Online Databases

What is INSPIRE?

INSPIRE is Indiana's Virtual Library. INSPIRE is a collection of academic databases and other information resources that can be accessed by Indiana residents using any computer equipped with an Internet Protocol (IP) address located in Indiana and a Web browser such as Firefox or Internet Explorer.

INSPIRE began in January 1998 as a partnership between the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (INCOLSA), along with a one-time grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. which funded the SiteSearch software and its subsequent development. Additionally, LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funding is used for administration costs.

The Chilton Library provides step-by-step service and repair procedures, along with diagrams, tables, and visual tools, to help with maintenance issues for each specific vehicle. This database will also provide a labor estimating tool to help you determine next steps. 

Are you in need of study materials for a test coming up? Mometrix Test Prep will give you access to study guides and flashcards for many different types of tests! Whether you are studying for your GED, NCLEX, CDL license and more! 

Starke County Public Library System is excited to offer a new genealogy database! "The records at Fold3 help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them (About Fold3)." On Fold3, you can combine records found on the site with Ancestry and other albums that you may have. 

The Perfect Job Search is an exciting new database that SCPLS is excited to offer. This database offers resume, interview tips, and assessments to help match you to careers that you are suited for. All you need is your library barcode number to log-in. So, come in and start your adventure to a new exciting career. This database can also be used at home. For questions, please call or visit the Reference Department.

State-Specific 
Gale LegalForms is relevant to our Indiana laws. There are categories like divorce, bankruptcy, power of attorney, and incorporation (among others). You simply choose a category and then choose from a list of available forms. Each form gives a full description to help anyone choose what they need. With one click, the form opens with spaces to click and fill in your own information like your name, city, and even case number. Forms are available in a variety of formats, including Microsoft Word, Rich Text, PDF, and sometimes even Word Perfect. The forms included in the database are official forms that law firms use, so you never have to wonder if they will be accepted by the court system.

Highly Searchable 
Forms can be keyword searched by category or title too. This makes finding a form by keyword very easy. For example, if you need information about “quit claim deeds” and you didn’t know that was a real estate term, you could just search “quit claim.” The search results include every available form related to those keywords.

Sample Letters 
One of the categories provided is “Sample Letters.” There are letters to use for requesting a credit report of a minor, to remove your name from a mail marketing list, employment letters for suspensions, warnings, and disciplinary action, and a sample letter to request an extension on a lease from tenant to landlord. These are just a few of the handy sample letters available.

Tax Forms 
There are also links to tax forms available in Gale LegalForms. When you choose a state, the database links you to that state’s treasury department web site. It is a quick, easy way to find the list of available tax forms for your state without having to navigate the whole of the state web site.

Attorney Directory 
An Attorney Directory is also built into Gale LegalForms. You can find an attorney practicing in a particular field of law very quickly by browsing the practice area categories. There is a description of the firm under most entries that includes information like when the firm was established, what the firm specializes in, who to ask for, or how many attorneys are practicing there. Once you find a promising entry, you can click on “Start” next to the name and fill out a client intake form that goes directly to the attorney’s office.

Additional Resources 
There are external links from Gale LegalForms too.  Here you can find links to places to get vital records, the IRS, or the court system. Again, having these direct links help you find specific agencies of the law quickly and easily. You may not always know what different agencies are called, or what they do, so having direct links brings you  one step closer to the right information.

Easy to Use Interface 
The left side menu remains consistent throughout your use of Gale LegalForms. It includes the search box, but also a link to “Definitions.” Within definitions is another search box to search for a specific legal term, or choose from A to Z to browse a list of terms under each letter of the alphabet.

Similar in style to the definitions is a “Law Digest” in that left side menu. This is more of a legal encyclopedia, as it goes into more detail about legal terms than just a definition. For example, the entry on “Environmental Protection Agency” includes articles about the agency’s various activities and even a bibliography with links for further reading.

The third item in the left side menu is a “Legal Q & A” button. Here you can choose a category of the law (like “automobiles – insurance” or “civil actions – liens”) and read questions and answers on that subject.

HeritageQuest Online provides a comprehensive collection of genealogical and local history resources. This database 
makes it convenient to explore billions of American and international genealogical records dating back to the 1700s — 
including unique primary sources, family and local histories, research guides, interactive census maps and more. Combined 
with an easy to use search experience, it’s easier than ever for users to discover their ancestors and learn about local people 
and places from the past. 
Key Features

• 500+ searchable databases for genealogical research, containing more than 5 billion total records.
• Robust search interface powered by Ancestry ® , the #1brand for genealogy research.
• Available for remote access and in-library use for both public and academic libraries around the world.
• Research aids includes search tips and how to use census and other genealogical data.
• Interactive map of the U.S. based on the Federal Census, 1790-1920, to view how county boundaries change over time.
• Digital copy of The Census Book, containing information about Historical U.S. Censuses, Published Statewide Censuses and Indexes, Lost or Missing Censuses, Countywide Census Indexes, Non-population Census Schedules, and blank U.S. Census Forms.

Ancestry Library Edition "provides patrons with instant access to a wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research. With more than 1.5 billion names in over 4,000 databases, Ancestry Library Edition includes records from the United States Census; military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories; passenger lists and more! These collections are continuously expanding, with new content added every business day."

The Starke County Public Library System is pleased to offer another new database for your genealogical research – American Ancestors, a database hosted by the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), the oldest and largest genealogical society in the United States, founded in 1845. Its mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret materials to document and make accessible the histories of families in America.” NEHGS maintains a large web site with more than 100 million names in its databases, the largest such online collection of any genealogical society. It includes vital records, compiled genealogies, and a suite of scholarly journals, such as The New England Historical and Genealogical Register and The American Genealogist, the leading independent journal in American genealogy.

The Premier Job Search, Reference, and Mailing List Database. The database includes 2.3 million job listings, 30 million business profiles, 1.1 million healthcare professionals, and much more. Ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, finding friends and relatives, and much more!

Borrow ebooks & audiobooks for free on Libby, the one-tap reading app from our library.

1. Download the Libby app from your device’s app store.  
2. Find our library.
3. Enter your library card number.
4. Borrow a title and start reading or listening!

If you’d like help, bring in your device and our library staff would be happy to assist with set up.

What is Hoopla Digital?

Hoopla Digital is a digital streaming service for library users to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows using portable devices like smartphones and tablets.

What do you need?

• Tablet, smartphone, computer, or TV with streaming capabilities
• Email address and password
• Library card number (only needed one time in the registration process)
• Hoopla Digital app or updated browser software (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, IE, Safari, etc.)

ProDemand is an automotive repair database from Mitchell1 who publishes the well know Mitchell Manuals. It provides information on repair, maintenance, parts and labor estimates, wiring diagrams, and Technical Service Bulletins for most cars.

NewspaperArchive will give you access to a multitude of Newspapers from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. “Explore stories, articles and pictures of your ancestors that will inspire you to connect with them on a deeper level. Discover comics, historical ads, celebrity stories, and sports heroes. Some of the stories you will uncover will provide great conversation starters for your next chat with your parents, grandparents or extended family.”