by Max Gulden

Working at the Ames Public Library, there are some resources we use occasionally and some we might use only once in a blue moon! Then there are resources we use almost every day! Let’s look at a couple online Library resources that you can use daily too!

To access online Library resources, navigate to www.AmesPL.org. Next, select the menu “Learn and Explore” (you may need to select the “Menu” or three horizontal line button first). Then, choose the option “Online Learning” from the menu. This will present you with an alphabetical list of online resources to choose from. 

One particularly useful online Library resource is Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports features detailed, up to date, and unbiased product information, while also offering convenient searching and browsing tools. Consumer Reports includes thousands of product reviews, detailed buying guides broken down by product categories, and a wide range of articles on topics for those in the market for consumer goods and services. 

On the Consumer Reports homepage, you can find what you need by entering the type of product that interests you into the search bar or by browsing curated lists of product categories. Whether you are trying to find a review for a new or used vehicle, need to compare appliance brands, or want to learn about product recalls, Consumer Reports online provides you detailed information to make informed choices.

Another valuable online Library resource is the database Reference Solutions. Reference Solutions compiles, verifies, and organizes a wide range of information for easy access by individuals and businesses. One useful Reference Solutions tool is its verified database of residential data. This includes the information traditionally found in a phone book, yet also much more, all in an easily searchable format. 

Reference Solutions has a similar database for businesses. Conveniently, the Reference Solutions business database is categorized by NAICS and SIC industry classifications. This means you can use the “Advanced Search” tab to find all the businesses in a specific industry category that you might want to patronize in a given geographical area. Access to Reference Solutions means you don’t need to go around collecting phone books, as it has what you would find in traditional phone books, but also much more.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a new product, find the closest business to shop for said product, or simply want to find contact information, the Library has the resources for you.