Encyclopedias

	Ancient and Medieval History Online Paid for by VPL Through a rich selection of articles, images, videos, timelines and more, discover ancient and medieval civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Canadian Encyclopedia Free Resource Historica presents this site free of charge. The site contains the complete text of the Canadian Encyclopedia in English and French, the text of the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada (in English only), numerous interactivities, feature articles, games, the Canucklehead Quiz, and an extensive timeline of Canadian and world events. Access Now [opens in new window]
	CultureGrams Paid for by VPL Due to low usage and duplication of content, Vancouver Public Library has discontinued the subscription to Culturegrams. Alternative sources of cultural information can be found in World Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Culturegrams is also available through the Vancouver School Board – if you are a student you should check your school for access.
	Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online Free Resource Explore the history of Canada's inhabitants,and their culture through the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online (Covers the years 1000-1920). Research people who played an important role in the formation of what is now Canada. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Dictionary of Literary Biography Complete Online Paid for by VPL Offers complete online access to all volumes of Gale's reference series, Dictionary of Literary Biography, and including the Dictionary of Literary Biography Documentary Series and Dictionary of Literary Biography Yearbook Series. Find detailed biographies of more than 143.000 contemporary and historical authors, historians, journalists, screenwriters, publishers, and playwrights. Access Now [opens in new window]
	e-CPS Paid for by VPL Electronic version of the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals & Specialties, providing Canadian drug information through product monographs and direct links to Health Canada alerts. Searchable by brand or generic name, class, or manufacturer. This database has a limited number of simultaneous users. If you have trouble accessing or receive an error message please try again later. Tutorial Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopaedia Britannica Online Paid for by VPL In addition to world-renowned entries, this multimedia encyclopedia offers country comparisons and reports, a world atlas, timelines, the year in review, quotations and more. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopaedia Britannica Online for Kids Paid for by VPL A multimedia Encyclopedia especially for children and young adults. Features timelines, biographies, how-to's flags and photos, as well as a dictionary and an atlas. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopédie Découverte Paid for by VPL Translation of the World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia for younger users who are native speakers and readers of French, as well as older students and adults for whom French is a second language. Articles are also available in English. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopedia Judaica Paid for by VPL The complete text of the 22 volumes of 2nd edition of the Encyclopaedia Judaica published in 2007. Encyclopedia Judaica provides a comprehensive picture of all aspects of Jewish life and knowledge up to the present day. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopedia of British Columbia Paid for by VPL Contains thousands of articles about British Columbia. Includes historic photographs, statistics, maps, diagrams, and audio/video clips. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples Free Resource A Canadian reference tool containing detailed essays on virtually every ethnic group to have settled in Canada as well as the First Nations. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Encyclopedia of Music in Canada Free Resource Historica presents this site free of charge. It is an updated version of the print encyclopedia originally published in 1992 that covers the musical heritage and culture in Canada. It includes biographies of musicians, singers, composers, etc. as well as musical genres such as pop music, ethnic music, folk music, and much more. Note: site works better using Internet Explorer. Access Now [opens in new window]
	History Reference Centre Paid for by VPL Covers U.S. and World history concentrating on 17th century to present. Offers full-text access to articles from hundreds of magazines and journals, the complete text of key history books and encyclopedias, biographies of historical figures, historical documents, images of photos and maps, as well as video footage covering the 20th century. If you need information on earlier periods in history, have a look at Ancient & Medieval History Online too. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Literature Criticism Online Paid for by VPL Find authoritative critical essays and biographical profiles in this comprehensive full-text database, which includes the hundreds of volumes of Literature Criticism, Contemporary Literary Criticism, Literature Criticism 1400-1800, Poetry Criticism, Shakespearean Criticism, and 20th Century Literature Criticism. Modern and historical essays are included, covering all literary genres and periods. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Medline Plus Free Resource Consumer friendly health information from the National Library of Medicine. Includes directories, a medical encyclopedia, medical dictionary, tutorials on common conditions, tests, and treatments, information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, and links to clinical trials. Health information is available in over 40 languages. Access Now [opens in new window]
	Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center Paid for by VPL Explores controversial subjects by including materials representing both sides of an issue. Access viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to Web sites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Tutorial Access Now [opens in new window]
	Wikipedia Free Resource A multilingual encyclopedia covering all topics including pop culture, computers/technology and mathematics. This ‘wiki’ is a collaborative project; articles can be written and edited by anyone. Access Now [opens in new window]
	World Book Online Paid for by VPL Provides encyclopedia entries, images, maps, videos, timelines, current news, links to external articles, and more. Access to World Book Online For Kids, World Book Online Info Finder, World Book Online Reference Center, and L'Encyclopédie Découverte. Access Now [opens in new window]

Due to provincial funding cuts, we have cancelled several electronic resources. Can’t find what you need? Ask a Librarian or try our list of alternate resources.

Electronic resources are restricted by license agreements to Vancouver Public Library card holders and to on-site users for purposes of research and private study. Commercial use and systematic downloading, copying or distributing of information are expressly prohibited. Users are individually responsible for compliance with these terms.