Resources for Adult Learners at Portland Community College

Here are a few of the resources available for you to help get your homework done. The library has many more resources available. Just ask a librarian!

Almanac Resource

Do you need to quickly find out who the last 10 presidents were for your History of the US class?

Or the daily allowances of all vitamins and minerals for an assignment in your Nutrition class?

Then just check out the World Almanac and Book of Facts 2008 at the library. This one volume, paperback book will supply you all the fast facts you need and more. Frequently found on the desks of Presidents and used to create questions for the trivia show Jeopardy, the World Almanac contains information on just about everything to help you get the information you need for your assignment quickly. Located in the reference section of the library.

World Almanac. (2008). The world almanac and book of facts 2008. New York: Reader’s Digest Co.

Encyclopedia Resource

Did you know the library subscribes to Europa World Online? This easy to use online encyclopedia will help you find both political and economic information on over 250 countries around the world. Perfect for finding the comparative statistic you will need for your Geography course. It provides up-to-date information on countries including recent history; government; economic affairs; defense; education; social welfare; and economic and demographic statistics. Also includes directory information to find the contact information for many international organizations for your Social Justice class or your own interests. Find it under the encyclopedias link on the library homepage.

Routledge Reference. (2008). Europa World. Retrieved on July 22, 2008 from: http://www.pcc.edu/library/journals/encyclo.htm

Biographies Resource

Need to write a paper about a notable person for your English class? The library subscribes to the Biographies Plus Illustrated database through its Wilson Web subscription. This is a great resource to find bibliographic information on many noteworthy people in a wide range of fields. This database includes biographies from many respected reference publications. Many of the full-text profiles also include photographs and images of the subjects to help add some spark to your paper. You can also print, email or save the information found from the database to help you write your paper later. Find the Biographies Plus Illustrated database using the Articles databases by title link on the library homepage.

H. W. Wilson Co. (2008). Biographies Plus Illustrated. Retrieved July 22, 2008 from: http://www.pcc.edu/library/journals/title.htm

Dictionary Resource

Need to find the definitions and pronunciations of 50 words by tomorrow’s class? Try using The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language website. This online dictionary includes over 90,000 entries and 70,000 pronunciations to help you out. Available on the web, you can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you have Internet access. It also includes color illustrations and language notes.

Houghton Mifflin. (2008). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4^th ed. Retrieved July 22, 2008 from: http://www.bartleby.com/61/