How to Use the New York Public Library Website

The New York Public Library has one of the most comprehensive research sites available on the web. Their digital library alone carries over 275,000 images. You can also find collections that cover topics in culture, history, arts and literature. The website is available for anyone to browse.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start at the main page of the New York Public Library website. This is the simplest way to start using the site. Otherwise, type in the direct link in your address bar to the section of the site that you plan to use.

2. Find the section that you wish to explore. The main sections of the site include "Find Books and Do Research," "Libraries," "Digital Libraries" and "News." Under each heading, you'll find sub-headings that can be used to navigate through the website.

3. Use the library's digital gallery feature. The images are copied from primary sources and many are rare finds that can't be located anywhere else. Popular images include early photographs of Manhattan and photographs of famed sports legends.

4. Download full books and movies from the New York Public Library. The eNYPL section of the site permits download of full texts. You can also find audio books, movies played through Windows and musical selections for download.

5. Search the archives of the library. The archives of the New York Public Library's website include familial records, unpublished works and business documents. You simply need to put in a keyword to search the full text of the papers located in the archives.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to get a New York Public Library card to use the download feature on the website. Depending on residency, there may be certain fees required.
• If you wish to get a New York Public Library card, you can download the form from the website and mail it to the address provided.

Resources

• The New York Public Library has numerous useful resources and collections online.