The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Digital Library: Online Resources for Academic Research

Academic research today isn't nearly as dangerous as it used to be. Now, you can almost completely avoid research-based injuries, like paper cuts and strained muscles from lifting those dense reference books.

These days, your computer or mobile device gives you easy online access anywhere in the world, anytime your curiosity strikes. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation digital library has valuable and easy-to-use databases to help military service members and their families meet their research needs:

Research resources

• Academic Search Elite provides you with full-text databases for your research.
• CultureGrams makes you feel like you are there as you research cultural information from more than 200 countries.
• GreenFILE lets you dive into topics like global warming and other environmental issues.
• HeritageQuest Online helps you fill in your family tree with original Federal Census documents, family history books, articles and more.
• Explora provides a fun and easy kid-friendly database that makes annual research projects a snap.
• Military and Government Collection allows you to skip the stuff that doesn't apply to you when you need answers to military-specific questions.
• Morningstar Investment Research Center gives you reliable information about mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds and market returns.
• National Geographic gives you the skinny on science, nature or social studies-related events.
• NewsBank Publications houses electronic editions of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Federal Times.
• Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center covers today's hottest social issues with its multimedia database to help you get in the know.
• Peterson's Department of Defense Morale, Welfare and Recreation Education Resource Center lets you practice for the SIFT, CLEP, ASVAB and more.
• Peterson's Online Academic Skills Course helps you enhance your math and verbal skills to enrich your education, pass a test or stand out on the job.
• Safari Books lets you search reference books or watch instructional videos on a variety of topics.
• Small Engine Repair Reference Center helps you complete those do-it-yourself maintenance projects using reference guides, photos and illustrations.
• Student Resources in Context provides your middle or high school students with all the core subject research information they need to meet national curriculum standards.
• Teacher Reference Center lets you dig up education standards, best practices and curriculum development to enhance your education or teaching career.

The Department of Defense Morale, Welfare and Recreation online resources are available for free to service members and their families. So, unless you're already out and about on your installation or you're just feeling nostalgic, the next time you're thirsty for knowledge you can skip the trip to the library and take advantage of your digital library resources.