E-Content

Databases and electronic resources for Stow patrons only

If you are a Stow patron, you get special access to certain e-resources provided by the Randall Library.
Most databases will require you to enter your Minuteman Library card number for access outside the library.


DRIVING TESTS NOW AVAILABLE Driving TestsBefore you can get a driver’s license, a motorcycle license, or a motorcycle endorsement, you must first obtain the corresponding type of learner’s permit. And the first step to obtaining a learner’s permit is to pass a written learner’s permit exam. Here you can find the RMV manuals you should study and practice tests you should take to help you prepare. Our practice tests include hundreds of questions that are based on the RMV manuals and resemble those on the official learner’s permit exams. We’ve even created some marathon practice tests to get you fully prepped and ready to pass your permit exam.


  Kanopy Logo * available to patrons with a Stow library card
Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video service that offers thousands of award-winning documentaries, training films, non-English language films, and theatrical releases. Kanopy includes the works of independent filmmakers and distributors such as the BBC, PBS and the Criterion Collection. Free to Randall Library card holding patrons, you can stream films anytime, anywhere on your preferred devices by clicking here and logging in with your Randall library card number/username and password/pin. Randall patrons can stream 10 films per month and have them checked out for 72 hours each with unlimited viewing. For more information on how to get started with Kanopy click here. Enjoy!


Hoopla Logo

*available to patrons with a Stow library card
Hoopla Digital offers digital movies, music and more! 

Hoopla is a new digital media service where you can enjoy nearly half a million titles from six different formats: Movies, TV, Music Albums, eAudiobooks, eBooks, and Comics/Graphic Novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Plus, with Hoopla, there are no hold lists!

Use your Minuteman library card number and email address to create a Hoopla account at hoopladigital.com, or in the Hoopla Digital app for Apple/iOS, Android or Kindle Fire HDX. If you are using a computer, you may click here

For more information, or if you have questions please don't hesitate to visit or call us.  


HeritageQuest logo*exclusive to Stow residents
HeritageQuest Online is a comprehensive treasury of American genealogical sources — rich in unique primary sources, local and family histories, and finding aids. The collection includes the following core data sets: U.S. Federal Censuses, genealogy and local history books, Periodical Source Index (PERSI) Archive, Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank Records, U.S. Serial Set records.


Ancestry Logo*in library use only
ProQuest has partnered with Ancestry.com to create Ancestry Library Edition, one of the most important genealogical collections available today with unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom. Its valuable content is a strong complement to HeritageQuest Online.


Consumer Reports logo*exclusive to Stow residents
Consumer Reports is a trusted source for product ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews, and product video clips. 


Overdrive logoOverDrive is your Minuteman Network source for downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. Check out the Featured Collections at the left of the page. You can browse new titles, look for books that are always available (no waiting!), or find a travel guide for your eReader to take on your next trip. You can access it by clicking the link to the left, or by clicking here.

If you're looking for a specific title, you might want to sign in to see all the books available for Randall patrons.

If you need a little help getting started with digital or audiobooks, check out the how-to guide specific for your device below. A detailed guide for downloading eBooks to your Kindle is here.

Device-specific instructions for downloading and using OverDrive can be found below:
Nook
Kindle
Android devices
Mac devices with iOS
Windows8 devices


Mango Logo*exclusive to Stow residents
Mango Languages is recognized as a leading provider of online language learning services to libraries. The Mango Languages system offers more than 40 foreign language courses and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. You can even take a short course tailored to the vocabulary of the World Cup! Create a profile using your name, email, and library card number to keep track of your progress.


Freegal Logo*exclusive to Stow residents
Freegal is a free music, audiobook and music video download service where Randall patrons can get access to millions of songs from over 40,000 record labels, over 6,500 audiobooks and watch music videos by a number of popular artists. Stow library card holders can download three songs a week and stream over 3 hours of music a day from the site and import them into iTunes or onto a variety of devices. Create any number of playlists of all the songs that you like on Freegal and stream your playlists whenever you want to. The downloads on this site are all in the MP3 format with no DRM. This service will work with any MP3 player, including iPod. It works on both PCs and Macs. Check out our new mobile apps for iOS and Android devices! 

You will be able to keep track of your downloads in the upper right corner of the site. Every song has a sample clip you can listen to before you download.

 

Databases

New databases provided by the Minuteman Network (Please see additional databases provided by the Randall Library here):

Transparent Language: For learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. Combining extensive courses and supplemental resources for over 100 languages, including English.

Britannica Moderna: Innovative early learning resource for students in grade levels kindergarten through second grade. Previously Britannica Learning Zone.

Science Database: (ProQuest) is a growing resource of 7.3 million full text articles from over 1,600 sources. In full-text format, researchers have access to all the charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, photos, and other graphical elements so vital to scientific and engineering literature.

PebbleGo: Access hundreds of animal articles, educational games, and learning activities from school or from home with easy to-use searching tools.  Introduces early learners to database and research concepts.

LegalForms: Gale LegalForms brings together thousands of national and state-specific legal forms for everything from wills to business contracts. The forms are fill-in-the-blank, downloadable, and continuously updated to reflect the latest laws.

Environmental Studies: Gale In Context: Environmental Studies focuses on the physical, social, and economic aspects of environmental issues and includes sources such as topic summaries, scholarly articles, statistics, conference proceedings, news and magazine articles, podcasts, videos, industry reports, and consumer data.

Leadership and Management: Provides access to authoritative periodical content covering topics such as 21st-century skills, organizational dynamics and leadership, adult learning and continuing education, and more. Updated daily, this library resource is useful for researchers or any professional interested in career development.

Peterson's Test Prep: (Gale Presents) Contains over 300 practice tests and courses, dozens of ebooks containing valuable study material and practice tests, information on over 4,000 accredited schools, scholarship search featuring $8 billion in available scholarships, resume builder with over 1,000 brainstorming phrases to get you started, career modules covering subjects from career change to salary negotiations.

Science: (Gale Interactive) Science comes to life as you zoom, rotate, and explore interactive 3D models. View related reference content and search Gale content to find more information.

Links to popular databases:

New York Times: Access the New York Times from home with a temporary pass.

Novelist: Look for book recommendations based on your current reading habits.

Search the Boston Globe, Britannica and other digital resources at libraries.state.ma.us.

If you are not associated with a Minuteman Library, the best place for you to log in to access databases and other electronic resources is at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners web site.

Click here for an alphabetical list of databases.

For a guide to our various state-wide databases, click here.

 

Other Resources:

 

Boston Public Library
Massachusetts residents are eligible to use resources from the Boston Public Library. If you do not already have a BPL library card, you can apply for an eCard. eCards expire after 3 years unless they are upgraded to standard BPL cards.

 

Visit BPL's website for more information and to sign up for an eCard.

 

EJournals Finder

Looking for a specific journal or article? Search by title or browse by subject to access over 11,850 electronic journals, magazines and newspapers.

 

Power Search

Researching a topic? Do a Keyword Search in multiple databases at once!