Natural Resources Resources: Databases

AlgaeBase is a database of information on algae that includes terrestrial, marine and freshwater organisms. At present, the data for the marine algae, particularly seaweeds, are the most complete. Sea-grasses are included in the database even though they are flowering plants.

The Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) is the world’s largest open access digital library for biodiversity literature and archives. BHL is revolutionizing global research by providing free, worldwide access to knowledge about life on Earth. The BHL portal provides free access to hundreds of thousands of volumes, comprising over 59 million pages, from the 15th-21st centuries. In addition to public domain content, BHL works with rights holders to obtain permission to make in-copyright materials openly available under Creative Commons licenses.

The Canadian Field-Naturalist (CFN) is a journal of field biology and ecology published since 1880 by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. All issues from 2003 up to the current year are freely available. The 4 most recent issues require a subscription unless an author has paid for open access. Pre-2003 content is freely available at the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

GreenFILE covers all aspects of human impact on the environment. Its collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles includes content on global warming, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.

Offering a global perspective, Wildlife & Ecology Studies Worlwide is the world's largest index to literature on wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Comprehensive coverage includes more than a million bibliographic records, many of which include abstracts, with topic areas such as studies of individual species, habitat types, hunting, economics, wildlife behavior, management techniques, diseases, ecotourism, zoology and taxonomy. Some full text is available.

NNELS is an online public library of books for people with a print disabilities in audiobook, DAISY, PDF, EPUB, e-text, electronic Braille, and other formats.
Eligible users include individuals with print disabilities or people acting on their behalf. Print disabilities include vision, mobility, and comprehension impairments that prevent individuals from being able to read a print book. Approximately 10% of Canadians qualify for access to NNELS.

NOTE: After registering at the library, eligible users or friends and family members can access the NNELS catalogue and download material directly, or request assistance from library staff.