The Boston Public Library (BPL) has subscriptions to many databases. Some are geared to school children and general public, but many are academic databases, including some that the UMASS Dartmouth Library does not have.

Some include full text; most (but not all) can be searched remotely. Access to the BPL databases is available to anyone (above age 13) who lives, works, or attends school in Massachusetts: everyone at UMass Dartmouth!

But you must have a E-card which is valid for six-months.

Registering for E-card

For "a limited time" you can register for an E-card by going the "BPL's LOGIN page" and choosing green button that reads "Get a BPL eCard"

(or for more information go to http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/ecards.htm )

Or just go to the BPL home page and find the Register for a Library Card Online! link in the "New and Noteworthy" section towards the lower left corner.

You will immediately get an E-card number and be asked to supply a PIN .Thats it you have 6 months access to BPL databases.

Once you get your ECARD, you'll fine the databases you want by choosing the "Electronic Resources" at the bottom of the BPL's crowded welcome page.

First, choose a subject area or use the alphabetical list to choose a database by title.

When find the database(s) you want and select one or more to search then next screen that appears wiill ask you for your BPL card number. Enter it and you are set! (This is a similar process to the way you login from off-campus to the the UMASS Dartmouth library databases and services).

Here's a sample of databases that you might consider (there are many more):

• Art Index Retrospective
• Art Museum Image Gallery
• Dissertation Abstracts
• D&B Million Dollar Directory
• Early American Imprints
• Educators Reference Complete
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• English Short-title Catalog
• Index to Early American Periodicals
• New York Times, 1851-2003
• PAIS International
• Smithsonian Global Sound
• Social Services Abstracts
• Sociological Abstracts
• World Data Analyst Online