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ENG102: Writing About Literature (Hague)

How to Get an eCard from the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library Databases

Access to Electronic Databases

The Boston Public Library provides many excellent databases for people who reside and/or work in Massachusetts. Some of those databases are also available from the BCC Learning Resources Center, others are not. 

You need a BPL card to use their databases. You can even register online for a temporary BPL eCard in order to have remote access to the databases. The registration process takes only a few seconds.

Who can get a Library Card?

You are eligible for a library card if you are: 

  • A resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • A Massachusetts property owner
  • Employed in Massachusetts
  • Attending school in Massachusetts
  • A resident of temporary housing

Those who fulfill the Massachusetts resident requirement (above) can sign up for a temporary (3 years) Boston Public Library eCard via the web. BPL eCards are virtual library cards that allow users immediate access to all of the Boston Public Library's electronic resources, including magazine databases, downloadable audio, video and music. eCard users who wish to check out library materials will be asked to upgrade to a standard BPL card. For more information about eCards, please visit the library's FAQ

Once you have applied for your eCard, you gain access to the electronic databases that are available through remote access via the BPL. Start your research.

Why should I look for academic articles?

Why should you do research in academic journals?

  • Academic journal articles are often authored by scholars active in a particular field
  • Academic journal articles provide a close look at a particular topic
  • Academic journal articles often provide data to support their findings
  • Academic journal articles can lead readers to other sources through their bibliographies

If you find one good article that supports your research, you can use the bibliography at the end of the paper to locate further research.

Finding Articles through the BCC Libraries

BCC Libraries offer a variety of databases in which you can locate magazine, newspaper, trade, and scholarly journal articles.  The databases below have been chosen especially for research for ENG102.

We also use 2 databases at the Boston Public Library that we do not own:  Jstor & Literary Criticism Online. Both are listed below with an icon.  

You will need a Boston Public Library E-Card

Please watch the tutorial on the left hand side to sign up for an e-card.

Recommended Databases for English

Other Suggested Databases

JSTOR Tutorial

Academic Search Premier Tutorial

Tutorial

Tutorial