - contains a summary of stocks and an index to industries profiled in the week's industry analysis (see Part 3).
Selection & Opinion - Part 2 - contains expert analysis on stock selection and portfolio case studies.
VLIS Current Issue - Part 3 - contains a summary of industries profiled in that week's Investment Survey also known as the Ratings & Reports. To view the industry reports, go to Browse Research at top of the dashboard and then search by Industry Screens. Users will be given a list of stocks and the most current Industry Analysis (button on top right of page).

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

AtoZ World Food

AtoZ World Food contains more than 7,000 traditional recipes from 174 countries, along with thousands of ingredient, food culture, and reference articles, making it the largest food database of its kind. Forward recipes to friends by email or create your own personal cookbook of favorite recipes.

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.

Weiss financial Ratings

Powered by Weiss Ratings and Grey House Publishing, this website gives you powerful new tools to protect your finances, invest wisely, grow your wealth, and learn more about your finances.

• Independent, Unbiased Financial Strength Ratings of Banks, Credit Unions & Insurance Companies
• Conservative Buy-Hold-Sell Ratings of Thousands of Stocks, Mutual Funds & Exchange Traded Funds
• Create your own Personal Account to create a Watchlist, get Upgrade/Downgrade Notifications and Log In from Anywhere
• Medicare Supplement Insurance - Which Plan to Choose, How Much it will Cost, Compare Rates & Plan Benefits

Home access is available with a valid HCPL card.