How To Guides
The How-to Guides offer in-depth assistance on how to research a particular topic. Think of these guides as asking a librarian a question like "How do I get started in opening a small business?" The How-to Guide will lead you through the process of answering the question and explain what you will need to do, step by step.
Show-Me-Guides are short videos that show you how to do something, usually using the Pratt Web site or on the Internet. You can see, step-by-step, how to find someone's telephone number, search for journal articles, find an appraiser and much more.
The collection of How-to Guides and Show-Me-Guides is growing, so if you don't see what you want, check out the Subject Guides, which offer Web links, reference books, and electronic databases covering hundreds of different topics. If you still need assistance, feel free to Ask a Question.
General Library Research
African American Research
Business
Cars
Children
Collectibles
Education
Genealogy
Grants/Nonprofits
Health
History
Homework Help
Immigration
Jobs/Careers
Law
Maryland
Movies/Music
New to America?
Politics
Real Estate
Science/Technology
Sports
What Do I Read Next?
General Library Research Census Data by Zip Code (3:29 min)
Get demographic information on populations living in specific geographic areas
Downloading eAudiobooks (3:34 min)
Getting Started in Legal Research: A Guide for the Average Joe or Jill
You ran a red light, and now you've got a traffic ticket. Or you're trying to figure out whether your boss should be paying you overtime.
Find a Person (3:56 min)
Need to find someone's phone number or address? Online directories can find it fast.
Finding Consumer Information Online
Interested in researching a product purchase? Whether the situation involves banking services, buying products, purchasing utilities, or hiring a contractor to fix the roof of your home, the protection of your rights is important.
Finding Scholarly Articles
Students often need to find scholarly articles when researching papers. But where do you find scholarly articles? And how do you determine whether or not an article is considered scholarly?
Finding Special Collections (3:23 min)
View and search the Cator Collection of Baltimore Views.
How Do I Find Out if a Movie Has Public Performance Rights?
Do you want to show a movie in a public setting but you're worried about breaking copyright law? Learn more about where to find movies that can be shown to groups through public performance rights.
How to Find Audio-Visual Materials on Pratt’s Online Catalog
Most people who use libraries’ Web catalogs are used to using them to look up books. But did you know that you can also use the catalog to look up CDs, tapes, and records?
How to Find the Audiobook That You Want
Interested in finding an audiobook? You can find the answers to your questions about audiobooks and get help finding an appropriate audiobook in the Pratt catalog.
Literary Criticism for High School and College Students
Do you need to write an A+ literature research paper about a well-known author and his or her works? What is literary criticism and where do you find it?
Periodicals in Research: A Guide for Library Users
Periodical articles can be very useful for research purposes, such as term papers, literature reviews, professional papers, and genealogy. Periodicals, which include magazines, journals, and newspapers, often contain the most timely or specific information on any given topic.
Periodicals Powersearch (3:26 min)
Learn how to search multiple databases at once to find the magazine, newspaper and journal articles you need.
Recession Busters
In order to stay ahead, it's more important now than ever to stretch our dollars and stay employed. Here are some resources to help you out.
Searching for Large Print Books (3:58 min)
Submitting a Poem for Publication
Are you interested in getting your poetry published?
Using the Library: A Guide to the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Help for everything from using the catalog to finding the right branch can be found in this guide.
Using the Library: A Guide for Students and Teachers
Students and teachers use the library in unique ways. This guide will help both students and teachers learn more about the library and what programs, services, and resources it has to offer to them.
African American Research
African American Genealogy
Are you trying to find your roots? If you’re running into some brick walls with your genealogical research, or just don’t know how to get started, this guide should be helpful to you.
Researching African American Scientists and Inventors: A Guide for Library Users
From 1706 to the present, African Americans have been in the forefront of inventions, medical breakthroughs, and medical firsts. Whether you are interested in finding information about an African American scientist or inventor for a school report or for fun, this guide can help with your research.
Researching the Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was an informal system by which fugitive slaves escaped from slavery in the American South. If you are interested in researching the history or biography of those involved with the Underground Railroad, this guide can lead you through the process.
Searching for African American Patents (3:35 min)
Business
Finding Consumer Information Online
Interested in researching a product purchase? Whether the situation involves banking services, buying products, purchasing utilities, or hiring a contractor to fix the roof of your home, the protection of your rights is important.
How to Get a Free Credit Report
Maryland residents are entitled to free credit reports from each of the three Credit Reporting Agencies. Find out how.
How to Get a Job
You’re currently without employment or looking for that first job. Finding a job can seem very intimidating, but getting organized with your search can help with your progress.
How to Read a Stock Page
Stock pages can seem confusing, but with the following information, you'll be able to understand what they mean.
How to Research a Marketing Plan
Marketing is an important part of business success. While there may be no one template to fit your business, information is available to help you create your own marketing plan
I'm a New Manager, Now What?
Do you quake at the thought of supervising people, writing performance appraisals, training staff, or handling legal or health issues?
Investment Sources for Beginners
Have you ever needed a stock quote for your taxes or to settle an estate? Want to understand how the stock market works or how to find information about a company or industry?
Pricing for Small Businesses
Wondering how tp figure out what to charge customers for services or products provided? Find resources to determine the price for your small business.
Real Estate: A Guide for Homebuyers and Renters
Whether you are buying a home for the first time, relocating to Maryland, or looking for rental property, navigating the world of real estate can sometimes be challenging.
Recession Busters
In order to stay ahead, it's more important now than ever to stretch our dollars and stay employed. Here are some resources to help you out.
Researching Companies
Research is a first step if you are interested in investing in a company, want to start your own small business, or hire someone to provide a service for you.
Starting Your Small Business Successfully
Are you ready to put your skills and experience into play and bring your idea to life by starting your own small business or bringing your idea to the market?
Using the Economic Census (3:39 min)
Cars
How to Buy a Car
Each year, more than 8 million new cars (and about 40 million used cars) are sold in the U.S. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, how do you know which one is right for you?
Children Finding Books for Children (3:23 min)
Using Novelist K-8 to find a book for your child to read.
Getting the Picture: Using Picture Books for Pleasure and Learning
Picture books are rich with a variety of subjects, art and audiences. This guide will help you answer some questions that you may have about picture books as well as provide some ideas on how to use them.
Helping You Surf Safely: Tips for Families
While the Internet may be accessed from the privacy of one's home, in reality it is an extremely public place and should therefore be given the same consideration as a busy city intersection. These tips provide strategies for helping children use the Internet safely and responsibly.
Collectibles Determining Book Condition (2:19 min)
Learn how to tell what condition your book is in. The overall condition of a book is a prime factor in determining its value regardless of the age.
How Much Are My Antiques and Collectibles Worth?
Is there a mysterious treasure in your attic? Have you been wondering if Grandma’s tea set is really worth something? Find sources here to help you research the history and value of a wide variety of collectibles and antiques including figurines, china, silver, pottery, dolls, toys, furniture, and jewelry.
How Much Is My Old Book Worth?
The Humanities Department's guide can help you research the value of an old book in print sources and Web links.
How to Find an Appraiser (3:48 min)
What to Do with an Old Stock Certificate
The Business Center holds a vast number of resources to help you find out if an old stock certificate is worth anything.
What's this Coin Worth? What's this Bill Worth?
Has someone ever given you a penny from your birth year as a gift? Have you ever had leftover currency from an overseas trip? If so, you might want to know how much it is worth.
Education
Finding Information about Colleges
Is it time to begin thinking seriously about college? Many books and Web sites are available to help you make informed decisions and walk you through the process.
Home Schooling – Is It the Right Choice for You?
Thinking seriously about home schooling your child? Perhaps you're feeling somewhat overwhelmed by all the questions and concerns you have. Here is some help for finding the answers to your questions.
How to Get a GED in Maryland
Would you like to earn a higher salary? Are you trying to broaden your career opportunities? Or, maybe you'd just like to be say, "Yes! I have my high school diploma!" Whatever your reason, the State Library Resource Center can help you get your GED.
Literary Criticism for High School and College Students
Do you need to write an A+ literature research paper about a well-known author and his or her works? What is literary criticism and where do you find it?
Using the Library: A Guide for Students and Teachers
Students and teachers use the library in unique ways. This guide will help both students and teachers learn more about the library and what programs, services, and resources it has to offer to them.
Genealogy
African American Genealogy
Are you trying to find your roots? If you’re running into some brick walls with your genealogical research, or just don’t know how to get started, this guide should be helpful to you.
Determining Soundex Codes (1:16 min)
Learn how to find the soundex code for a last name for your genealogical research.
Genealogy at the Pratt Library
Find out about the genealogical resources available in three departments of the Central Library/State Library Resource Center: the Social Science and History Department, the Maryland Department, and the Periodicals Department.
A Guide to Genealogical Research in the Maryland Department
The Maryland Department collection contains a variety of resources that are useful in conducting genealogical research.
A Guide to Genealogical Research in the Periodicals Department
If you are researching a Maryland ancestor, the Periodicals Department can help. Our collection includes historical newspapers from counties throughout Maryland, as well as Census records, passenger lists for the Port of Baltimore, and naturalization records. The Periodicals Department also has a collection of periodicals related to genealogy and history from across America. Locating Passenger Arrival Information at the Port of Baltimore (3:50 min)
Get basic instruction in finding immigrant arrival information at the Port of Baltimore from the microfilm held in the Maryland Department.
Preserving Your Family
The photographs, letters, documents, and newspaper clippings that you cherish today could be even more valuable to generations to come. They are an important part of your family history and may also document your family's traditions, so handling them correctly now will help preserve your family for the future.
Grants/Nonprofits
How to Find Grant Sources for Individuals
Are you looking for funding for your artwork, education, film, research, writing, housing, or other projects? Do you want to know which foundations, associations or government agencies would be useful?
How to Find Grants for Your Nonprofit Organization
Maybe you’ve heard the news about a local hospital or museum winning a $100,000 grant, and you’re wondering what grants are all about. Or you are seeking grant funding to improve the quality of life in your community.
Reading a 990-PF (2:45 min)
Learn how to read a foundation's IRS return to see if it is appropriate for your organization to approach for funding.
Health
Choosing a Doctor
You may need to find a new doctor because you’ve moved, changed insurance plans, didn’t like your previous doctor, or your doctor has retired. This guide is designed to help you to find a new physician.
History
Edgar Allan Poe: In Baltimore and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Interested in the life and works of Poe with regards Baltimore? Find out more!
Historic House Solutions: Extreme Makeover or Design on a Dime
Rehabilitating and restoring an old building or house is an exciting challenge. Although the process can be difficult, your hard work will be richly rewarded when you successfully complete your project.
How Did They Live?: Exploring Daily Life throughout History
Did you ever wonder how people lived in other historical periods? Investigating the everyday lives of people often provides us with a clearer and more comprehensive picture of a particular historical period.
How to Find Information about Foreign Aid
Can foreign aid help jump start democracy, stabilize the international monetary system, and help avoid global crises? Does it help developing nations or does it hinder them in some way? This guide will assist you in exploring this topic.
Researching African American Scientists and Inventors: A Guide for Library Users
From 1706 to the present, African Americans have been in the forefront of inventions, medical breakthroughs, and medical firsts. Whether you are interested in finding information about an African American scientist or inventor for a school report or for fun, this guide can help with your research.
Researching the History of Your House
If you have purchased a house that had previous owners, your house has a history. Get started finding information that will help get to the earlier documentation of your house and immediate area.
Witness to History: Accounts of Historical Events in Primary Sources at the State Library Resource Center
When researching a topic for a term paper or for personal interest, there is sometimes a requirement or desire to look at primary sources relating to the subject.
Homework Help
Edgar Allan Poe: In Baltimore and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Interested in the life and works of Poe with regards Baltimore? Find out more!
Finding Scholarly Articles
Students often need to find scholarly articles when researching papers. But where do you find scholarly articles? And how do you determine whether or not an article is considered scholarly?
How Did They Live?: Exploring Daily Life throughout History
Did you ever wonder how people lived in other historical periods? Investigating the everyday lives of people often provides us with a clearer and more comprehensive picture of a particular historical period.
Literary Criticism for High School and College Students
Do you need to write an A+ literature research paper about a well-known author and his or her works? What is literary criticism and where do you find it?
Periodicals in Research: A Guide for Library Users
Periodical articles can be very useful for research purposes, such as term papers, literature reviews, professional papers, and genealogy. Periodicals, which include magazines, journals, and newspapers, often contain the most timely or specific information on any given topic.
Researching African American Scientists and Inventors: A Guide for Library Users
From 1706 to the present, African Americans have been in the forefront of inventions, medical breakthroughs, and medical firsts. Whether you are interested in finding information about an African American scientist or inventor for a school report or for fun, this guide can help with your research.
Witness to History: Accounts of Historical Events in Primary Sources at the State Library Resource Center
When researching a topic for a term paper or for personal interest, there is sometimes a requirement or desire to look at primary sources relating to the subject.
Using the Library: A Guide to the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Help for everything from using the catalog to finding the right branch can be found in this guide.
Using the Library: A Guide for Students and Teachers
Students and teachers use the library in unique ways. This guide will help both students and teachers learn more about the library and what programs, services, and resources it has to offer to them.
Immigration
New to America
Are you a newcomer to America or Maryland trying to learn a new language and culture? Are you helping a newcomer establish a home here? This guide can help you start your new life and build a community for yourself and your family.
Jobs/Careers
How to Get a Job
You’re currently without employment or looking for that first job. Finding a job can seem very intimidating, but getting organized with your search can help with your progress.
How to Write a Résumé
An important step in your job search is creating a résumé. But what should you include?
Using the Maryland Workforce Exchange Web Site (3:26 min)
Interested in finding a job in Maryland?
Law
Getting Started in Legal Research: A Guide for the Average Joe or Jill
You ran a red light, and now you've got a traffic ticket. Or you're trying to figure out whether your boss should be paying you overtime.
Using the U.S. Code Online (4:03 min)
Maryland
Edgar Allan Poe: In Baltimore and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Interested in the life and works of Poe with regards Baltimore? Find out more!
Getting Started in Legal Research: A Guide for the Average Joe or Jill
You ran a red light, and now you've got a traffic ticket. Or you're trying to figure out whether your boss should be paying you overtime.
A Guide to Genealogical Research in the Maryland Department
The Maryland Department collection contains a variety of resources that are useful in conducting genealogical research.
How to Become an Informed Voter in Maryland
Most of your daily life is affected by the actions of the government. Whether you are voting in a Federal, state, county, or municipal election, active participation of citizens in their government is essential to representative democracy - and voting is the key element to citizen participation. This guide will aid you in understanding and becoming involved in the electoral process in the state of Maryland.
How to Get a GED in Maryland
Would you like to earn a higher salary? Are you trying to broaden your career opportunities? Or, maybe you'd just like to be say, "Yes! I have my high school diploma!" Whatever your reason, the State Library Resource Center can help you get your GED.
Maryland Film Resources
Thinking seriously about studying film at a college or university in the Baltimore area? Are you a filmmaker looking for a crew or a location? For these and other questions, check out the local film resources.
Maryland Music Resources
Want to study, play or record music in Maryland? Or maybe you just want to see who or what's playing around town and where they're playing? For answers to these and other questions, check out the resources offered below by local organizations and businesses.
New to America
Are you a newcomer to America or Maryland trying to learn a new language and culture? Are you helping a newcomer establish a home here? This guide can help you start your new life and build a community for yourself and your family.
Researching the History of Your House
If you have purchased a house that had previous owners, your house has a history. Get started finding information that will help get to the earlier documentation of your house and immediate area.
Witness to History: Accounts of Historical Events in Primary Sources at the State Library Resource Center
When researching a topic for a term paper or for personal interest, there is sometimes a requirement or desire to look at primary sources relating to the subject.
Movies/Music
Finding Digital Music Online
It seems like everyone is talking about downloading at the moment. It's all easier than you think, and our brief guide to the world of digital music will introduce you to the basics.
How Do I Find Out if a Movie Has Public Performance Rights?
Do you want to show a movie in a public setting but you're worried about breaking copyright law? Learn more about where to find movies that can be shown to groups through public performance rights.
How to Find Popular Music Information Online
When it comes to popular music, there is a never-ending world of information online. You can use these resources to find various types of information related to popular music.
How to Find Audio-Visual Materials on Pratt’s Online Catalog
Most people who use libraries’ Web catalogs are used to using them to look up books. But did you know that you can also use the catalog to look up CDs, tapes, and records?
I Love That Movie! How Do I Get A Copy?
You decide to obtain a copy of the film because it is the kind to film you would like to watch repeatedly. However, you find that your local video store does not carry it. What do you do?
Maryland Film Resources
Thinking seriously about studying film at a college or university in the Baltimore area? Are you a filmmaker looking for a crew or a location? For these and other questions, check out the local film resources.
Maryland Music Resources
Want to study, play or record music in Maryland? Or maybe you just want to see who or what's playing around town and where they're playing? For answers to these and other questions, check out the resources offered below by local organizations and businesses.
Quiet on the Set: Lights, Camera, Action - Resources for Film Study at SLRC
So you bought yourself a video camera and now you are entertaining dreams about accepting the Oscar for Best Director.
New to America?
New to America
Are you a newcomer to America or Maryland trying to learn a new language and culture? Are you helping a newcomer establish a home here? This guide can help you start your new life and build a community for yourself and your family.
Real Estate
Historic House Solutions: Extreme Makeover or Design on a Dime
Rehabilitating and restoring an old building or house is an exciting challenge. Although the process can be difficult, your hard work will be richly rewarded when you successfully complete your project.
Real Estate: A Guide for Homebuyers and Renters
Whether you are buying a home for the first time, relocating to Maryland, or looking for rental property, navigating the world of real estate can sometimes be challenging.
Researching the History of Your House
If you have purchased a house that had previous owners, your house has a history. Get started finding information that will help get to the earlier documentation of your house and immediate area.
Politics
How to Become an Informed Voter in Maryland
Most of your daily life is affected by the actions of the government. Whether you are voting in a Federal, state, county, or municipal election, active participation of citizens in their government is essential to representative democracy - and voting is the key element to citizen participation.
Green Living
Concerned about preserving our natural environment and dealing with the effects of global warming? Find resources here to make your life more green.
Historic House Solutions: Extreme Makeover or Design on a Dime
Rehabilitating and restoring an old building or house is an exciting challenge. Although the process can be difficult, your hard work will be richly rewarded when you successfully complete your project.
How to Search for Patents
Are you interested in the history of a certain invention or inventor? Do you want to get rich with an idea for a new product? If so, you should be interested in patent research.
Researching African American Scientists and Inventors: A Guide for Library Users
From 1706 to the present, African Americans have been in the forefront of inventions, medical breakthroughs, and medical firsts. Whether you are interested in finding information about an African American scientist or inventor for a school report or for fun, this guide can help with your research.
Searching for African American Patents (3:35 min)
Finding Sports Statistics Online (3:33 min)
What Do I Read Next?
Click Now to Find Your Next Good Read!
Have you ever been in the mood to read a good novel but been unable to find a book that captured your attention?
If I Could Save Time in a Novel: A Guide for Historical Fiction Lovers
Whether you love historical fiction or are new to it, this guide will help you understand the types of historical fiction and where to find suggestions for books you will enjoy.
Isn't It Romantic? A Guide for Romance Lovers
The romance genre is one of the most popular types of fiction. This guide will acquaint you with some of the different types (or subgenres) of romance.
Out-of-This-World Reading: A Guide for Lovers of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Interested in learning the difference between science fiction and fantasy? Explore the five different subgenres and find great suggestions for what to read.
Taking the Mystery out of Mysteries: A Guide for Mystery Lovers
Wondering what mysteries are all about? This guide will introduce you to mystery fiction and describe five major subgenres.
"Will You Step into My Parlor?": A Guide for Horror Lovers
Wondering what horror fiction is all about? This guide will introduce you to the field and describe its major subgenres—both traditional and current.