Research Tools

DATABASES + TOOLS

Connecting you to a world of information

Need information? Look no further. From history to health and languages to law, we have more than 50 different databases offering free, reliable, current information. Please note, some databases require your library card and PIN to access outside the Library. Explore all databases.

Free Research Tools from ProQuest

Black Freedom Struggle

Free and open source - no library card required! Find historical newspaper articles, pamphlets, diaries, correspondence and more from specific time periods in U.S. history marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom. This resource supports students from middle school through college, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the ongoing Black Freedom Struggle.

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HelpNow by Brainfuse

Free Online Tutoring + more

Students, need homework help now? You got it! HelpNow offers FREE live, online tutoring, collaboration, and study tools. Especially helpful for students in middle and high school grades - give it a try!

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The Dayton Room - Local History + Genealogy

The local history collections in The Dayton Room can be accessed by appointment only. Call 937.463.2665 and ask for The Dayton Room to schedule a visit, or email history@DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

THE DAYTON ROOM at the Main Library, houses more than 200 years of historical materials about Dayton, Montgomery County and the Miami Valley area. The Collection includes books, photographs, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, maps, manuscripts, postcards, videos and more. Many of our historic images can also be found in Dayton Remembers, our online digital image database. Flatbed and cradle scanners in The Dayton Room are available to help you digitize your own family documents, photos and history. The Dayton Room is located on the 2nd Floor of the Main Library.

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Local History Resources

Ancestry - (Use at home through June 2021.)
Dayton Daily News 1898-1922
Dayton Daily News 1990-Present
Dayton Obituary and Genealogy Database
Dayton Remembers: Image Collection
Fold3
Heritage Quest
Ohio Death Certificate Index
Ohio Memory
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Show All Genealogy + Local History Resources
Learn About Local History

Email Reference Service
Get an eCard
HelpNow, Live Tutoring
Homework Help Guide
Interlibrary Loan Form
Launch Point - Career + Nonprofit Help
Reading Recommendations
The Dayton Room

The Dayton Metro Library (DML) has been a federal depository institution since 1909. The government information collection at the Dayton Metro Library offers a core collection and specialized government documents including the US Government Manual, Federal Register, CIA World Fact Book, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, census information, and more. The Dayton Metro Library selects materials in both electronic and paper format.

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Federal depository resources are available and usable for all library customers regardless of library affiliation, disability, age, residency, or other customer status. Any member of the general public may use depository resources in all formats at a Federal depository library free of charge and without impediments.

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