CAIRNS LIBRARIES - A lifestyle experience!

Library Services

NYR 2012 Blog

Branch Libraries

Ask Librarians Online

eResources

ONLINE DATABASES AND LEARNING RESOURCES @ CAIRNS LIBRARIES

Cairns Libraries offers members access to a variety of premium subscription-only online databases and learning resources.

What is an online database?
An online database is a collection of information in electronic from organised for quick retrieval on a computer.

Why use an online database?
To get up to date information from authoritative sources very quickly and easily. Plus you can print, save, copy and paste, and email any information you need.

How is searching an online database different from searching the web?
The web contains a lot of irrelevant and incorrect information. Databases focus on a particular area and contain more reliable information with contributors being largely academics and subject specialists whose work is thoroughly researched and peer reviewed.

How to get the best search results

Think carefully about the topic and information required.
Think about the key words and possible phrases.
Explore the database to familiarise yourself with the scope, search parameters and advanced search options.
Explore the online help or search tips options for further assistance.
Tip - if you retrieve too many results, try again and be more specific. If you retrieve too few results, try again and be more general.

How to start
Select the database you are interested in using and click the access link in the table below.

You will require your library card details to log into the database.

Online Service	Description	Access
	The world’s largest family history database with international coverage that continues to expand on a weekly basis.	Available at all branch libraries.
	Findmypast UK provides access to an ever-growing collection of over 650 million family history records - including 1911 census for England and Wales.	Available at all branch libraries.
	Findmypast Australiasia provides access over 50 million records from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and PNG.	Available at all branch libraries.
	Findmypast Ireland carries the most detailed and thorough collection of Irish records ever seen in one place. Including land records, directories, wills, gravestone inscriptions and marriages.	Available at all branch libraries.
	A simple online training resource covering popular computer applications. Currently includes training for the following products and areas: Introduction to Computer Technology Using and Searching the Internet Microsoft Office 2007 Setting Up Email Accounts Social Networking (Twitter, Facebook, Blogging)	Click here to access.
	Australia’s leading online academic tutoring service, providing live tutors using a msn style system along with a shared web browser, white board for drawing, and ftp capability to send documents back and forth. This service provides tutoring in the areas of Math, Sciences, English and Study Skills for Years 4 to 12. Students can login for free Monday to Friday 4-8pm using their library card. Parents and carers are also welcome to login and ask tutors how they can help their children with homework questions.	Click here to access.
	busythings is an amazing, colourful and quirky online service dedicated to Early Years and SEN pupils. The ever-growing number of activities intrigue and entertain early learners whatever their aptitudes and abilities. Full of quirky characters: parachuting pink men, dancing robots, a doughnut-eating monkey and many others. It's a fun place to be!	Click here to access.
	Trove, one search . . . a wealth of information. Find and get over 241,867,568 Australian and online resources; books, images, historic newspapers, maps, music, archives and more	Click here to access.
	Never used a mouse or keyboard before or just want to brush up on your skills? Then try Mouse Exercises at SeniorsNet	Click here to access.
	Build your mouse skills by playing some of these web-based games!	Click here to access.
	Practice your mouse skills with Mousercise!	Click here to access.
	If you like to play card games these online solitaire games will make you a whiz on the mouse in no time!	Click here to access.
	Free Online Touch Typing Lessons.	Click here to access.
	Fun games, typing lessons and tests.Kids will enjoy too!	Click here to access.
	Whether you are new to the computer, returning for review or just want to gain more 21st century skills, these free computer tutorials can help. From Computer Basics to Microsoft Office to Facebook, this website has a wide range of free computer tutorials to choose from.	Click here to access
	Access licensed e-resources provided by the State Library of Queensland by registering for a QPL account. Subject coverage includes Arts, Business, Health, History, Literature, Music, Newspapers, Reference, Science and Social Sciences.	Click here to register for a QPL account and to access the resources.
	MyLanguage gives access to the Internet in over 60 languages other than English. MyLanguage is a partnership among the State Libraries of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, as well as the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory Library and Information Services.	Click here to access.
	Provides access to current and past monthly issues of “Good Reading”. Includes first chapters, reading group notes, information about book related events and a forum for the exchange of thoughts and ideas for avid readers.	Click here to access.
	SpineOut encourages young adults to be part of an online magazine by submitting book reviews, book trailers, poems, short stories, music lyrics, videos and art work. It's a special place where youth can not only express their ideas and thoughts and share their creativity online with peers but also experience the thrill of seeing their work published online.	Click here to access.
	A fun way for children to develop literacy skills. The online learning resource covers pre-reading, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, reading, comprehension and grammar.	Click here to access.
	Access licensed e-resources provided by the National Library of Australia by registering for a National Library of Australia library card. Subject coverage includes Arts, Business, Health, History, Literature, Music, Newspapers, Reference, Science and Social Sciences.	Click here to register for a National Library of Australia library card and to access the resources.
	Offers a main library full of exciting, engaging and interactive stories for children as well as some extra fun features like a story machine, joke in box, puppet plays, abc learning, craft ideas and puzzles.	Click here to access.
	Watch and listen to e-books online with TumbleBooks! You can also play games and puzzles- even write your own book reviews. Includes titles in languages other than English.	Click here to access.
	Cairns Regional Council's online Community Profile resource contains demographic information about your region, including specific information for your community. It also contains economic data based on employment, business and industry; visual maps showing key demographic indicators for areas; and a population forecast for the Cairns region. This is an invaluable resource for community groups, investors, developers, business, students and the public.	Click here to access.

Disclaimer: Cairns Regional Council does not take any responsibility for content listed on external websites.