Electronic Resources

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Online Research
Howard County Library System (HCLS) offers access to thousands of full-text journal, magazine, and newspaper articles through numerous specialized online research tools.

• Search among 20 categories: Biography; Book Recommendations; Business & Investing; Cars; Colleges & Education; Countries; Employment, Jobs & Careers; Encyclopedias; Foundations & Grants; Genealogy; Government Information; Health & Medicine; History; Homework Assistance; Literature; Maps; Newspapers & Magazines; Phone Books; Product Evaluations, and Science.
• Access any database from computers at HCLS' six branches. In addition, most databases can be accessed remotely from our web site, using your library card barcode. 

List of Databases

Guide and Help
Electronic Books and Audiobooks
e-books for Kids

Axis360
Axis360 is HCLS' new digital media platform that allows simple and quick access to a wide array of e-books. Axis360 does not work on older Kindle devices. Titles purchased for Axis360 are for HCLS customers. You will need a valid HCLS library card and PIN to login to Axis360.

Do I need additional software or an app?
axisReader: The axisReader app allows you to search, checkout, download, and read EPUB and PDF formats.  Available for iOS and Android.

Blio reader app: Axis360 works in tandem with the Blio app. Titles borrowed in Blio format must be read with the Blio app. Blio is the first reader app to be 100 percent compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and offers customers with limited sight the opportunity to read e-books.


Maryland's Digital eLibrary Consortium (OverDrive)
Download e-books and digital audiobooks to a computer or your MP3 player.
Note: If you lose your library card and get a replacement, your Overdrive holds (linked to your old library card barcode number) will disappear. If this happens, please e-mail us so your holds can be restored. In your message include your current barcode number and the list of titles you had on hold.

• Android tablets and phones
• iPad - iPhone - iPod Touch
• Kindle and Kindle Fire
• Kobo
• Nook and Nook Simple Touch
• NookColor, Nook Tablet, and Nook HD
• Sony Reader

One-on-One Sessions:
HCLS Instructors at all branches now offer one-on-one instruction on how to use Maryland's Digital eLibrary (OverDrive). To schedule a session, call your local branch or fill out our online form.

Upcoming e-reader classes

Homework Assistance and Practice Tests
LearningExpressLibrary (LearnATest) – Take free online practice tests and courses for school and work, including Advanced Placement, SAT, nursing, and teaching. Get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and analysis of results.

Online Homework Assistance (Brainfuse) – Receive free tutoring in math, reading, science, social studies, English/language arts, and writing from real teachers with this online service for students from kindergarten up. English and Spanish speaking tutors are available seven days a week from 2:00 pm until 11:55 pm.

Testing & Education Reference Center - Take a variety of free high school, college and career related online practice exams. Sort through thousands of colleges, graduate schools and vocational schools to identify the school or schools that fit your individual needs. Search for sources of college and graduate school financial aid. Take a career assessment to help identify the careers that best suit your interests and capabilities. View online editions of Petersons and Arco test prep books.