Reference Resources

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The Dougherty County Public Library’s Ready Reference section is composed of information frequently requested by researchers and is updated as needed.
Reference Resources
Miscellaneous

Anywho, good resource for looking up phone numbers.

Embassy.org a resource of and for the Washington D.C. foreign embassy community

Internet Public Libraries Online Reference Resource 

CIA World Factbook (Great Country Information)

Georgia 2019-20 Driver Manual: Learn how to drive and pass the driving test from the GA Dept of Driver Services.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: a great resource for career guidance

Career One Stop : a great resource for career guidance sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor

GACE Study Materials: Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators’ free study official materials. There is also free full length practice tests.

Consumer Reports: Presents articles on health, public safety, marketplace economics and the judicial & regulatory actions that affect consumers.

Credit Report Information

Accessing credit scores and reports may be confusing and frustrating for some consumers. And understanding credit scores and how to improve them can also be challenging. Until recently, consumers couldn’t easily access their credit scores and often had to pay to get them. But over the last few years, many credit card issuers and other companies have begun to offer free credit scores to their customers. The CFPB has information on ways to access credit scores and reports, along with tools and resources to help your patrons understand and improve their credit profile.

1. Where to find free access to a credit score
We released a list of companies that told us they offer their existing credit card customers free access to one of their credit scores. This list also includes information on other ways to get credit scores for free. You can access this list here.

2. Credit reports and scores web portal
Our new portal helps your patrons find information and learn about credit scores and reports while providing links to additional resources. It includes sections on the difference between credit scores and credit reports, what to look for and how to dispute errors on credit reports, and tips for building and keeping a good credit score. You can access the portal here.

3. Other resources on credit reports and scores
We have additional tools on credit reports and scores that you can share with your patrons:
Understand your credit score: An overview of credit scores and tips on how to build and improve credit scores. You can access the guide here.
How to rebuild your credit: Steps and tips on how to rebuild credit. You can access the guide here.
Sample letter to dispute information on a credit report: Letters and instructions to help consumers dispute errors on their credit report here.
My credit report rules to live by: Help your client create their own credit rules to live by that fit their financial situation. You can download the worksheet here.

Writing, Reference, & More
Find a Good Read

NoveList Plus: (Helps you decide what to read next, and find similar titles by series, author or series for adults)

NoveList K-8 Plus: (Helps you decide what to read next, and find similar titles by series, author or series for readers in grades K-8)

What’s Next in a Series: (Helps you search series fiction)

What Should I Read Next?: (Book recommendations from readers like you)

WhichBook?: (A new way of choosing what books to read next)

Fantastic Fiction: (Helps you choose a good read and learn more about an author)

Genrefluent: (Helps readers find the books they love)

Georgia Resources
Tax Forms and Information
Voter Information
Georgia Gun Laws
Legal Reference Cheat Sheet

Georgia State Bar Association, www.gabar.org, member directory and other information.

Georgia Free Legal Answers, https://georgia.freelegalanswers.org, qualified individuals can get a specific legal question answered by a volunteer attorney.

LawHelp, www.lawhelp.org, basic legal information and forms for all 50 states.

Legal Aid Georgia, www.georgialegalaid.org, basic Georgia legal information and court forms.

Legal Information Institute, www.law.cornell.edu, free access to primary law sources worldwide.

Martindale, www.martindale.com, online directory for finding a lawyer.

Literacy Rates
Federal School Codes
Sports
Service for the blind and handicapped
Mystery Genres

Christian Mysteries
Christian mysteries feature all the who-done-it appeal of ‘mainstream’ mysteries. A Christian worldview suffuses the plot, and the protagonist’s relationship with God influences their actions and helps them to solve the case.

Classic Mysteries
Edgar Allan Poe invented the “detective mystery” in the 1840s, with “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Ever-popular, mysteries now range from cozy to hard-boiled — discover a new favorite among these Classic Mysteries.

Crafty Crimes
Keep up with clever crafters as they quilt, sew, garden and stamp their way to the solution of these cozy mysteries.

Fatally Funny
Readers who like their mysteries with plenty of laughs, will find these books have just the right blend of “who-done-it” and “laugh-out-loud.”

Gumshoes and Flatfoots
Gumshoe, flatfoot, snooper and eye: All of these are slang for Private Investigator, the person you hire to crack the case. A staple of mystery fiction, the P.I. is often an ex-cop or ex-military. You got the money? He’s got the time.

Not Just for Teens: Mysteries
These teen mysteries are more than suspenseful enough for adult readers to enjoy too. Fast-paced plot twists (and perhaps a supernatural shiver or two?) keep those pages flying!

Paranormal Mysteries
Paranormal mysteries feature a tantalizing mystery plot, laced with elements of fantasy and the supernatural. Magical creatures, ghostly interventions, and more await those who sleuth here!

Police Procedures
No amateur detectives here! These sleuths are law enforcement pros, subject to the rules and procedures of their force. Forensics colleagues, medical examiners, and legal officials may also pitch in to help them crack the case.

Author Read-a-likes

Do you enjoy James Patterson Author Read-alikes
John Sandford, Greg Iles, Ridley Pearson, Jeff Deaver, and Joseph Garber.

Do you enjoy Robert B. Parker Author Read-alikes
Raymond Chandler, Stephen Cannell, Robert Crais, Steven Brust, and Loren Estleman.

Do you enjoy David Baldacci Author Read-alikes
James Grippando, Stephen Cannell, John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Kyle Mills.

Do you enjoy John Grisham Author Read-alikes
Scott Turow, Steve Martini, Lisa Scottoline, Brad Meltzer, David Baldacci, and Stuart Woods.

Do you enjoy Stuart Woods Author Read-alikes
Lawrence Sanders, Jeffrey Archer, Sidney Sheldon, Stephen Cannell, and James Patterson.

Do you enjoy Zane Author Read-alikes
Mary B. Morrison, Brenda Jackson, Noire, Rochelle Alers, Donna Hill, and Eric Jerome Dickey.

Do you enjoy Omar Tyree Author Read-alikes
Donald Goines, Nelson George, E. Lynn Harris, and Travis Hunter.

Do you enjoy John Sandford Author Read-alikes
Michael Connelly, Jeffery Deaver, David L. Lindsey, and John Dunning.

Do you enjoy Nicholas Sparks Author Read-alikes
Emily Grayson, James Michael Pratt, Richard Paul Evans, Lynne Hinton, and K. C. McKinnon.

Do you enjoy Danielle Steel Author Read-alikes
Barbara Deminsky, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Fern Michaels, and Nicholas Sparks.

Do you enjoy Francine Rivers Author Read-alikes
Angela Elwell Hunt, Ellen Gunderson Traylor, Beverly Lewis, and Taylor Caldwell.

Do you enjoy Nora Roberts Author Read-alikes
Suzanne Brockmann, JoAnn Ross, Anne Stuart, Christine Feehan, and Jayne Ann Krentz.

Do you enjoy Fern Michaels Author Read-alikes
Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Dannielle Steel, and Luanne Rice.