General Reference Resources
Click for our e-books from these popular series:
For Dummies
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Encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research
For Idiot's Guides
Ebsco e-Books
Academic Search Complete
Designed for academic institutions. Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research. Coverage on a wide range of topics. Includes peer-reviewed full text resources for STEM research. Social sciences and the humanities also covered.
Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary, 48th ed., 11v (2014)
Explora
World book Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos [Spanish Lang. Gen-Ref]
FDSys (Federal Digital System) - FDsys provides free online access to official Federal Government publications which include Congressional, Presidential and Federal agency materials. Through FDsys, you are able to search, browse and download documents and publications.
Points of View Reference Center
Presents multiple sides of over 400 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.
Reference Latina
Spanish-language resource. Covers academic and non-academic subjects. Offers content from reference books, general interest magazines, health reports, and other sources. Daily updates from a dozen newspapers from ten Latin American countries and more than 2,500 health reports.
Automotive
AutoMate
Small Engine Repair Reference Center
Kelley Blue Book – Provides consumer pricing and information on cars for sale, minivans, pickup trucks, sedans, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs.
Books and Literature
EBSCO eBooks - Over 20,000 eBooks available on all topics. Michigan residents or Michigan library access only. 
Downloadable Audiobooks - Download audiobooks, eBooks, and music 24/7 with Overdrive. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Literary Reference Center
Includes over 14,000 short stories and 54,000+ poems. Covers information on thousands of authors and their works. Topics include: plot summaries, literary criticism, book reviews, novels, and author interviews.
Library & Information Science Source
Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.
Michigan Authors and Illustrators - A searchable database of Michigan authors and illustrators. Provides biographical and contact information. Indicates whether person will do library presentations.
NovelistPlus
Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-Like recommendations, and complete series information. Also includes reader ratings and reviews. Create your own reading wish list.
Novelist K-8 Plus
Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.
Poetry & Short Story Reference Center
Hundreds of thousands of poems, as well as short stories, biographies, and essays. Topics include the poetic forms, movements, and techniques.
Read It!
For middle and high school students and adults. Helps to build reading skills and improve study habits. Includes tests.
Select Reads - Browse or subscribe to free monthly booklists on your favorite topics, including Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, History, Children’s Books, & much more. Every title is owned by NPL and includes a link to place a hold on the book so you can get it fast! Use Author Check to create a list of your favorite authors that are currently available in your library’s catalog. You will receive an email notice as soon as the library orders a new title by one of your authors, with a link into the catalog to place your own hold!
Business and Finance
AtoZDatabases
Detailed information on 30 million businesses and executives and 2 million new businesses. Includes data on over 200 million residents as well as new movers/homeowners. Special features include a background and criminal history search. Information provided on U. S. healthcare professionals. Includes a jobs database and email marketing.
Business Book Summaries
Provides concise, comprehensive summaries of the best business books. Professionals and students can use these to keep up with the latest information in the business world.
Business Analysis for Dummies® (2013)
This book offers guidance on how to make an impact in an organization by performing business analysis.
Business & Economics
from the Gale Virtual Reference Library
Business Networking For Dummies® (2014)
This book demonstrates how to: use business networking to grow and develop your business.
Business Plans Handbook (2014)
Actual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses. Presents sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries which serve as examples of how to approach, structure and compose business plans.
Demographics Now: Business & People
Researchers and entrepreneurs are provided with comprehensive business and demographic information valuable to assess business viability, create sales leads and marketing mailing lists, complete location analyses and business plans, analyze population trends, find potential sponsors and donors and much more.
Economics (2014)
A beginner's guide to economics, this book covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics. It explores topics including market efficiency; government regulation and intervention; unemployment and inflation; fiscal and monetary policy; social safety net; and more.
Encyclopedia of Business and Finance, 3rd ed., 2v (2014)
Complete reference covering five general areas: finance and banking; accounting; marketing; management; and information systems.
Entrepreneurial Studies Source
Resource for business students and researchers. It provides insights on entrepreneurship and small businesses topics. Offers full text business journals, magazines, reference books, case studies, and company profiles.
eBook Business Collection
A key resource for academic and business school libraries. You may access the full text of these eBooks from your computer, or download titles to most popular portable devices.
Lynda.com - Learn business, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals using these free video courses on the latest software, taught by industry experts. Online videos are available for Developer, IT, Business, Marketing, Photography, 3D + Animation, Video, Web, and more. Both in-library and remote users must enter their library card number and PIN to access Lynda.com.
Morningstar Investment Research Center
Financial information including stocks, mutual funds, return information on various investment indexes, portfolio tools and more. To access video tutorials and more click on the Help and Education tab after signing in. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Regional Business News
Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces to 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.
Reference USA
Use this database to locate directory information on companies all around the country. Find information such as location, sales volume, contact person, number of employees, and more. To learn more about how to use Reference USA, click here for video tutorials and webcast schedules. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Small Business Reference Center
Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.
Starting a Home Business For Dummies® (2014)
Provides a variety of ideas for home businesses alongside straightforward advice to get up and running, including money and tax advice, attracting and keeping customers, and tips for making technology and the web work for you.
Value Line
Includes on-line access to Value Line's leading publications covering stocks, mutual funds, options and convertible securities as well as special situation stocks. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Career
Career Information Center (2014)
Provides the most current information available on careers in the United States and Canada to people of all ages and all stages of career development.
Learn How to Become - A career is a journey, and something you will be committed to in the long term. It consists of different steps and, ideally, it is something that you feel is your calling. If you are a student ready to begin your higher education, or have held many different jobs and want to know how to make the switch to doing what you love, this career guide will be a great resource.
LearningExpress Library - The Career Center in this resource helps job seekers explore careers, prepare for career exams, and develop workplace and job seeking skills.
Professional Development Collection
Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.
Computer Technology
Computer Skills Tutorial from Learning Express Library
Offers 90+ courses on topics such as computer basics, Internet basics, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and MS Office tools like Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Create a free account to access these tools.
Excel Blog - Newest blog posts about Excel
Excel Easy - Excel tutorials
GCFLearnFree - This program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers 125 tutorials, including more than 1,100 lessons, videos, and interactives, completely free.
Lynda.com - Learn business, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals using these free video courses on the latest software, taught by industry experts. Online videos are available for Developer, IT, Business, Marketing, Photography, 3D + Animation, Video, Web, and more. Both in-library and remote users must enter their library card number and PIN to access Lynda.com.
Consumer Information
Annual Credit Report - Provides consumers with the secure means to request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act).
Consumer Action Handbook - Your go-to guide for planning a purchase, knowing your consumer rights, and filing a complaint. The new interactive edition of the handbook features additional resources, including:
- Downloadable templates for a sample complaint letter (MS Word) and social media will (MS Excel).
- Easy access to tools that can help you get updates about product recalls, calculate college costs, check the background of an investment professional, compare health care providers, or conduct a home inventory.
- How-to videos on getting a free credit report, protecting your privacy in everyday life, avoiding job search scams, and more.
- Infographics to help you navigate a purchase, file a consumer complaint, and understand your credit card statement.
Consumer Reports Online – This online version of the popular magazine provides access to print issues as well as special online-only content including videos, updates on product availability, and adds new products to previously published test results. This database is paid for by the Novi Public Library.
Consumer.gov - From identity theft to debt management learn how to protect yourself as a consumer with these simple instructions.
Crafty Resources
Creative Bug - Enjoy unlimited access to over 1000 online art and craft classes. Watch classes anytime, anywhere. Patrons can access Creativebug within the library, remotely at home through the Apple iOS and Android Apps
Lynda.com - Learn business, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals using these free video courses on the latest software, taught by industry experts. Online videos are available for Developer, IT, Business, Marketing, Photography, 3D + Animation, Video, Web, and more. Both in-library and remote users must enter their library card number and PIN to access Lynda.com.
Education
Common Core Standards (2015)
This guide helps parents, students, teachers, and administrators understand the details of the Common Core initiative.
Education Source
Provides scholarly research for education students, professionals, and policy makers. Covers all levels of education from early childhood to higher education. Covers specialties such as multilingual education, health education, and testing.
Kids Count in Michigan Data Book - Kids Count in Michigan is part of a broad national effort to measure the well-being of children at the state and local levels and use that information to shape efforts to improve the lives of children.
Learning Express Library
See their PrepSTEP Bundle or Job & Career Accelerator
Lynda.com - Learn business, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals using these free video courses on the latest software, taught by industry experts. Online videos are available for Developer, IT, Business, Marketing, Photography, 3D + Animation, Video, Web, and more. Both in-library and remote users must enter their library card number and PIN to access Lynda.com.
Online College Database - Directory of U.S. Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges
Online Michigan College Database - Directory of Michigan Colleges, Universities & Online Colleges
Tutor.com - Looking for live online homework assistance from expert tutors? No matter the subject give Tutor.com a try.
NOTE: Please access this resource either through our app or website. Your Library card number and PIN will not work directly through tutor.com or their app.
Health Information
Alt HealthWatch
Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness. Sources include journals (some peer-reviewed) and reports.
American Cancer Society
Consumer Health Complete
Supports the health and wellness information needs of patients. Covers mainstream medicine as well as complementary and holistic medicine.
Consumer Health Information
Offers detailed answers to the 200 most-commonly-asked health questions. Provides answers in evidence-based reports that feature illustrations and easy-to-read text.
Consumer Health Care, 2v (2014)
This text focuses on the U.S. healthcare system and the individual's experience with it. Entries cover topics related to the current state of health insurance, the various kinds (including government programs like Medicare and Medicaid) and methods of its delivery, as well as the history of insurance and the evolution of our current for-profit system. Healthcare legislation and reform is also discussed.
Depression (2014)
Explores the issues surrounding depression by placing opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro/con format. Features articles that express various perspectives on this topic.
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 4th ed., 4v (2014)
Covers all aspects of the subject including therapies, conditions/diseases, herbs/plants, and people. Identifies numerous types of alternative medicine being practiced today, including reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, chelation therapy, kinesiology, yoga, chiropractic, and more.
Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health (2012)
Provides detailed information on mental disorders and conditions. Also features entries for prescription, alternative and over-the-counter drugs, as well as the various therapies used to treat mental disorders.
Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health (2013)
Alphabetically arranged encyclopedia provides coverage of important public health concerns. Topics include diseases and conditions, health and wellness efforts, nutrition, ethics and law related topics and statistics, sanitation issues, and everyday environmental effects.
Health Collection
from the Gale Virtual Reference Library
HealthSource: Consumer Edition
Subjects include fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health, and more. Information comes from magazines, books, Clinical Reference System reports, and pamphlets.
HealthSource: Nursing/Academic Edition
Provides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines. Provides indexing, abstracts and full text for hundreds of nursing and allied health journals, many of which are peer-reviewed.
HealthCare.gov - The primary tool for delivering information to Americans about their health coverage options.
HealthyMenMichigan.org is a statewide campaign that aims to provide men in Michigan with tools and resources to take control of their mental health and well-being. The Campaign offers free and anonymous online screening and referral services such as self-assessments for a number of mental health issues and access to local, quality treatment options.
Medline - Patients and health professionals. Covers all areas of medicine, including dentistry and nursing. From the National Library of Medicine.
Vet Manual:
History
History Reference Center
Documents, photos, maps, film, and video from leading history journals. Also includes biographies of historical figures.
Humanities Source
Covers literary, scholarly, and creative thought. Ideal for students, researchers, and educators interested in the humanities.
The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:
American History
American Eras: Primary Sources,
- Vol. 1: Development of the Industrial United States, 1878-1899 (2013)
- Vol. 2: Civil War and Reconstruction, 1860-1877 (2013) Includes essays on events, publications, lifestyles and individuals important to the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in U.S. history.
- Vol. 3: Westward Expansion, 1800-1860 (2014)
- Vol. 4: Reform Era and Eastern U.S. Development, 1815-1850 (2014)
Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America (2014)
This work includes 23 new ethnic groups and contains 152 revised ethnic entries on specific minority groups in the U.S., with an emphasis on culture (religions, holidays, customs, language) in addition to information on historical background and settlement patterns.
Internment of Japanese Americans (2013)
This volume focuses on the internment of Japanese Americans after the Japanese attacked the U.S. military forces stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, December 7, 1941.
World History
The British Monarchy (2012)
Provides an overview of important historical events or periods in world history. This volume focuses on important dates in the history of the British monarchy.
The Holocaust (2014)
Examines the origins of the Holocaust, the means by which Nazi Germany carried it out, and some of the debates it has inspired.
Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations (2012)
Presents easy-to-understand information on 194 countries and dependencies from around the world. Entries discuss a variety of topics in detail, from banking and securities to climate, from government data to demographic statistics.
Kids' Resources
EBSCO eBooks K-8
Titles that support K-8 students across all subject areas. Also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators Common Core alignment. You may access the full text of these eBooks from your computer, or download titles to most popular portable devices.
EBSCO eBooks High School
For high school students and educators. There is a selection of teacher resources and titles align with Common Core Curriculum Standards. You may access the full text of these eBooks from your computer, or download titles to most popular portable devices.
Explora for High Schools
Provides hundreds of popular magazines and reference books for high school libraries. Covers subjects such as art, history, sports, and music. Includes thousands of biographies and primary source documents. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
Explora for Middle Schools
Magazines and reference books for middle school students. Includes thousands of biographies and primary source documents. Subjects include history, current events, science, sports, and biographies. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
Explora for Primary Schools
For elementary school libraries. Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.
eBooks K-8 Collection - is designed for K-8 students and the educators who work with them. It contains more than 6,000 titles chosen to support a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subjects areas taught in elementary and middle schools, and content aligns with Common Core curriculum standards. The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators.
Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource, 21v, 2005 - offers broad, comprehensive coverage of the animal kingdom, ranging from the simple (sponges and coral), to the complex (mammals). Animals are grouped by major classifications: sponges; corals; jellyfishes; segmented worms; crustaceans and mollusks; insects; fishes; amphibians; reptiles; birds and mammals. (Virtual Reference Library)
NoveList K-8 Plus (from EBSCO) - is especially for younger readers. It has reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction for kids in grades K-8, including book reviews from major reviewing sources. Included are reading lists by topic or study units as well as for lessons that meet Common Core State standards.
Tumblebooks - Listen and watch books come to life. This database is paid for by the Novi Public Library
Language Resources
Basic ESL - Basic ESL an online education portal, leveraging the "Basic English as a Second Language" learning system, to deliver a tested and proven model for learning English through rich internet technologies.
Mango Languages
Learn languages such as French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Greek, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and most importantly Pirate! In addition, there is also a wide variety of ESL courses. You must first create a profile on the Mango Login Page if you wish to track your progress. This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Pronunciator
Pronunciator is a fun and free way to learn any of 100 languages with Personalized Courses that include study guides and audio lessons, video phrases, movies, music, and more. Learn online, either on your desktop computer or mobile device! This database paid for by Novi Public Library.
Read It - English Language Learner
For middle and high school students and adults. Helps to build reading skills and improve study habits. Includes tests.
Reference Latina
Spanish-language resource. Covers academic and non-academic subjects. Offers content from reference books, general interest magazines, health reports, and other sources. Daily updates from a dozen newspapers from ten Latin American countries and more than 2,500 health reports.
Legal Information
Legal Information Reference Center
Search over 12,800 state-specific legal forms by topic including Adoption, Bankruptcy, Name Changes, and more. A majority of the full text legal reference books provided through NOLO.
Legal Source
A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world. For attorneys, educators, business people, law librarians, students, and paralegals.
Michigan Compiled Laws – Public acts and legislation
Michigan Legal Help - Michigan Legal Help is an interactive website built to help self-represented litigants handle relatively simple civil legal matters on their own.
Michigan Library Laws Handbook
Oakland County Legal Resources Center (LRC)
News and Current Events
Newspaper Source Plus
Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources. Primary full coverage newspapers are The Washington Post and USA Today.
Novi News Archive - Access searchable full-text issues of the Novi News. This page will ultimately provide access to nearly every year of the Novi News.
People and Genealogy
Ancestry Library Edition - *only available in the Library* - This new database is replacing AncestryPlus and is targeted for library users. It now contains passenger lists from all major U.S. ports including New York, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Orleans, naturalization records ranging from 1700 to 1900, immigration records for more than 100 countries, an increase of more than 10 million names, and more. This database paid for by Novi Public Library
Biography Reference Center
More than 450,000 biographies. Includes complete full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.
Europa-European Union – Want to live in or do business in the EU? Ever wonder what Europeans think about biodiversity or train service there? This site will tell you what you need to know.
International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family, 2nd ed., 4v, 2003 - Adopts an international, cross-cultural approach to such diverse topics as adolescent parenthood, family planning, cohabitation, widowhood, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, codependency, and commuter marriages. Includes articles specific to countries and religious traditions, examining the history of family life within these cultures and discussing how families have been affected by political and social change. (This is an e-reference book from the Virtual Reference Library)
My Heritage - Library Edition
Family history resource including more than 6 billion historical ​records from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Includes the full USA federal census (1790-1940); census of England and Wales (1841-1901); U.S. World War II Army Enlistment as well as records of Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers. Over 2 billion family trees.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
How to use the Library of Congress' New Sanborn Maps for Genealogy
Science
The following are e-reference books from the Virtual Reference Library:
3D Printing (2015)
This guide covers the essential basics of 3D printing including materials, parts, software, modeling, basic design, and finishing.
American Men & Women of Science, 32nd ed., 8v (2014)
Profiles living persons in the physical and biological fields, as well as public health scientists, engineers, mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists.
Applied Science & Technology Source
Broad coverage of research and development within the applied sciences and computing disciplines. Content derives from leading trade journals, professional and technical society publications, and conference proceedings.
Beginning Programming (2014)
This book introduces computer programming by teaching the basics with an open-source environment known as Python. Readers are taught how Python works and how it relates to other programming languages. Simple coding projects are also provided.
Biology, 2nd ed., 4v (2016)
Explains biological concepts and explores related fields as well as the history of biological science. Contains sidebars, bibliographies, timelines, charts, a glossary, and individual and cumulative indexes.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 5th ed., 8v (2014)
Covers all major areas of science, engineering, technology, as well as mathematics and the medical and health sciences, while providing a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge and technology.
Geological Sciences (2012)
Examines the various branches of the geological sciences, as well as the methods and instruments used by geologists to obtain accurate records of the planet's geological history.
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2v Extinction (2013)
This new supplement explores all aspects of extinctions and extinct life, featuring approximately 80 articles outlining major extinctions and related scientific areas.
Mathematics, 4v, 2002 - Explores the functions of math in daily life, as well as its role as a tool for measurement, data analysis, and technological development. This illustrated set also explains basic concepts of math and geometry, and provides information on historical milestones, notable mathematicians, and today's career choices. Each volume includes photos, illustrations, sidebars, bibliographies, and a glossary. Broadly applicable for middle school through high school students, as well as general readers.
Organic Chemistry I For Dummies® (2014)
This guide explains the basic principles of organic chemistry in simple terms, providing insight into the language of organic chemists, the major classes of compounds, and top trouble spots.
Physics I Workbook For Dummies®, 2nd ed. (2014)
This guide helps you build upon what you already know to learn how to solve the most common physics problems with confidence and ease.
Science Reference Center
Contains material from science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, and other sources. More than 4,000 full text, full-length biographies. Includes: biology, chemistry, earth & space science, the environment, health & medicine, history of science, life science, physics, science & society, science as inquiry, and wildlife.
Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) - The Turfgrass Information Center (TIC) at Michigan State University contains the most comprehensive collection of turfgrass educational materials publicly available in the world. Turfgrass Science is the use of grasses to enhance the environment.
World of Forensic Science, 2nd ed., 2v (2016)
This guide to the scientific processes and the legal, social, and ethical issues involved in the forensic sciences covers the individuals, techniques and principles of biology, chemistry, law, medicine, physics, computer science, geology, and psychology involved in the multidisciplinary examination of crime scenes and evidence used in legal proceedings.
STEAM
Creative Bug - Enjoy unlimited access to over 1000 online art and craft classes. Watch classes anytime, anywhere. Patrons can access Creativebug within the library, remotely at home through the Apple iOS and Android Apps
Vidcode - offers computer science and coding education focused towards tweens and teens.
How to sign up.