Research & Learning
World Book Online / Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos
View the Tutorial for World Book Online
Visit World Book Online
Using the same expert information found in The World Book Encyclopedia, these easy-to-navigate websites include:
World Book Kids
Designed for elementary school students, World Book Kids is a learning website with easy-to-read articles, engaging images, interactive games, and teacher resources.
World Book Student
An online learning website including articles from The World Book Encyclopedia, a Biography Center, dictionary, atlas, and multimedia collection.
World Book Advanced
Designed for high school and college students, World Book Advanced is a powerful reference tool that includes an online encyclopedia, multimedia, and primary source databases.
World Book Timelines
Hundreds of timelines that cover various periods in history or span the lives of historical figures. Users can create their own timelines from scratch, adding events, descriptions, and media.
Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos
Designed for elementary students, this learning resource features interactive components, a visual dictionary, and illustrated articles in Spanish.
Salem Press – History Database
A robust online reference information that covers American history, ancient history, and major historical events, including the following titles:
Rosetta Stone
Learn one of 30 languages with core lessons to build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and focused activities to refine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.
View the Tutorial for Rosetta Stone.
- Mobile app log-in instruction (PDF download)
- How to get the most of your language learning: best practices & tips (PDF download)
- En Espanol: Rosetta Stone Espanol
New York Times
Read the daily edition and search archives from 1851. Register/login with email address.
In Library access: Sign Up or Login
Off-site access: Redeem and follow instruction to sign up or login. Please only click the 'Redeem' button once.
Checkout limit: 72 hours remote access
New York Times Audio is a new iOS app for news subscribers featuring audio journalism and storytelling on everything from the most important world events to what to cook tonight.
For Apple mobile device users, visit our Niche Academy page on the new New York Times Audio IOS app. You will find easy to follow instructions to get started!
HelpNow (Brainfuse)
For students of ALL AGES
View the Tutorial for HelpNow.
- Live online tutoring from expert tutors (available in English and Spanish)
- Live skills building and a library of lessons, videos, tests, and more
- Expert online writing assistance
- Live help for language learners
- Access a library of rich adult learning content
- Diagnostic test center with customized study plans, lessons, and live tutoring
- Create and share flashcards, tests, and games
- Discover the college majors and careers that match your skills and interests
- Meet friends in a private virtual study room
- Create and share movie-like notes and ideas
Maestros en español disponible.
Small Engine Repair Reference Center
Access repair guides covering routine maintenance and complex projects for all major makes and models of small engines, including:
- Air-Cooled Engines
- ATVs
- Boats
- Chain Saws
- Diesel Engines
- Farm/Yard/Garden Tractors
- Generators
- Jet Skis
- Lawnmowers/Tillers/Trimmers
- Motorcycles
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- And more...
Mango Languages
Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango empowers you to communicate with confidence, preparing you for uncharted experiences with language and culture.
Challenge yourself to discover something new. View the Mango Tutorial
Visit mangolanguages.com
Download app on your mobile device for learning-on-the-go:
ProQuest Research Databases
View the Tutorial for ProQuest
- CultureGrams - Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world. (Grades 3-12)
- SIRS Discoverer - A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators. (Grades 3-9)
- SIRS Issues Researcher - Pros and cons on 360+ (and growing) complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day. (Grades 6+)
- eLibrary - One of the largest general reference collections of periodical and digital media content designed to support middle and high school students, college-prep and college-level researchers, and professional educators.(Grades 6+)
- ProQuest Research Companion - a self-guided product that supports information literacy, writing, and research skills instruction.(Grades 8+)
- Schools & Educators Complete - eBook subscription database of over 13,000 titles that supports English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Information Literacy and Technology. (Grades 9+, possibly some content for Middle School, also includes professional development content for faculty)
- Alexander Street Video - Leading video content in the performing arts, history, news, and drama text from PBS, the Smithsonian, and more. (Grades K-12+)
** Online content from ProQuest research databases are available — at school, at home, in libraries, on laptops, on phones — to all California students, provided by the California State Library **
Teaching Books
Teaching Books
An engaging, one-stop resources for books you are reading and teaching, including author and illustrator interviews, lesson plans, and other enrichment content.
Teaching Books for Libraries
Teaching Books for Libraries has amazing extra content for a selection of award-winning books for kids and teens. Explore author and illustrator interviews, discussion guides, audiobook readalongs, and more.
Need help from Teaching Books? See our support page.
** Online content from TeachingBooks.net is available — at school, at home, in libraries, on laptops, on phones — to all California students, provided by the California State Library **
VetNow (Brainfuse)
Live Veteran Navigator Connect: Connect with VA experts and get live assistance on your VA benefits eligibility or community resources for veterans. Get help as you transition to civilian life!
* VetNow User Guide
Scholastic BookFlix
View the Tutorial for BookFlix
Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic animated stories from Weston Woods with thematically aligned nonfiction ebooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.
Get started here.
Novelist Plus
Offers recommendations and discovery tools for your next great reads. Available for books and audiobooks.
For all ages.
Weiss Financial Ratings
Visit Weiss Financial Ratings today to gain access to powerful new tools to protect your finances, invest wisely, grow your wealth, and learn more about your finances.
Weiss Financial Ratings offers important financial literacy tools including:
- Independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions and insurance companies
- Conservative buy-hold-sell ratings of thousands of stocks, mutual funds, and 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 and plan benefits
Tutorials are available at the following link.
ABCMouse
With 9000+ interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and learning activities, ABCmouse.com's award-winning curriculum is an invaluable resources for young children (ages 2-8+). From Age of Learning, Inc.
**ABCmouse.com is accessible in-library only
Auto Repair Source
A comprehensive source for the most current, accurate, and authoritative Auto Service and Repair Information:
| • Step-by-step repair procedures | • Engineering specifications |
| • Wiring diagrams | • Diagnostic trouble codes |
| • Component location diagrams | • Parts pricing |
| • Maintenance schedules | • Technical service bulletins |
| • Labor estimates | • Recall notice |
Learn more about Auto Repair Source on Niche Academy!
Coursera
Coursera delivers world-class content taught by top instructors from over 200 leading universities and companies to build in-demand skills and bring job-relevant online learning experience. Courses are built into bite-sized modules so you can learn in just a few minutes a day.
DigitalLearn
Use a computer to do almost anything! If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, DigitalLearn.org has the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed. Self-paced courses are available to learn computer basics, cyber security, video conferencing, and more!
Supported by AT&T
EBSCO and Explora
EBSCOHost Masterfile Premier Online
Offers more than 1,600 full-text magazines and journals in all subject areas along with full-text reference books, primary source documents, photos, maps and flags.
Explora Online
A simple way to search and browse magazine and journal articles, reference books, essays, documents, and Associated Press videos, with topic overviews that provide a starting point for research on current issues and popular searches.
Encyclopaedia Britannica / Britannica Escolar
- Britannica Escolar - the Spanish digital learning portal for Elementary and Middle school students. (Grades K-9)
- Britannica School - this online library database from Britannica is aimed at the digital classroom. The entries are specially designed at different reading levels, allowing students to move easily to material of higher or lower comprehension levels as needed for K-6, middle school and high school (Grades K-9)
View Tutorial for Britannica Library
** Online content from Encyclopaedia Britannica research databases are available — at school, at home, in libraries, on laptops, on phones — to all California students, provided by the California State Library **
Gale Databases
Access resources that empower curious minds, turn research into results, and foster lifelong learning with the California K12 Online Content Project.
Gale Science - Manipulate 3D interactive models to visualize and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth, and space science. (Grades 6-12)
Gale Environmental Studies - Understand environmental issues that affect people globally through topic overviews, journals, news, and multimedia content. (Grades 6-12)
National Geographic Kids - Explore amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. Best for children aged 6–14.
View the tutorial: Salinas Public Library Academy (nicheacademy.com). Please note the Gale databases are not compatible with devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
** Online content from Gale research databases are available — at school, at home, in libraries, on laptops, on phones — to all California students, provided by the California K12 Online Content Project **
JobNow (Brainfuse)
JobNow by Brainfuse offers live help for all stages of job seeking. Learn job search strategies, access curated resume help resources, and receive interview coaching and tips. Or visit the Adult Learning Center, where you can prepare for High School Equivalency or the US citizenship test, as well as learn how to use Microsoft Office!
View the tutorial for JobNow.
CollegeNow (Brainfuse)
CollegeNow by Brainfuse offers expert guidance and resources for college admissions success. Receive live help from online counselors, get feedback on admission essays, learn how to approach FAFSA and financial aid, and find SAT prep materials and other resources
Click here to access CollegeNow.
Access to the CollegeNow User Guide.
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