Subscription Databases and E-books

• ABC-CLIO American Government
  This resource provides access to information about current events with themes of American politics and public policy at all levels -- from grassroots activism to the White House. It also includes daily news reports on issues affecting state and federal governments.
• Federal Grants and Loans Directory
  An invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies, universities, colleges, libraries, municipalities, non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals alike, The American Grants and Loans database provides information on subsidies, grants, loans, joint ventures, or any funding program offered by the United States government or private corporations. Each entry includes contact information, a description of each grant, loan or program, and links to relevant websites.
• Military & Government Collection
  Designed to offer current news pertaining to all branches of the military and government, this database offers a collection of periodicals, academic journals and other content including full text for nearly 300 journals and periodicals. The database also offers indexing and abstracts for more than 400 journals. Many full text titles are available in native (searchable) PDF, or scanned-in-color.
• Rand California
  An extensive database on California, ranging from the economy to crime rates to school test scores. This database also provides an online index of public policy reports and research publications.

Websites Selected by Librarians

• GovSpot
  A user-friendly, topical portal to government information.
  
  

International

• The World Factbook
  From the Central Intelligence Agency, maps and information on countries around the world. Also from the CIA, World Leaders provides a listing of heads of state and cabinet members of foreign governments.
  
• Karen's Reference Notebook - Country Information
  List of selected sites on the web providing information on countries worldwide.
  
• Political Resources on the Net
  International directory of links to political parties, organizations, governments, and media.
  
• Embassy World
  Worldwide directory of embassies, consulates, and U.N. missions.
  
• United Nations
  Information on the U.N. and its international agencies.
  

Federal

• USAGov
  The official portal to government information and services, including a link to GovBenefits a guide to available federal, state, and local benefits and assistance programs.
  
• GPO Access
  The Government Printing Office offers this site for accessing many online federal databases such as the Core Documents of U.S. Democracy (major documents of the United States from 1776 to the present) and the United States Government Manual (information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches).
  
• Forms.gov
  Provides forms for the 500 government services mostly used by the public.
  
• United States Copyright Office
  Information, publications, records, forms, and related information regarding copyrights.
  
• United States Postal Service
  Offers zip-code look-up, stamps online, rate calculator, change of address, and other postal services and information.

State

• State and Local Governments on the Net
  Provides quick access to the home pages of each state. This site also links to national, multi-state, and other organizations related to state government.
  
• State of California
  Information on California, including history, travel, business, government, legislature, and state agencies.
  
• Department of Motor Vehicles
  This site presents information on vehicle registration, driver licenses, identification cards, and publications including the California Driver Handbook.
  
• Unclaimed Property Information
  The California State Controller's Office provides access the searchable database of the California Unclaimed Property Bulletin Board. It also has information on related laws, publications, and forms.
  
  

Local

• Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  The home page of this regional planning agency owned and operated by the cities and counties of the San Francisco Bay Area includes information on demographics, economy, current issues, the environment, and earthquakes.
  
• County of Santa Clara
  A searchable home page on Santa Clara County government including the County Executive's office, the Board of Supervisors, and various county agencies.