FORSYTH COUNTY -- Local students will soon be able to research through time and supplement their history homework, thanks to a new set of databases at the Forsyth County Public Library.

History Research Center is a network of information provided by Infobase Learning, and it’s launching Wednesday. Set up as an eLibrary resource, it can be accessed from a library computer or from any location by logging on to the library website at forsythpl.org.

Once logged in, students can select “eResources” from the homepage and click “History.”

The service is free, and a library card is not required to gain access while visiting one of the county’s four library branches. Anyone using the online resource outside of the library needs a library card and PIN.

“History Research Center will help middle school, high school and college-level students locate articles, images, primary source documents, biographies, videos and maps to complete research papers, projects and homework assignments,” said Linda Kelly, assistant director for materials for the library system.

Five databases are included in the platform. They can be searched individually or cross-searched together.

The Ancient and Medieval History database provides a survey of prehistoric times through the 1500s. Special topic centers on key regions and civilizations are also provided.

The Modern World History database covers the broad expanse of world history from the mid-15th century to now, including in-depth biographical references for key leaders, scientists, artists and other historical figures.

A database on American History delivers more than 500 years of cultural, political, social and military history. It also offers support for local curriculum objectives with increased coverage for women’s history and government in the United Sates.

An African-American History database is a comprehensive examination of the African-American experience in the U.S., including thousands of cross-referenced articles and images.

The fifth database details American Indian History and helps students explore 15,000 years of Native American history and culture, along with records related to 600 distinct Native American groups.

“We selected History Research Center for the eResources collection because it offers so many tools that are relevant to our students, to their teachers and to the historical curriculum studied from middle school to college in our area,” Kelly said.

The platforms offers information both students and teachers can use, including study guides for specific historical events or subjects, timelines to help students understand the contact and order of historical events and tools to create citations for writing research papers.

Kelly said teachers might also be interested in the slideshow overview feature “to give students a visual introduction to the material they’re about to cover in class.”