Databases

A database is a collection of information, or data, that is reliable, organised and easily retrievable on a computer (Britannica, 2022). Boroondara’s library catalogue is a type of database. Other databases available through Boroondara library are also trustworthy and high quality. The selection of databases included here have been divided into fiction, non-fiction or both.

Fiction and non-fiction

Boroondara library’s catalogue can be accessed on a library computer or from home. Searching takes practice. You can start with searching by topic, author or title, or by format such as ebook, audiobook or magazine. Learn about how to use the advanced search function on the Search & Evaluation page. You can see how titles have been searched for on the Books page of this guide.

TIPS

  • You will need your library membership number and PIN to login
  • You can become familiar with search strategies through the Search Tips page of this guide. 
  • Access helpful Frequently Asked Questions here. 
  • Remember to look out for read-alike suggestions towards the bottom of your search page, and links to other databases like NoveList and Good Reading. 

Overdrive (laptop, PC) and Libby (tablet, phone) provide access to thousands of ebooks, audio books and digital magazines. You’ll find many books, like those listed under the Books page of this guide. From ferocious ocean hunters to flying frogs, these magazines might also catch your interest:

  • Britannica
  • National Geographic Kids
  • World of Animals
  • TIME for Kids
  • Australian Geographic

TIPS

  • You will need your library membership number to log in and here is advice on how to login.
  • You can search by subject, directly within magazines and comics, or specific categories under ‘collections’ such as ebooks for children, audiobooks for children and newly added titles. If you choose a category under ‘collections’, you can filter by date, and also by audience, subject, availability, language, text difficulty and interest levels.
  • Help on accessing Overdrive and Libby is available here. 

NovelistPlus offers a broad collection of professional book reviews that can be really helpful when you’re looking for inspiration for your next read.

TIPS

  • You will need your library membership number to log in.
  • The search filters allow you to search by fiction or non-fiction, and then by age group, author, award winners, country of origin, theme, format, or let Novelist select for you by mood. The read-alike links provide inspiration.
  • Under the ‘How Do I?’ link on the top left bar, you can find support in how to use NoveList.

Good Reading kids’ magazine profiles latest releases and reviews by children about books they’ve loved, helpfully categorised by age. Non-fiction articles are also included and here is a wonderful article on the Amazon Rainforest covering its geography animals and plants.

TIPS

  • You will need your library membership number to login. Advice is available here.
  • Some of the pages are interactive so you can explore activities and podcasts.

Fiction

Story Box Library has an enormous collection of children’s stories, for ages 3-12 years, written and illustrated by Australian and New Zealand writers and illustrators. They are read aloud by actors and authors. There are also short ‘behind the book’ and topical movies like ‘magic and stories’. (Boroondara, 2022).

TIPS:

  • You will need your library membership number to log in.
  • You can filter searches by age, story length, theme, series, author/illustrator, storyteller, and  create your own playlist.
  • Here are some guides on how to access and navigate StoryBox.

Association of Children’s Librarians has created a great read-alikes database. It is US-based so provides an international perspective on looking for books you enjoy. Simply entering the Narwhal and Jelly series brought up 13 recommended titles here.

Non-fiction

Britannica Library Kids helps with researching just about everything! Explore articles, images, videos and biographies covering a range of areas including animal kingdoms and geography. A great introduction to researching trustworthy sources.

TIPS

  • You will need your library membership number to login.
  • Check out ‘Related Links’ for similar topics linked to your search.
  • The help section contains support on research, sharing and accessibility.

Credo Reference is a reliable research tool that helps to filter information from different sources, including text, photos and videos. You’ll find most of your natural world questions answered – even the ones you didn’t know you wanted to ask! A great platform for developing your research and evaluation skills.

TIPS

  • Select Boroondara as your member library and enter your library membership number to login.
  • Filter by media type at the top. Look out for book links at end-of-page sources for more reading inspiration.
  • Credo’s research tips are helpful.