Research Tools

Academic Search Premier
Scholarly, multi-disciplinary research database.

Agricola
Research agricultural information dating back to 1970. Contains records from the USDA National Agricultural Library.

Applied Science & Technology Abstracts
Indexing and abstracts for nearly 800 core scientific and technical publications.

Library Literature & Information Science Index
Cover-to-cover index of over 400 journals, including key library and information science periodicals.

Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA)
Index of core journals, books, research reports and proceedings.

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Comprehensive resource covering topics in emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry & psychology, mental processes, anthropology, and observational & experimental methods.

Religion and Philosophy Collection
Extensive coverage of world religions, major denominations, biblical studies, religious history, epistemology, political philosophy, philosophy of language, moral philosophy and the history of philosophy.

Art Full Text
Comprehensive resource for art information, styles and movements from periodicals, journals, art dissertations, and art reproductions.

Creativebug
Find classes on art & design, sewing, quilting, crochet, paper, knitting, food & home, jewelry, holiday & party, and kids.

Auto Repair Source
Powered by the automotive experts at MOTOR, AutoMate provides the most accurate, authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. All content comes from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls.

Content Includes:

• Service and repair procedures
• Wiring diagrams
• Technical service bulletins and recalls
• Maintenance schedules
• Specifications
• Diagnostic trouble codes
• Labor estimates
• Parts pricing
• Component locations

Biography for Beginners
Narrative histories, glossaries, timelines, and illustrations.

Gale in Context: Biography
Search for people based on one or more personal facts such as birth and death years and places, nationality, ethnicity, occupation, or gender.

Book Collection: Nonfiction
Searchable full text from popular nonfiction books covering core subject areas, as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

BookFlix (Preschool through grade 3)
BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.

Flipster
View your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device.

Literature Resource Center
Biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses of authors from every age and literary discipline.

Novelist Plus
Search for works by a favorite author, readalikes and book discussion guides.

WorldCat
WorldCat is the world’s largest network of library content and services.

Tumblebooks
TumbleBook Library is a collection of animated, talking picture books. TumbleBook Library can be read by you or read to you! Our collection includes storybooks, books in French and Spanish for language learning, read-along books, non-fiction books, puzzles and games, math stories and graphic novels.

A to Z Databases
AtoZdatabases is a directory and marketing database that includes 30 million businesses and 220 million residents. It is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, job searches and finding friends and relatives.

Business Source Premier
Business research information including company profiles; industry, market research, and SWOT analysis reports.

Kansas City Business Journal
The premier source for Kansas City business articles. Full issues available online.

Morningstar Investment Research Center
Research stocks, funds, current or prospective holdings.

Regional Business News
Coverage of regional business publications covering all U.S. metropolitan and rural areas.

Small Business Reference Center
Business basics, start-up kits, business plans, and information on business areas and small business types.

Value Line
Full-page reports, analyst commentaries and Value Line’s trademark rankings of all stocks covered by the print edition.

Consumer Reports
Expert unbiased product ratings and reviews.

Legal Collection
Information on current issues, studies, thoughts and trends of the legal world.

LegalTrac
Find articles in all major law reviews, law journals, specialty law and bar association journals and legal newspapers.

Fuente Académica
Revistas científicas de América Latina, Portugal y España. Scholarly journals from Latin America, Portugal and Spain.

Enciclopedia Moderna y Britannica Escolar Online
Enciclopedia Moderna para adultos y estudiantes y Britannica Escolar Online para estudiantes de 6 a 12 años de edad.

MedicLatina
Investigación médica y revistas de investigación de renombrados editores latinoamericanos y españoles. Medical research and investigatory journals from renowned Latin American and Spanish publishers.

*Indicates site is only available for use on library computers or your own computer using library Wi-Fi.

African-American History & Genealogy
Explore African-American history, culture and experience from the 16th through 20th centuries.

America’s Obituaries & Death Notices
Comprehensive newspaper collection of obituaries and death notices (1999-present) with an easy-to-use interface.

American Ancestors*
Online repository for more than 400 million searchable names covering New England, New York, and beyond. It provides access to the New England Historical and Genealogical Register and American Ancestors magazine, databases, and more than 200,000 published genealogies, biographies, local histories, vital records, maps, and other printed materials. (Due to license restrictions, this resource is only available for use on library computers or your own computer using library Wi-Fi.)

Ancestry Library Edition*
Census data, genealogy records and family history resources. (Due to license restrictions, this resource is only available for use on library computers or your own computer using library Wi-Fi.)

Family Search Catalog
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is an affiliate site for Family Search microfilm. You can now search the catalog, find microfilm or microfiche and have it sent to our library for you to view. (Library Card Not Required)

Fold 3
Collection of US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.

Genealogy Connect
Collection of nearly 600 genealogy research and reference publications.

Heritage Hub
Comprehensive newspaper collection of obituaries and death notices (1999-present) with an easy-to-use interface.

HeritageQuest Online
Search the U.S. census 1790-1940, family histories, genealogical serials, and local histories. Resources on towns and families from all 50 states as well as Canada and the British Isles.

Newspapers.com - World Collection
Find marriage and birth announcements, obituaries, news and more.

Black Life in America
The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.

Britannica Library
Easy to use, and easy to find trusted information to conduct research, complete school assignments, work on special projects.

Britannica Library for Kids
Easy to use, and easy to find trusted information to complete school assignments or explore unique interests.

Enciclopedia Moderna y Britannica Escolar Online
Enciclopedia Moderna para adultos y estudiantes y Britannica Escolar Online para estudiantes de 6 a 12 años de edad.

Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
Over 25,000 encyclopedic entries covering a variety of subject areas.

General Reference Center
Find articles from magazines, newspapers, and reference books covering current events, popular culture, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.

GreenFILE
Information covering all aspects of human impact to the environment on topics such as global warming, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.

Hispanic Life in America
The experience and impact of Hispanic Americans as recorded by the news media, 1704 to today.

MasterFILE Premier
Covering virtually every subject area of general interest; search and access reference books, primary source documents, photos, maps and flags.

Newspaper Source Plus
Search through newspaper articles as well as television and radio news transcripts.

Readers Guide Retrospective
Comprehensive index of the most popular general-interest magazines published in the U.S. (1890-1982), reflecting the history of 20th century America.

TOPICsearch
Search and view articles from international and regional newspapers, biographies, public opinion polls, book reviews, pamphlets, and government information.

Vocational and Career Collection
Search and view articles from vocational, trade and industry-related periodicals.

Alt HealthWatch
This database focuses on the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness.

Consumer Health Complete
Comprehensive resource for consumer-oriented health information with content from journals, magazines, books, pamphlets, images, videos. Also includes information from medical encyclopedias and guides to prescription/ nonprescription drugs.

Health Reference Center Academic
Search information from medical and professional periodicals, health and fitness magazines, and reference books and pamphlets. Designed for both nursing and health students as well as consumer health researchers.

Health Source – Consumer Edition
Information on topics such as medical sciences, food sciences and nutrition, childcare, sports medicine and general health from consumer health magazines.

Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition
Full text scholarly journals focusing on many medical disciplines. Also features the Lexi-PAL Drug Guide.

MedicLatina Investigación médica y revistas de investigación de renombrados editores latinoamericanos y españoles. Medical research and investigatory journals from renowned Latin American and Spanish publishers.

MEDLINE
Authoritative medical information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine on topics such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, pre-clinical sciences.

Merck Manual Consumer Edition
Find information on medical topics, symptoms, drugs, procedures, news and more, written in everyday language.

Nursing & Allied Health Source
Comprehensive coverage of the fields of nursing and allied health including journals, video, dissertations, reference books and more.

European Views of the Americas: 1493 to 1750
Comprehensive guide to printed records about the Americas written in Europe before 1750.

History Reference Center
Articles and information from reference and nonfiction books, encyclopedias, leading history periodicals, historical documents, biographies of historical figures, historical photos, maps, and videos.

Military & Government Collection
Current news pertaining to all branches of the military and government.

Sanborn Maps
Learn about the history, growth and development of American cities, towns and neighborhoods through digitized, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1867-1970.

Social Justice Suite
Research the history of slavery in America, civil rights and social justice issues, gun regulation and legislation in America and more.

Building & House Research

Shawnee County Appraisers Office
A great resource to get more information about properties in Topeka and Shawnee County. Click on real estate property search and enter the address.

Shawnee County Register of Deeds
Mortgage and deed records from 1988 to present are available on Public Access Computers located in our office during office hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

Sherwood Smith Collection
The Sherwood Smith blueprint and document collection contains approximately 500 items that represent the growth of Topeka from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th.

City of Topeka Historic Preservation Office
The Planning Department works to preserve Topeka’s history, and strengthen its recognition and value within a wide variety of applications.

Sanborn Maps
Learn about the history, growth and development of American cities, towns and neighborhoods through digitized, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1867-1970.

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
The Kansas Historic Resources Inventory (KHRI) is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) and is a searchable inventory of the state’s surveyed historic properties.

Topeka Building Permits index
The corresponding microfilm is available in the Topeka Room.

HeritageQuest Online
Search the Topeka city directories online.

U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps
1860-1918: Database that includes Topeka and Shawnee land ownership maps that portrays land purchased, granted, or inherited with the property owners name. (available in library only)

Topeka & Shawnee County History

Kansas Secretary of State-Business Entity Database Search
Trying to figure out when a business or organization started in Kansas. Check out the Business Entity Database

Shawnee County Historical Society
preserves, collects and interprets the history of Shawnee County, Kansas.

Shawnee County Historical Society Bulletins

Topeka Capital Journal:

• Local Newspaper Index – contains articles, obituaries and events from 1989-1999.
• Full text articles and archives (1999 – present).

Kansas Digital Newspapers
Select historic Topeka newspapers can be found here as are freely available on the websites of several of their digital partners (must be a Kansas resident)

Kansas Historical Society-Archives

Full text articles and archives of the Topeka Capital-Journal (1999 – present)

African-African History & Genealogy
A keyword searchable database of Topeka and Shawnee County’s African American newspapers. (1880- 1971). View a list of titles and dates.

History of Shawnee County, Kansas, and representative citizens
One of the earliest county histories written about Shawnee county is keyword searchable in electronic format. (Available in library only)

With Christ in Kansas: a history of the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka Kansas, 1859 to 1934.
The 75th anniversary history of one of the oldest churches in Topeka is keyword searchable in electronic format. (Available in library only)

Kansas, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Prior Service Records, 1859-1935.
The cards in this database serve as an index to “prior service” record files for employees of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Prior service refers to employment with the railroad before 29 August 1935. Some may include only a name and a department, while others may record a birth date, retirement date, years of service, and other details. (Available in library only)

Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880.
Agriculture, Industry/Manufacturers Schedules, Social Statistics and Supplemental Schedules 1850-1880. This database contains U.S. federal non-population schedules from 1850-1880 includes Topeka and Shawnee County.

If your Jayhawk great-grandfather fought for the Union, see if he joined the club after the war in these Kansas GAR records. (Available in library only)

• Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic Post Reports, 1880-1940.
• Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic Bound Post Records, 1866-1931.

HathiTrust Digital Library keep in their repository several items related to Topeka history.

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library identifies reliable organizations to provide access to Kansas-specific legal forms and information. Library staff cannot give legal advice but will instead help customers access resources and print forms.

Research Tools

Ebsco Legal Collection
Information on current issues, studies, thoughts and trends of the legal world.

Gale OneFile: LegalTrac
Find articles in all major law reviews, law journals, specialty law and bar association journals and legal newspapers.

Legal Forms 

If you have questions about which form you should use or how to fill it out, please seek the advice of an attorney.  

Kansas Judicial Council   
Provides free forms organized by category, including Divorce, Expungement, Adult Name Change, Child Support & Parenting Time, Protection Orders, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Civil Actions (Including Small Claims and Evictions), Probate, Adoption, Power of Attorney, and more.   

Kansas Legal Services Free Legal Forms   
Asks you easy-to-answer questions and will auto fill documents you need for filing or responding to legal actions in Kansas district courts based on your answers. 

Includes "Do I need a Will?"

Third Judicial District Court Shawnee County Free Self-Help/Forms/Rules
Provides forms and self-help resources related to court proceedings in Shawnee County.   

Stormont Vail Health Care Decision Making Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will
Explains and includes Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney forms   

Find a Notary 

Notary at the Library   
Library notaries offer free notary service by appointment.  Schedule online or call (785) 580-4400 to make the appointment. 

Kansas Secretary of State Search for a Notary Public  
Verify the Notary name, city, and status and review Kansas notary duties and responsibilities. 

 Find an Attorney 

Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service  
The KBA Lawyer Referral Service refers clients to licensed and experienced attorneys in specific areas of law. The KBA does not provide free (pro bono) legal assistance or representation.  

Kansas Legal Services  
Helps low and moderate income people in Kansas as a non-profit law firm and community education organization. As legal aid in Kansas, provides equal access to justice for the most vulnerable Kansans. Call 316-267-3975, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to apply for legal assistance. Online application process available Monday-Thursday ONLY. Access Kansas Elder Hotline through this process also for legal guidance to some Kansas residents age 60 or older. 

Washburn University Law Clinic  
Represents clients who cannot afford to pay for an attorney. For assistance, please call 785-670-1191 for an intake interview.  

Kansas Free Legal Answers   
Attorneys licensed in Kansas volunteer their time to provide free legal guidance on a range of civil legal topics for income-eligible Kansans. 

The Topeka Family Legal Project  
Provides free legal assistance for Shawnee County families with minor children facing legal challenges related to housing, education, public benefits, and other civil legal matters. Apply for services or call (785) 285-9795.  

Disability Rights Center of Kansas   
Provides free advocacy and legal services for Kansans with disabilities, with their disability rights issues. Contact the DRC at 877-776-1541. 

Local Court Information 

City of Topeka Municipal Court   
The Topeka Municipal Court adjudicates traffic infractions and misdemeanor offenses that are alleged to have occurred within the Topeka city limits. Access the Motion to Continue Hearing form. 

Third Judicial District, Shawnee County 
Access information related to Jury Duty, Public Access court records, and locate Docket schedules.  

Regional Law Libraries 

Washburn Law Library 
Open to public 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (M-F). 1700 SW College Ave. upper level. You must visit the library to access Lexis/Nexis Digital Library and West Academic resources including Nutshell and Hornbooks study aids. This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government Documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)  

University of Kansas Wheat Law Library 
Provides access to legal information for legal professionals and the general public. Any person desiring to use law books and other legal materials may do so in the library. 

Kansas Supreme Court Law Library  
The Kansas Supreme Court Law Library is at Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Ave. first floor. You must visit the library to use HeinOnline for caselaw and periodicals, Westlaw for statutes and caselaw search and LexisNexis Digital Library. 

State Library of Kansas Government Information 
Offers the free Kansas Legislative Hotline at 800-432-3924 for questions specifically about the Kansas Legislature (past or present). 

The Topeka Capital-Journal Image Edition
The electronic image edition of The Topeka Capital-Journal is an exact digital reproduction of the printed edition, with keyword searching and the ability to browse the full publication. All pages including advertising, photos and graphics are included.

The Kansas City Star Collection
The electronic image edition of The Kansas City Star is an exact digital reproduction of the printed edition, with keyword searching and the ability to browse the full publication. All pages including advertising, photos and graphics are included.

Wichita Eagle Collection
Explore Wichita history through local news, events and people with Wichita Eagle Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

U.S. Major Dailies

Chicago Tribune
Full text 1996 - present

Los Angeles Times
Full text 1996 - present

New York Times - Late Edition
Full text 2020 - present

Wall Street Journal (Online)
Citation/Abstract 2010 - present

The Washington Post
Full text 1996 - present

Other Newspapers

The New York Times – Historical Newspapers Edition
The complete run of The New York Times (1851-2011) reproduced in cover-to-cover full-page image, including news stories, editorials, graphics and advertisements.

Newsbank: America’s News
Full text articles and archives of local and regional newspapers including The Topeka Capital-Journal, Lawrence Journal-World, The Emporia Gazette, The Hays Daily News,The Hutchinson News, The Kansas City Star, The Mercury (Manhattan), The Olathe News, Salina Journal, St. Joseph News-Press and The Wichita Eagle.

NewsBank: Special Reports
Browse news and information on topics of current interest. Includes content sources throughout the world to provide a global perspective, current and background information, statistics, maps, images, websites, and suggested search terms.

Newspapers.com - World Collection
Find marriage and birth announcements, obituaries, news and more.

USA TODAY Collection
Explore USA history through local news, events and people with USA TODAY Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Web News
Near real-time access to thousands of top news feeds and newswires from around the globe.

Foundation Directory Professional (In-Library Use Only)
Candid's premier fundraising tool gives grant-seekers unprecedented access to the largest amount of clean and coded philanthropic data that currently exists. By combining exhaustive data with intuitive search functionality and informative data visualizations, this tool makes fundraising quick and efficient.

If you are seeking funding, scholarships or fellowships in Foundation Directory you can access resources also.

GuideStar
Search 2 million+ nonprofits through GuideStar's intuitive search functionality. Target organizations that matter to you based on geography, organizational structure or staff size, or their financial metrics. GuideStar Charity Check provides the easiest due diligence available. You can determine the charitable status of a nonprofit with just one click. See a sample of comprehensive nonprofit profiles.

• Search and view the organization’s full address and contact information
• View Forms 990 and, revenue and expense data
• CEO, board chair and board of directors information
• Research outstanding partnership opportunities
• Targeting capabilities including geographic, stakeholder roles and financial

Candid’s OverDrive site
Candid offers a growing digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks on social sector- and philanthropy-related topics, curated by Candid’s Online Librarian team. This free, public collection is available to anyone and can be accessed remotely from any computer, smartphone, tablet or ereader.
 

Candid is a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits serve their communities. As a Candid community partner, we offer Candid’s key tools including GuideStar and Foundation Directory.

Computer Source
Search and view articles on the latest information and current trends in technology.

LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online library of high-quality instructional videos on the latest software tools and skills.

Treehouse
Learn from over 1000 videos created by expert teachers on web design, coding, business, and much more.