Research Tools for You

Here are dozens of the most popular links to sites that can help you find the answer to your reference question. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for, then click here to send an e-mail to a member of our reference department and we'lll get back to you right away.

We have always been the Number One spot in the Tri-State for helping with homework, no matter whether it's homework for school, work or just a favorite research project like family history.

And in addition to remarkable printed resources available at the main library and any of the branches, we also have links to extraordinary online research tools that you can use right here at your keyboard. For instance:

The Kentucky Virtual Library (www.kyvl.org), operated from Frankfort, Ky., by the state goverment, enables you to search database and library catalogs all around the state. It also have extensive Kentucky stats, a multi-faceted electronic reference desk and details on historical documents, photos, letters and more. To use this resource, you'll need a user ID and password. Check in with us to get free access to the site.

The Kentucky Virtual University (www.kyvu.org) is a similar state-operated resource, except this facility is geared specifically to students, with additional services regarding student aid, college searches, service help desks and more.

The Kentucky Talking Book Library (kdla.ky.gov/libsupport/ktbl.htm), serving the visually-impaired, lends books and magazines, on cassette tape, or in Braille. You don't have to leave your home the materials will be delivered to you by mail, and the service is free.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (www.kytc.state.ky.us) provides information on vehicle registration, including online registration renewal options.

Ashland Community & Technical College (www.ashland.kctcs.edu/library) offers a variety of local-interest collections and documents, with an online catalog and assorted help features.

Reading Groups

Reading groups have been set up by many book publishers. In addition, scores of independent groups are available for fans of specific authors, genres and special interests. Check out our growing list of reading groups in which you can participate through your computer.

Family Needs

Special News Adoption Program from the Kentucky's Cabinet for Family and Children. Did you know you can adoption if you are single or married, have other children, rent or own your home, have a modest income, are divorced, are a working mother, are over 40, have a disability, have children share rooms, even sometimes receive financial help? Check this site for details and background.

Tax Information

We can't help you cover the tab, but we can help you with your tax research. Our Taxes page has a growing collection of tax-related resources for Kentucky and the federal government.

Maps

MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) gives you free maps of locations anywhere in the United States. Just enter an address and let the site do the rest. You also can get text-based driving directions from one point to another by entering addresses.

Yahoo Maps (maps.yahoo.com), provided by the same folks who bring us the remarkable Yahoo search engine, lets you generate customized maps by address, by nearby airport or even by road intersections. It also offers written driving directions between locations.

A Dozen Search Engines

Genealogy

As part of the Boyd County Public Library located in Ashland, KY, the Minnie C. Winder Room houses the largest collection of local history and genealogy in Eastern Kentucky. This research collection contains information about Boyd County, all other Eastern Kentucky counties, many Central and Western Kentucky Counties and includes many out-of-state and international resources.

All Winder Room materials are non-circulating and are not available through inter-library loan.

A staff member is always present to assist researchers. Also, researchers can request information by using regular mail or e-mail. Although the staff is unable to do extensive research, a specific reference question can be answered. Any photocopying will be billed to the researcher.

Located on the second floor of the library, the research area accommodates up to 30 researchers at a time. Microfilm and microfiche readers and printers are available. Public Computers are available in the Room for genealogical research only. Genealogical Databases are available with some available from home using your valid Boyd County Public Library car. Wireless internet is available in the room. Most materials can be photocopied for a nominal fee. Fragile materials, however, cannot be photocopied. The duplication of manuscripts and photographs for the use in publications requires permission from the Library.

Veterans History

The Library is also proud to announce that we're a partner in the Veterans History Project which is attempting to collect the experiences of our war veterans. If you are interested in sharing your experiences, please contact Teresa Klaiber in the Genealogy Room.

Kids' Sites

Our Children's Department has been actively compiling lists of good, useful Web sites of value to young people of all ages. Click here for the latest in the files.

Government Sites

Government agencies -- from Washington to local states -- can be reached from the powerful FirstGov portal (199.107.69.75/index.shtml). While specializing in federal resources, it also has links to state and local sites around the nation as well as international agencies.

The City of Ashland, Ky. operates its own site (www.ashlandky.org), where you can find agendas for upcoming meetings, background on public officials and information on assorted boards and commissions.

KYDirect (www.kydirect.net) is the official site for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with information topics as varied as agriculture and business to taxes, tourism and homeland security.

Miscellaneous Databases & Links

Medical sites are identified at by the National Library of Medicine's Medline service (www.nlm.nih.gov). It provides medical news, database access, details on health-related publications, backgrounders and more.

Law-related sites are compiled at Findlaw.com (findlaw.com) provides an extensive, Yahoo-like directory of legal resources, with directories of material for legal professionals, students, businesses and the general public.

Automobile prices are covered at the NADAGuides.com (www.nada.com), offering services to find a price, find a vehicle, find a dealer, all for free. And it covers both new and used vehicles.

For tax information, go to the source at the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov), where you can find not only tax tips but even search a database that shows you if the IRS owes you money.

Copyright information -- including downloadable forms -- can be retrived directly from the U.S. Copyright Office (www.loc.gov/copyright). Data includes answers to frequently asked question, information on the basics of copyright and background on the fees involved.

Student Loans are covered by the U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA site (www.fafsa.ed.gov), which stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid.