Click an icon above for more information about each topic.

Databases

Click here to access research databases.

Howard County Library subscribes to nearly 50 research databases. Click here for a list.

• Search among 20 categories, including Business & Investing, Health & Medicine, Literature, and Newspapers, Magazines & Current Events.
  
  
• Access databases from any library-owned computer. In addition, most can be accessed from your home computer.
  
  
• Have your library card barcode number ready if you are using your home computer. Most commercial database vendors require library customers to input a valid barcode to allow research at home.

Streaming Audio and Downloadable Video

Hear over 75,000 tracks of streaming audio, available from Naxos:

• Listen to classical music.
  
  
• Listen to jazz music.
  
  
• Listen to an audiobook.

A limited collection of downloadable videos is now available via Maryland's Digital eLibrary Consortium (OverDrive) (Note: This product is not compatible with IPOD or other Apple products. Click here for more information.)

**IF YOU GET A REPLACEMENT LIBRARY CARD:** 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 to you, your holds can be restored. Email Us. In your email include your current barcode number and the list of titles you had on hold.

e-books and Audiobooks

The Library offers free access to e-books and audiobooks with:

• Maryland's Digital eLibrary Consortium (OverDrive) - Download e-books and digital audiobooks to a computer or your MP3 player.
  
  Click here to learn more about Digital Media and how to use OverDrive.
  
  (Note: This product is not compatible with IPOD or other Apple products. Click here for more information.)
  
  **IF YOU GET A REPLACEMENT LIBRARY CARD:** 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 to you, your holds can be restored. Email Us. In your email include your current barcode number and the list of titles you had on hold.
  


• NetLibrary - View online reference and teacher resources. The Howard County Library's subscription to downloadable audiobooks via /NetLibrary/Recorded Books/ has been cancelled. The Library hopes to replace this service but we are not yet in a position to say when this will be possible.
  
  
• Project Gutenberg - Access the world's largest single collection of public domain (free!) electronic books.
  
  
  Need Instructions? Have Problems? Visit our FAQ.

Other Electronic Services

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.

Live Homework Help (Tutor.com) – Receive free tutoring in math, science, social studies and English from real teachers with this online service for students, grades 4 and up. Spanish-speaking tutors are also available for math and science help.

Hours:

In English 2:00pm - 12:00am daily In Spanish 2:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday - Friday

Testing & Education Reference Center, with Career Module - 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.