Research Databases

Consumer Reports Online
Consumer Reports Online Available Now!

Databases

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc. (CWMARS--a library consortium dedicated to efficient resource sharing and rapid access to information), and the Boston Public Library provide Massachusetts library cardholders access to many electronic databases that can help you find authoritative information. Topics include arts and humanities; business, economics, company directories, and personal finance; electronic books; general resources; magazines for K-12 students; medicine & health; newspapers; scholarly journals; science & technology; and social sciences.

Unlike the sometimes-unreliable information you find with Internet searches, this information is from authoritative, published sources—newspapers, periodicals, and reference books. Some articles look exactly like they did in the published version, including photographs. Perfect for late-night research when the Library’s closed.

All patrons can access these databases when they are in the Library. Most also are accessible from outside the Library, with an Internet connection.

Ask the Library staff for help in choosing and using these exciting resources today.

Online Databases & eBooks

Look for journal, magazine, and newspaper articles; encyclopedia and directory information; and ebooks courtesy of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Areas covered include current events and general information; health; business; and people, books, and authors. Some other powerful databases funded by CWMARS can be reached by clicking here. They include American Women's History Online, American History Online, African-American History Online, Science Online, Grove Art Online, and Massachusetts Newsstand--searchable text of a dozen Massachusetts newspapers, including the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

Community Information Online

Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc. is a library consortium dedicated to efficient resource sharing and rapid access to information. The Community Information Online database includes searchable listings for agencies, services, and organizations that serve a significant public need within our communities. This provides users with comprehensive and confidential referrals that meet their specific needs or interests.

Digital Treasures

Digital Treasures is a searchable collection of images contributed by libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts. A search for the word "tobacco," for example, gets you to photographs of Hadley tobacco barns and harvesting. No login is required.

Newsbank

The following regional newspapers are available via Newsbank:

  • The Advocate (North Adams)
  • Amherst Bulletin
  • The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield)
  • Daily Hampshire Gazette (Northampton)
  • North Adams Transcript
  • The Recorder (Greenfield)
  • The Republican (Springfield)
  • Springfield Advocate
  • Springfield Examiner
  • Valley Advocate

Consumer Reports Online

In addition to our print subscription, HPL is proud to provide access Consumer Reports Online for Hadley patrons. Access Consumer Reports Online at home or on the go here. You will be prompted to log in using the barcode on your active library card in good standing. If you are unable to log in, contact the Library at 413-584-7451 for assistance. Consumer Reports Online can be accessed within the library without logging in.