Research at BPL

Research at BPL

Boston Public Library combines powerful research tools, expert librarian guidance, and significant special collections to offer a rich and fulfilling research experience for all. With BPL you can:

  • Learn about your own family or community history
  • Find answers to business or legal questions so that you can get to work
  • Discover historical gems from Boston and beyond
  • And much, much more

Research Databases

BPL offers over one hundred research databases and search portals. Browse here for our most popular, or view them all.

Featured Research Tools

JSTOR

Full-text articles from hundreds of scholarly journals from the mid-19th century to early 21st century covering a wide range of subjects.

CQ Researcher

CQ Researcher is noted for its in-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, and more.

Boston TV News Digital Library

Searchable content from WGBH, WCVB, WHDH, and Cambridge Community Television. Coverage: 1960-1999.

Gale Academic OneFile

Full-text journal & magazine articles covering the sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature, & more.

Guides, Lists, & Articles

Our staff regularly compile research guides and booklists on popular research topics to help you get started.

Research Guides

Points of Service

Our research team helps patrons get started, find resources, and access materials in person and online.

Points of Service

Special Collections

Our special collections range from local Boston art and photography, to medieval manuscripts, to the entirety of John Adams' personal library.

Single Button Module

Visit Special Collections

Influencer: The Alice Jordan Story

Boston Public Library's Alice Jordan embraced incoming youth services librarians and championed youth patron services.

Pickwick Club Disaster

July 4, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of one of Boston's greatest tragedies: the Pickwick Club Disaster.

Explore Additional Research Resources

Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in MA has access to a wide range of free, high-quality digital resources through the BPL.

Research FAQs

  • The Boston Public Library offers many excellent alternatives for research, language learning, workforce development, and more. Whether you're a student, educator, job seeker, or lifelong learner, there are still plenty of valuable resources available to you.

    Explore some of our top recommendations:

  • You can read the current edition of the Boston Globe for free with your BPL library card through the following platforms:

    • PressReader – Access a full digital replica of the daily paper.
    • Boston Globe Online (current edition) – Read articles from the current Boston Globe in a searchable, text-friendly format.
  • As of July 1, 2025, many statewide research databases are no longer available due to a major reduction in federal funding. This change stems from Executive Order 14238, signed on March 14, 2025, which eliminates the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the primary federal funder of library services nationwide.

    To learn more about the impact of this executive order, visit: libraries.state.ma.us/federal-funding-at-risk

    Looking for alternatives?

    The Boston Public Library continues to offer a wide range of databases that cover many of the same subjects. Explore Additional Research Resources in this blog post.

  • In-Library Use Only Materials
    You can access materials found via the online catalog marked In-Library Use Only by coming to the Delivery Desk at the Central Library in Copley Square at least thirty minutes before closing. Some materials are stored offsite and may take up to ten days to process and deliver. You can always call the Delivery Desk beforehand to make sure your item will be available when you arrive.


    Other Materials

    Much of our research collections, particularly those older than 1974, are not represented in our online catalog. Please consult our special collections index to find contact information for requesting access to individual collections, or get in touch with our Research Services librarians via ask@bpl.org for help or to have materials pulled for you in advance of your visit.

  • Online
    Fill out our contact form or email us at ask@bpl.org. Our librarians will be in touch over email within twenty-four hours. Depending on your needs, we might recommend a phone call or visit when we get back to you. If your research need is complex, please indicate in the form that you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your research needs.

    Phone
    We have librarians on-call to help you with research and reference from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You can reach us at 617.536.5400.

    In-Person
    There is a librarian on duty at all BPL locations who can help you with research. More intensive research help is available at the Central Library in Copley Square in Bates Hall.

    Book a Librarian
    You can also book a 30 minute appointment with a research librarian. After you request an appointment, the Library will get back to you within 2 business days letting you know if your appointment was approved; information about joining the meeting will be sent in a separate email. Appointments must be requested at least 5 days in advance. 

  • You can get a research card at the Central Library in Copley Square at either the Borrower Services Desk (Level One of the Boylston Street building) or the Delivery Desk (Level Two of the McKim building). This card is free and allows use of materials inside the library. To get this card, you need a photo ID and a document that states your current address. A driver's license or state ID should fulfill both requirements.

    If you are coming to the BPL from far away for extensive research, we encourage you to reach out to our Research Services librarians ahead of your visit to ensure the most efficient use of your time here. You can email our Research Services librarians at ask@bpl.org.

  • Generally speaking we do not make copies for patrons but we do offer photocopiers for your use. If you have trouble using one of our copiers let us know at the nearest service desk.

    Please note: some of our materials can’t be photocopied for preservation reasons. In many such cases digital photography would be allowed but please consult with a research librarian before photographing any research materials.

  • The Boston Public Library has millions of books. Some you can take home, and some you can’t. The books you can’t take home are intended to be permanent copies and are marked “In-Library Use Only” in the catalog.

    You can request that an In-Library Use Only book serviced through the Delivery Desk be considered for loan outside the building by placing a request for it on ILLiad. If the request is approved, we will place the item on hold for you.

Back to Top