Free Databases and Collections
This list includes databases, collections and search tools, selected by Smithsonian Libraries staff, that are freely available via the Internet.
Smithsonian staff and other affiliated persons can access the Libraries' subscription databases, e-books, and e-journals via our E-journals, E-books, and Databases (from the SI computer network or remote access.)
General
- DART - Europe E-Theses Portal
- Digital Commons Network
- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
- EDGAR (Securities and Exchange Commission)
- ERIC: Education Resources Information Center
- ETHOS: Electronic Theses Online Service
- Fashion and Race Database
- Gateway to Library Catalogs (listing from the Library of Congress)
- Library of Congress Catalog
- LISTA: Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts
- LocatorPlus (National Library of Medicine)
- Look and Learn Historical Image Archive (free images from public collections)
- National Academies Press (free e-books available)
- ProQuest Dissertation Express
- ProQuest PQDT Open Access Dissertations
- Smithsonian Archives
- Smithsonian Collections Search Center
- Smithsonian Institution Contributions and Studies Series
- Smithsonian Research Online
- SIRIS: Smithsonian Institution Research Information System
- WorldCat.org
Art, History, and Culture
- AHRnet Biographical Dictionary
- Artsy: Art Collecting and Education
- Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA) (Getty)
- CAMEO: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online
- Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers
- Conservation Information Network (BCIN)
- Dictionary of Canadian Biography
- Independent Voices (alternative presses)
- IsisCB Explore (Bibliography of the History of Science)
- Making of America Journals (Cornell)
- ThomasNet (Industrial Web)
Science
- AGRICOLA (National Agriculture Library)
- Algaebase
- American Society of Agronomy
- AnimalBase: Early Zoological Literature Online
- Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Catalogue of Life (Species 2000 - ITIS)
- Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)
- FishBase
- Index of Botanical Publications (Harvard University Herbaria)
- Index of Botanists (Harvard University Herbaria)
- International Plant Names Index
- IOPI Database of Plant Databases
- ITIS: Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- KBD: Kew Bibliographic Databases
- National Museum of Natural History Research and Collections Information System (EMu)
- Plant Information Online
- SORA: Searchable Ornithological Research Archive
- uBio Project
- U.S. Geological Survey Library
Last Updated September 27, 2022