Morningstar investing research available at Maricopa library

Pinal County’s Library District has added a new online investing research tool, Morningstar Library Edition, to its online reference collection.

Denise Keller, director of the library district, said Morningstar was selected because the research firm has earned a reputation as a reliable independent resource for information on mutual funds and the stock market.

“This is part of an ongoing effort to bring the libraries into your home. County residents never have to enter a library to get this valuable information. It is one of our many electronic databases and research tools available through our Web site,” Keller said.

People interested in stocks and funds now have access to valuable Morningstar data. This includes Morningstar analysts’ independent opinion on 1,900 stocks and 2,100 mutual funds. Morningstar Library Edition also offers accurate, up-to-date data on 30,000 stocks, funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Users can build and test portfolio ideas online and even print the results for later reference.

How does it work?
County residents with library cards can log into the Web site at www.co.pinal.az.us/library or through your local library’s home page. Look for the link saying Online Databases or just Databases. From there, enter your library card number and view Morningstar or any of the other databases. (Some libraries require a PIN for electronic access.)

What do I have to pay?
Nothing. It’s free. There are no fees to use the online databases through the Pinal County Library District Web site. All you need is a library card.

What else will I find on the databases page?
Pinal County Library District brings the library into your home or office with several great resources, including:
· America’s Newspapers/Newsbank – searchable archives of newspaper articles
· Gale’s General OneFile – searchable archives of magazine articles
· TumbleBooks – eBooks for kids including classic children’s literature
· Rosetta Stone Language Learning – learn to speak a foreign language with online help
· Reference USA – research businesses and individuals, great for job seekers, students or business owners
· Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest and archives of obituaries to help with genealogy
· World Almanac, Science Resource Center, Learn-A-Test, Grolier Online and more

How do I get a library card?
Visit any one of the libraries in the Pinal County Library District. Contact the location for information on ID requirements and then visit the library during regular hours.

The Maricopa library is located off the Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy. next to the Rotary community swimming pool. Its hours are:
Mondays, 9:00 – 4:30
Tuesdays, 9:00 – 5:00
Wednesdays, 11:00 – 7:00
Thursdays, 9:00 – 5:00
Fridays, 12:30 – 4:30
Saturdays, 10:00 – 2:00

For more information, call (520) 568-2926.

Photo by Joyce Hollis