Maybe you remember using encyclopedias for research. Maybe you don’t, but you’re still frustrated by how hard it can be to find good introductory articles about a variety of subjects online - without running into the paywalls that some of the best websites have. Your library can help! Use your library card to access the classic resource Encyclopedia Britannica, and read as many articles as you like for free.
Britannica Online offers three ways to search the encyclopedia. Search for Children’s articles on animals, states, biographies and more, selected for beginner reading levels. A Young Adults search offers resources for reports on history, science and other subjects, including primary sources like the Gettysburg Address. The Reference Center gives you full access to Britannica’s articles, both short overviews and in-depth information.
To access Britannica Online from home, start at chandlerlibrary.org and hover your mouse over the Research & Learning tab. Then click A-Z list of Resources, and scroll down to choose Britannica Online. You’ll need your library card and PIN if you’re signing in from home. Then you can choose your reading level and start searching.
Can’t make it in to the library to get a card? We now offer eCards that allow access to our online resources, including Britannica Online! If you’re a Maricopa County resident, you can fill out the online form to register for your eCard. See more at our Get a Library Card page. eCard users can come in to the library at any time to upgrade to a full-access card that allows checkout of books and other physical materials.