Looking for information? Reference resources provide reliable information.

Looking for background information on a topic? Try an Encyclopedia.

1. Canadian Encyclopedia Online
   • A great general audience resource for an accessible overview of Canadian topics.
   • Available free online to everyone with no ads
2. Encyclopedia Britannica
   • An in-depth resource for comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics.
   • Available online at no charge but contains ads.

Looking for a word or meaning? Try a Dictionary or Thesaurus.

1. Canadian Oxford Dictionary
   • Authoritative Canadian English-language Dictionary
   • Available in-library in the reference section: REF 423.1 CAN
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary & Thesaurus
   • Dictionary & Thesaurus in one, includes pronunciations
   • Available online or in-library in the reference section: REF 423 WEB
3. Roget’s Thesaurus
   • Lists words in groups of synonyms and related concepts
   • Available in-library in the reference section: REF 423.1 CHA
4. Thesaurus.com
   • Lists words in groups of synonyms and relatetd concepts
   • Available online
5. Rhyme Zone
   • Online database of words that rhyme
6. Visual Dictionary
   • Uses pictures to illustrate the meanings of words
   • Available online or in-library in the reference section: REF 423.1 ULT
7. Anishnaabe Naadmaadwin Mzina’igan (Anishnaabe Helper Book)
   • Anishinaabemowin to English dictionary
   • Available in-library in the reference section: REF 400 POR
8. The Ojibwe People’s Dictionary
   • An innovative, illustrated, talking dictionary, with photographs both old and new, allowing insight into an Ojibwe way of life that is difficult to comprehend without a visual aid. The dictionary is searchable, including using the Ojibwe language.
   • Available online.

Looking for information about a place? Try Atlases & Geographical Resources.

1. Concise Atlas of the World
   • Maps, graphics and photographs portray the world in political and geographical terms.  
   • Available in-library in the reference section: REF 912 NAT
2. Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
   • Reference maps of Indigenous Canada
   • Available online or in-library in the reference section: REF 971.00497 IND
3. World Atlas Online
   • Interactive Maps with linked articles and detailed information
   • Available free online to everyone with no ads
4. CIA Factbook
   • Provides basic intelligence on the history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, environment, communications, transportation, military, terrorism, and transnational issues for 266 world entities
   • Available free online to everyone with no ads

Looking for medical information?

1. Merck Manual
   • Authoritative Medical Reference for the general public
   • Available free online to everyone with no ads
2. DSM- 5 Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders 5 Edition
   • Authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders. Contains descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders
   • Available in-library in the reference section: REF 616.89075 AME

These resources are for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other medical professional for medical advice and care.

Looking for contact information? Try a Directory.

1. 211Ontario
   • An online database of programs and services in Ontario communities. Provides information on and referrals to Ontario’s community, social, health-related and government services
2. INFO-GO
   • Electronic publication of the Ontario Government’s directory
3. The Big Red Book
   • Manitoulin Island Telephone Book
   • Available online

Looking for a Book or other Media?

1. NEMI Public Library Catalog
   • A complete list of all books and media available to borrow from NEMI Public Library.
   • Search options include: in-library vs digital collection, title, author, subject.
2. Libby
   • Libby is the free app where you can borrow ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines from your library. Library card barcode required.
3. Internet Archive
   • A free, non-profit digital library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
4. Project Gutenberg
   • A library of over 70,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world’s great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired.

Looking to learn a skill? Try a tutorial.

1. GCF Learn Free
   • GCFLearnFree.org offers free self-paced tutorials in Math, Work & Career, Reading and Everyday Life. There are more than 180 topics, over 2000 lessons, 800+ videos, plus interactives and games. You can learn everything from Microsoft Office skills to reading, math and even computer basics. You can watch one lesson or an entire tutorial, keep track of your learning history (if you create an account – again, free!), and even earn an Acheivement of Completion certificate. You can learn on your browser or through the mobile apps.
2. Digital Learn
   • If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, Digital Learn has the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.