The library offers free access to a vast wealth of online resources to help you find information. Many of these research tools contain searchable collections of full text articles from reference books, newspapers, journals, and magazines. Some research tools deliver more unique content, like company profiles, census records, and downloadable audio books. We also have physical research tools, such as our reference and microform collections.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports are available digitally through the Library's database, MasterFILE Premier. Physical copies of the current year and past year are available for in-library use at the Headquarters Library.
- Access Consumer Reports
- Access MasterFILE Premier
- Select "Advanced search" above the search text box, toward the right side.
- Select "Publications" from middle menu just below the search boxes.
- Enter "Consumer Reports" in the "Search for publications in Masterfile Premier -- Publications" box, then click the magnifying glass to perform the search.
- Select the "Consumer Reports" publication you would like to use from search results.
- You may either "Search within this publication" or use the "All Issues and Articles" menu on the right to find a specific issue of this periodical.
Reference Collections
These materials are located at the Headquarters Library and are for in-library use only. If you require use of these materials at another location, please speak to staff at your preferred library so they can request to borrow the item.
Limited reference collections can be found at library locations other than the Headquarters Library. Please speak to staff at your preferred location for more information or to access these materials.
- General Reference
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- Contains general knowledge titles
- Dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias
- Coin and stamp guides
- Religious texts
- Guides to grants & scholarships
- Field guides
- Florida Reference
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- Contains materials related to the State of Florida
- Historical and current titles
- Local history materials including city directories
- Legal texts, such as State Statutes
- Statistics
- Genealogy Reference
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- Family Histories
- Alachua County Records
- Records for other Florida Counties
- City Directories
- Passenger Lists
- Military Records
- Automobile Reference
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- Auto repair manuals for domestic and foreign car makes
Questions? We can help!
Headquarters Library Reference Desk
Call: 352-334-3940
Text (SMS): 352-578-1184
Email: ask@aclib.libanswers.com
Database Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Upcoming Holiday Closings:
- Independence Day - 07/04/25 (Friday)
- Labor Day - 9/01/25 (Monday)
Need general assistance outside of library hours?
Ask-A-Librarian service provides Florida residents with virtual reference services through live chat and text messaging, Sunday-Thursday 10am to Midnight ET, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm ET.
Upcoming Holiday Closings:
7/4 (Friday) Independence Day
9/1 (Monday) Labor Day
Please keep in mind that Ask-A-Librarian is a state-wide service and the librarians may not work for the Alachua County Library District.
