Online Resources

Use our free online resources for consumer research, online classes, language learning, newspaper reading and more.

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  • Research

    Dictionary of Canadian Biography

    Use the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online to review the lives and achievements of individuals who played important roles in the formation of Canada.  This major research and publishing project was launched by the University of Toronto and the Université Laval in 1959, and currently covers persons who died between the years 1000 and 1930, or whose last known date of significant activity falls within these years.

    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Terms of Use
  • Research

    FamilySearch Affiliate Library

    FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history.

    Ottawa Public Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, this designation means library clients will now have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch at our 33 branches.

    Benefits of an Affiliate Library

    • Due to contractual obligations, some images are only viewable online through FamilySearch centers and Affiliate Libraries
    • Through the affiliate program, OPL customers have access to over 350 million additional records that are otherwise restricted

    This resource is available for in-library use only.

    Please note that each individual client must log into FamilySearch using their own unique username and password. There is no institutional login. 

     

    Beginning April 30, 2026, clients will be required to sign in to access the FamilySearch Catalog. To help prepare for this change, a notification banner has been added to the top of the FamilySearch Catalog landing page for clients who are not signed in.

    This update is being implemented as part of ongoing efforts to improve website security and ensure appropriate access to records.

    Content Language
    English
    Help Guide(s)
    Why do historical records have access limitations?
    What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?
    Affiliate Library Additional Resources
    Frequently asked questions
  • Read

    Flipster eMagazines

    Access today's edition of popular magazine titles including Maclean's, Scientific American, Time, People, and others.

    • If you are experiencing difficulty accessing magazines, please check "Tips on how to access magazines from Flipster" under our Help Guide
    • Starting from May 18, 2023, Forbes is available on the Flipster eMagazine Platform
    • Starting from Oct.1, 2022, seven new eMagazines will be added to the Flipster platform. They are Backcountry; Sports Illustrated, Travel & Leisure; Fine Woodworking; Fine Gardening, Threads & Fine Homebuilding.
    • Effective on Nov.1, 2022, the following three magazines : Azure ; Canadian House and Home, and Hello! Canada will be available on Overdrive Magazines Platform and no longer available on Flipster eMagazine Platform
    • Martha Stewart Living, Do It Yourself, and Rachael Ray in Seasons are discontinued on Flipster by the publisher.  However, some back issues are still available for you to view.
    • Effective on Nov.1, 2023, Black Girl Magazine and  Teen Black Girl Magazine are no longer available on Flipster eMagazine Platform.  However, some back issues are still available for you to view.
    • Beginning in July 2025, no new issues of Allrecipes magazine will be published, However, you will still have full access to all back issues.
    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Help Guide(s)
    Getting Started with Flipster
    Introducing the New Flipster User Interface
    Flipster Fundamentals
    Flipster Help
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Research

    Reference Solutions (Formerly Reference Canada)

    Reference Solutions is a provider of business and consumer research.

    There are several databases to search:

    Canadian Businesses: A directory of 2.3 million Canadian businesses

    U.S.Jobs/Internships: 2.5 Million Job Postings

    Canadian White Pages: 11 million Canadian households. Records are 100% publicly sourced to comply with Canadian privacy laws.

    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Learn

    Road to IELTS - Academic Module

    The Road to IELTS - Academic module provides an introduction, advice and tutorials, as well as interactive practices and simulated mock tests. These will help people prepare for the IELTS academic exam for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.   

    See the IELTS Academic syllabus for detailed information.

    The OPL also offers the IELTS General Training Module.

    The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language test for higher education and global migration. 

    There are two types of IELTS test: the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training.

    Both tests provide an assessment of four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

    The IELTS Academic measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment or professional registration. It reflects aspects of academic language and assesses whether you’re ready to begin studying or training.

    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Learn

    Road to IELTS - General Training Module

    The Road to IELTS- General Training module provides an introduction, advice and tutorial, as well as interactive practices and simulated mock tests. These will help people prepare General Training test for immigration, secondary education, work experience or training programs in English speaking countries.

    You can run the program on mobile as well as tablet, desktop and laptop. 

    See the IELTS General Training syllabus for detailed information.

    OPL also offers the Academic Module.

     

    The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language test for higher education and global migration purposes. 

    There are two types of IELTS test: the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

    Both tests provide an assessment of four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

    The IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.

    The IELTS is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. 

    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
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