Oakton Owls, need help with your upcoming research project? The Oakton Librarians are here to help. Take a look at upcoming Oakton Library workshops for all of your research needs.
Adjunct Faculty, Library
Recommended databases for background information
Begin your research by looking up your keywords in an online dictionary, encyclopedia or reference book.
- Credo Reference - All Subjects Search This link opens in a new windowContains dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations and atlases, plus a wide range of subject-specific titles.
- Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health This link opens in a new windowProvides in-depth coverage of pediatric diseases and disorders, along with issues related to physical, cognitive, and behavioral development. Covers every major body system. There is a distinct emphasis on health issues affecting children under the age of four.
- Statista This link opens in a new windowTypically promoted for business and economic uses, Statista is also a valuable source of quantitative data for topics such as education.
Career exploration & preparation
- Facts on File Ferguson's Career Guidance Center This link opens in a new windowProvides detailed profiles of more than 3,300 jobs and 94 industries, invaluable advice on career skills, and more than 55,000 career resource entries.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook This link opens in a new windowThe Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information to people making decisions about their future work lives, including training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions in a variety of occupations.
- LearningExpress PrepStep for Colleges This link opens in a new windowPractice tests and computer basics. LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges: Core Math, Science, English, Computer, and College Success Skills; High School Equivalency, Placement, and ACT-SAT; Test Preparation; Career Preparation; Recursos Para Hispanohablantes.