RPL Databases
1950 Census
The 1950 census records were released by the U.S. National Archives on April 1, 2022. This website provides full access to the 1950 census images, including population schedules, enumeration district maps, and enumeration district descriptions.
A to Z
Provides details on every business and household within the United States. Ideal for sales leads mailing lists market research employment opportunities and more.
American Ancestors
Early American genealogical records, searchable genealogical research journals and magazines and the largest collection of U.S. Catholic records online.
Ancestry Library Edition
The world’s largest online family history resource providing access to billions of historical records, millions of family trees, census records, military records and more.
ArcGIS Business Analyst
Evaluate potential business sites using map-based analytics. Generates reports on market potential, demographics, consumer spending and more. Reports must be requested from the Business Insight Center
Biography & Genealogy Master Index
Provides more than 20 million biographical citations for over 6 million people across 2000+ years of history.
Black Freedom Struggle in the U.S.
A collection of over 3000 primary source documents spanning six phases of Black freedom: Slavery and Abolitionist Movement (1790–1860), Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877), Jim Crow Era (1878–1932), New Deal and WWII (1933–1945), Civil Rights and Black Power Movements (1946–1975), and Contemporary Era (1976–2000).
Book Review Index
Search over 5 million book reviews in topics including psychology history education and literature.
Books and Authors
Find your next great book by browsing award winners themed lists and read-alikes.
Business Insights Essentials
Detailed company and industry profiles including SWOT reports, market share reports, and financial reports.
Consumer Reports
Full access to product ratings and reviews in-depth advice tips and trends and recommendations and buying advice for thousands of products and services.
Contemporary Authors Online
Searchable database of over 145000 biographical articles on modern poets playwrights journalists and more.
Contemporary Women’s Issues
Coverage of global issues affecting women, with subjects including Business & Economics, Education, Health Studies, Professional Development and Civil Rights.
Environmental Studies
Collection of case studies, statistics, videos and more on the environmental impact of issues including Extinction, Fast Fashion, Food Safety, Land Management, Nuclear Waste and Water Scarcity.
Factiva
Gain unique insights from the world’s most comprehensive collection of news and data.
FIMo – Fire Insurance Maps Online
High resolution color images of maps of New York State municipalities and settled areas from 1875 to 1950, from the world’s largest online digital collection of color fire insurance maps and real estate atlases.
First Research
Extensive industry research written from an objective business perspective. A Dun & Bradstreet product.
Foundation Center Online Professional
Explore 103,000+ expanded grantmaker profiles, 300,000+ key decision makers and leaders, searchable 990s and 990-PDFs as well as FDO Workspace. In-library only.
Frost & Sullivan
Industry Research with a global perspective.
Gale Business: Insights
An extensive collection of industry profiles business intelligences and over 430000 detailed company profiles. City Residents Only.
Genealogy Indexes
Links to various indexes compiled by staff and volunteers of the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County pointing to source material in the Local History & Genealogy Division.
Health and Wellness
Search a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to alternative medical practices.
HeritageQuest
A partner of Ancestry that provides access to genealogical and historical resources for more than 60 countries, with coverage dating back to the 1700s.
Historic Map Works
Contains the world’s largest online historical map collection spanning several centuries of cartographic information, including antique maps, nautical charts, celestial maps and more. In-library only.
IBISWorld
IBISWorld is a powerful business tool that provides strategic insight and analysis on more than 1,000 U.S. industries. Extensive, objective and easy to digest, IBISWorld research offers the very latest content on every U.S. industry to help you make better decisions, faster. Password required for full access. Ask librarian for assistance.
InnovationQ
Research patents and the competitive landscape. In-library only.
Insight Reports
Uses machine learning and statistical analysis to evaluate the strength of either a patent or an idea.
Libby
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive.
Life Records
Index of birth, marriage and death notices published in Rochester NY newspapers ca. 1960–2016.
LitFinder
Includes short stories speeches plays and over 130000 full-text poems. City Residents Only.
Local History Digital Collections
Links to many of the digitized materials and collections held in the Local History & Genealogy Division of Rochester Public Library.
Local History Pathfinders
Guides pointing to information and resources useful in researching particular topics in the history of the Rochester area.
Local History Special Collections
Information about special collections held in the Local History & Genealogy Division and how to access them.
Mergent Intellect
Information on more than 245 million businesses worldwide. Advanced search functionality allows you to build custom lists. In-library only.
Mintel
Experts in what consumers want and why. Mintel’s predictive analytics have enabled clients to make better decisions. In-library only.
Mitchell1 ProDemand
A fully searchable comprehensive database of automotive repair industry service manuals for vehicles 1960-present. Includes shortcuts for common specs common symptoms technical bulletins wiring diagrams component tests estimates maintenance tasks and more. In-library only.
New York Times
Rochester City residents can enjoy complimentary access to the New York Times for 72 hours. City Residents Only.
Nursing and Allied Health
Research full-text titles cited in CINAHL and other resources to support specialized care treatment and patient management.
NY Heritage
A website containing digitized materials from repositories across New York State including several collections from the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division.
Procitizen
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must take the naturalization test. Procitizen will help you prepare for the civics, reading, and writing portions of the test. Using your computer or mobile device, enjoy free access to a series of 100 informative videos, plus practice exercises and quizzes, which will help you learn everything you need to know to successfully pass the naturalization test. Your login tracks your progress across all devices!
Pronunciator
A fun way to learn any of 163 languages with self-directed lessons live teachers movies music and more. City Residents Only.
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: U.S. Northeast Collection
Provides genealogists researchers and scholars with online easily-searchable first-hand accounts and coverage of the politics society and events of this region. Coverage: 1785–2010. City Residents Only.
ProQuest Recent Newspapers: U.S. Northeast Collection
Provides genealogists researchers and scholars with cover-to-cover access to recent newspaper content. Every page image is full-text searchable. Coverage: 2008–recent (3 month embargo). City Residents Only.
Rochester City Directories
Full set of bound volumes of Rochester’s city directories and house directory supplements dating back to 1827. Several volumes have been digitized and can be accessed online. Physical collection held in Local History & Genealogy Division.
Rochester Newspaper Index
Organized by subject, contains references to articles published in Rochester-area newspapers between 1818 and 1897.
Rochester Times-Union
The Times-Union and its predecessors served Rochester from 1818 to 1997. At this link can be accessed the Daily Telegraph, Daily Advertiser, Daily Union, Union & Advertiser, and the Times-Union. Full access for free in the library.
Rochester Voices
A place for K-12 students and adults to learn about the past through the stories of Rochesterians who experienced it first-hand. Access primary sources online.
Rundelania
RUNDELANIA is the digital literary journal of the Arts and Literature Division at the Rochester Public Library, NY. The journal is dedicated to the publication of original poetry, short stories and essays by the patrons of the library.
Sokol High School Literary Awards
Sokol High School Literary Award at SUNY Open Access Repository (SOAR): SUNY Brockport.
Udemy
Online training site with over 20000 video courses covering topics including cloud computing marketing and project management.
VIN Decoder
Enter your vehicle’s 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to receive an instant report on its manufacturer brand make and model body style engine size assembly plant and model year.
Weiss Financial Ratings
Tools to protect your finances invest wisely grow your wealth and learn more about your finances. City Residents Only.
