Online Resources & Databases
Online Resources & Databases
Universal Class
Universal ClassThese online resources and databases are available to you from the West Bend Library, the Monarch Library System, and through the State of Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction. They are all accessible 24/7 (except Ancestry, which is in-library use only) with your library card. Call the Reference Desk at 262-335-5152 with any questions about these databases and resources. You may also want to visit our Helpful Links page for other sources that may be useful.
BadgerLink is supported by the Department of Public Instruction to provide Wisconsin residents access to quality online information in cooperation with the state’s library community.
AtoZdatabases offers 30 million business and executives’ profiles, 220 million residents, 1.1 million healthcare professionals, 2 million new businesses, 2.3 million live job listings, interview tips, resume templates, background and criminal search results, and much more! Searches can be done using various selects in the wide variety of offered databases. For instance, in the 220 million residents’ database the user can search using interests, hobbies, and lifestyles of people. The database is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, marketing research, employment opportunities, background and criminal searching, finding friends and relatives and much more!
Business Source Premier
Do you work in the business industry? This is the industry's most widely used business research database, Business Source Premier features full text and searchable cited references for top journals covering a variety of business disciplines You can also find explore company profiles, industry reports, market research, and SWOT analyses. Provided by Badgerlink.
Access Business Source Premier
Get access to the popular consumer magazine! Consumer Reports offers the opportunity for you to search the PDF full-text of articles from 1991-present. This resource is provided by Badgerlink.
Access Consumer Reports from home or in the library
Learn how to search Consumer Reports
Get trusted data and analysis on thousands of mutual funds, stocks, and exchange-traded funds through Morningstar Investment Research Center. This informative online resource is accessible from home or in the library! You will need your library card to access it from home.
Access Morningstar from home with your library card.
Access Morningstar in the library
Ebooks, Digital Audiobooks, & Magazines
Libby by Overdrive App:
Download ebooks and audiobooks to your smartphone or tablet with the Libby, by Overdrive app! Get the Libby app!
Need help? Download our Libby instructions brochure here, and our bookmark with helpful Kindle information here.
Browse Overdrive without Libby app https://wplc.overdrive.com/
NEW! Magazines from Libby by OverDrive:
Now you can access digital magazines right from your Libby app, OverDrive App, or from Wisconsin's Digital Library website!
View the list here! More information will be coming soon.
Ancestry Library Edition includes records from the United States Census; military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories; and ship passenger lists. (In Library Use Only)
Access Ancestry from the library
Are you looking for a special news article? Wisconsin Newspaper Association's Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers offers the full-text of daily and weekly Wisconsin newspapers from 2005 to 90 days ago, plus newspapers from the 1800s and 1900s. This is provided by Badgerlink.
Access Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers
Do you like genealogy and history? Use Heritage Quest to find ancestors and relatives in the complete set of US Federal Census Records 1790-1930. Also, find information on people and places described in over 25,000 family and local histories.
Access Heritage Quest here from home or the library.
History Reference Center
For teachers and students, this resource offers full-text books, magazines, historical documents, biographies, and multimedia. It also provides nearly 57,000 historical documents and 40,000 historical photos and maps. Also get access to more than more than 1,990 full-text reference books and full-text articles searchable by reading level indicator (Lexile). This is a great database for homework and research!
Access History Reference Center
MasterFILE Complete
MasterFILE covers topics including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY and fashion
MasterFILE offers more than 2,300 full-text magazines and journals, more than 870 full-text reference books, more than 73,000 full-text primary source documents, more than 1.6 million photos, maps and flags, more than 70,000 videos from the Associated Press (AP). Provided by Badgerlink.
Transparent Language Online
Transparent Language Online provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. Combining robust courses, supplemental vocabulary, extensive grammar resources, and mobile apps, Transparent Language Online is the most complete language-learning system. With over 100 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 26 languages, there is something for every learner. Best of all, with enhanced support for Android ™ tablets and iPads, learners can enjoy the freedom to learn at home, in the library, or on the go!
Learning Express Library
LearningExpress Library gives you access to to web-based practice tests, tutorials, ebooks, and more that help with career preparation, college admissions, and personal education.You can access all 8 of their learning centers. This is provided by Badgerlink.
Access LearningExpress Library
LearningExpress Adult Learning Center
The Adult Learning Center includes test preparation for the GED® and U.S. citizenship tests, along with skill building materials that cover subjects like math, reading, writing, and public speaking. This is provided by Badgerlink.
Access LearningExpress Adult Learning Center
Monarch2Go App
Did you know you can download the Monarch2Go app to your phone or tablet? You can search the Monarch catalog, place holds, and renew your items all in one place! Download to your iPhone, iPad, or Android device! Watch the tutorial
Are you looking for that next great book? Try Novelist! This is a good resource for avid readers to get book read-alikes, discussion guides, reading lists, and more! Provided by Badgerlink.
NoveList K-8 is a resource to help elementary and middle school age children find books, readalikes, discussion guides, and more! Provided by Badgerlink.
WISCAT is provided by the Department of Public Instruction. Discover books, music, movies, magazines and more in Wisconsin libraries when you can't find them in the Monarch Catalog! To request materials in WISCAT, contact the Reference Desk at 262-335-5152 or stop by the library.
From the experts at MOTOR, this auto repair database provides service and repair procedures, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins and recalls, maintenance schedules, specifications, diagnostic trouble codes, labor estimates, parts pricing, and component locations to help you repair your vehicle.
Get more than 700,000 definitions with 143,000 etymologies. Merriam Webster's Unabridged Dictionary also includes Top 10 Lists, Word of the Day, and "Ask the Editor" videos. This source revised for today's librarians, teachers, and students. Provided by Badgerlink.
Access Merriam Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
PBS Wisconsin Education offers innovative, cost-free multimedia resources including videos, student interactives, eBooks, sound files, and a new Wisconsin historical inquiry adventure game. It includes PBS Wisconsin Education productions like Climate Wisconsin, Into the Book, Into the Map, The Ways, Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams, Wisconsin Biographies, Wisconsin Hometown Stories, Young Performers Initiative and others.
Educational videos, images, sound files, and animations spanning all curricular areas. Provided by PBS Wisconsin.
Access PBS Wisconsin Education
Reference Shelf
Each year, over 250 carefully selected articles and documents provide balanced coverage, supported by comprehensive background information, on the topics of vital interest to students and researchers in our fast-changing world. Each 200-page volume provides comprehensive, balanced coverage of an issue of importance in modern society. Access information on current events through the Reference Shelf online through the West Bend Library.
Free English Lessons for Pashto Speakers
Free language lessons for Pashto (Pashtu) speakers learning English. Primarily for Pashto speakers who have moved to the United States or other English-speaking countries.
Learn how to use online resources here:
Want to download e-books and e-audiobooks to your personal device, like a smartphone, tablet, or e-reader? You can do that with Libby and Hoopla!
• Click here to get Libby, by OverDrive
• Browse the OverDrive collection without downloading Libby
• Browse the Hoopla collection without downloading the app
Want to learn more about what Libby and Hoopla can do and how to use them? Check out our blog post about both services!
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