Research

The Dennis Public Library has a staff of professional reference librarians, and our reference department offers many services and tools to patrons doing research and homework. If you have a question, we will do our best to help you answer it!

Catalogs
DPL offers access to a number of catalogs so that you can locate that book you've been meaning to read.

CLAMS Library Catalog - Look up library materials available at the Cape Cod libraries.

CLAMS Library Kids Catalog - A catalog designed just for kids!

Overdrive Downloadable Media Catalog - Download audiobooks, e-books, and digital music.

Virtual Catalog - The Mass statewide catalog. If you can't find a book in CLAMS, try the Virtual Catalog. You must have a valid CLAMS library card to use this catalog. If you need help, please visit the reference department.

Other Mass Catalogs - Links to a collection of other catalogs in Mass.


Databases
DPL has access to a variety of databases for research and learning in specific areas.

Massachusetts Access to Gale Reference Databases - The comprehensive collection of research databases offered by the Massachusetts Library System.

Encyclopedia Britannica - The complete micro- and macropedias online. Call the library for username and password for home access, or access from the library.

Heritage Quest - Genealogy database. A Dennis Public Library card number is required for home access.

Ancestry - Genealogy database. Access available at the Dennis Public Library.

MANGO Languages - Mango is an online language-learning system that teaches actual conversation skills. Dennis Public Library offers French, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and Russian, as well as English for Spanish speakers and English for Portuguese speakers. It's fast! It's fun! It's online! Dennis Public Library card needed for access. Log-in with your card and create an account so that your lessons will be kept track of by the program.

Natural Standard - Natural Standard is an international research collaboration that aggregates and synthesizes data on complementary and alternative therapies. The mission is to provide objective, reliable information that aids clinicians, patients, and healthcare institutions to make more informed and safer therapeutic decisions. Natural Standard is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier sources of information in this area. Login: dennis Password: natural


For Readers
DPL subscribes to print and online resources to help you find a great book to read. Also be sure to check out our For Readers page, which lists both subscription services and FREE online tools.

Booklist Online - A definitive source by the American Library Association. Read, search, and browse thousands of book reviews and hundreds of author profiles and literary articles. You need a Dennis (DPL or any of the four Village Libararies) library card to access from home, or visit your library.

Look! Books! - An online reader's advisory guide for people looking for their next good read. Sign-up for newsletters via email, read author bios and interviews, and check out book reviews and lists.

BookPage - A monthly newspaper of book, author, and publishing news. Available in the library while supplies last.


Print Resources
The library has a great collection of print reference resources to help you with your research, homework, and consumer needs. The collection includes encyclopedias on art, literature, music, health, science, and the 2007 Encyclopedia Britannica. If you need print resources for your research paper, please visit the reference desk - we're happy to help!


Special Collections
Dennis Public Library is home to a number of special collections.

Consumer Information
We have a large collection of current consumer news and information including Consumer Reports magazine, the NADA Auto Guides, and a vast array of newsletters, pamphlets, and leaflets on a variety of consumer information subjects.

Cape Cod Collection
A large selection of non-fiction and reference titles about Cape Cod and/or by Cape Cod authors. We also have a smaller collection of Cape Cod fiction titles available.

Cape Cod Genealogy
In addition to the genealogy resources in our Cape Cod Reference collection, the Dennis Public Library is also the home of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society's Genealogy Room. The CCGS holds daily office hours where you can get personal help with your genealogical research.

Cape Cod Salties Collection
The Cape Cod Salties Sportfishing Club has generously donated a number of fishing books, video tapes, and DVDs to the library. The Salties continually add to the collection, so there is always something new to see. If you need to know where the best fishing spots are, or how to tie a fly, stop in and check it out.

Echos Culturels Foreign Language Collection
Echos Culturels is a new organization specializing in acquiring foreign language books and fostering the learning of foreign language. Presently the organization is focusing on French, and this new collection consists of French language fiction and instructional books for children, and beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level adult readers.