Virtual Research Library

Research Steps

  1. Begin with general reference resources, such as encyclopedia articles, to give you a sense of the main issues.

  2. Move to critical articles (e.g. from the databases) that debate and discuss the issue.

  3. If applicable, consult primary sources for original evidence and examples.
screenshot of grade 7-12 learning waffle

Electronic Resources (Virtual Library)

Use the links below to search for books, encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, journals, and verified websites available on our virtual shelves. Most of these digital resources can be accessed without a password in the VLE (OCDSB Student Portal) under the Research waffle.

Click here for a video on how to access the VLE.

Some of these databases require PASSWORDS. Click here to access passwords with your OCDSB Google account.


Click on the appropriate button below to jump to the relevant section of the page.

encyclopedias databases streaming primary sources


1. Encyclopedias


2. Academic Articles, etc.: "Virtual Library" Databases

Use these databases to access:

  • newspapers
  • magazines and academic journals
  • encyclopedias and other reference books
  • multimedia sources

Go to the VLE to access OCDSB databases. Click here for instructions.

Having trouble logging in to the VLE? Click here for direct links and passwords for EBSCO databases (OCDSB access only).

How to use EBSCO databases for research

Video symbol
Video:  How to translate EBSCO articles (ELL



Free online journal and research databases


3. Video Streaming


4. Primary Sources

No password required. Original information and documents, including newspapers

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