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Individual Databases

Use these resources on any Chicago Public Library computer or on non-Library computers with your Chicago Public Library card.

Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos » en español
The Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos offers encyclopedia articles in Spanish for students in grades two through six. The encyclopedia's list of articles may be browsed in English as well as Spanish, though the articles are entirely in Spanish.

Gale Virtual Reference Library »
Search a collection of over 100 subject-specific encyclopedias. Encyclopedias in the collection include the Dictionary of American History, Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion, Encyclopedia of Education, Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, Encyclopedia of Human Development, Encyclopedia of Management, Encyclopedia of Religion, Gale Encyclopedia of American Law, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Gale Encyclopedia of Science and Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film.

Hispánica Saber: Gran Enciclopedia Hispánica » en español teen pick
This general encyclopedia from Spanish publisher Editorial Planeta offers articles, images, maps, videos and more for upper-elementary and high school students as well as adults.

Oxford English Dictionary »
The Oxford English Dictionary is an authoritative source for definitions of English words and phrases as they have been used over time and throughout the world. Descriptive rather than prescriptive, it aims to present the English language as it is actually used rather than how it ought to be used. Entries include pronunciations (using the International Phonetic Alphabet), etymologies, definitions and quotations from actual sources.

World Book for Adults »
World Book for Adults (World Book Online Reference Center) offers more than 40,000 encyclopedia articles, as well as an online atlas, an introduction to computers and the Internet, and "how to..." guides to help you understand basic concepts in employment, personal finance and more.

World Book for Kids » kid friendly
Find short, easy-to-read introductions to thousands of topics as well as maps, pictures, games, word definitions and more. Based on the World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia, this online encyclopedia is a great fit for students in grades two through five.

World Book for Students » kid friendly teen pick
World Book for Students (World Book Online Info Finder) offers more than 40,000 encyclopedia articles, as well as an online atlas, an online dictionary, research tools and more. Recommended for students in grades three and up.