Online Reference Resources

Online Reference Resources - to use the resources within the Barnsley Library Network and how to access them from a home PC or other location. 

The resources are provided by the Library Service for the local community.  We hope that you find the information you require.  Should you be contacted by MORI for the Active People Survey we hope that you'll say 'Yes, I've used the Library'.

To access the following resources from a computer linked to the Barnsley Library Network please click on the relevant link.  To access the majority of resources from a home PC or other location please click on the link and follow the instructions given for remote access.  All resources accessed remotely require the use of a library barcode.  When you are typing your barcode, leave out any spaces between numbers.  Please note that the Ancestry website and Life in Great Britain may only be accessed from a library PC.

Ancestry The most widely used family history website in the world with over 7 billion searchable names.  It includes the census records for England, Wales and Scotland from 1841 to 1901, as well as the Birth, Marriage and Death records for England and Wales from 1837-2005.  Other resources include British telephone directories dating back to 1880 and a whole host of military records.

Credo Reference (formerly XRefer) provides online 24 hour access to traditional reference information.  It contains dictionaries, encyclopaedias and other reference sources covering every major subject, from science to Shakespeare and publications such as Who's Who, Debrett's and the Bridgeman Art Library.  Credo also provides images, sound files, animations, maps and tables. 

Remote access:- Ignore the boxes labelled Username and Password. Type your membership number in the box labelled Library Card Login.  Click on Login.  This will take you to the Search page.

Encyclopaedia Britannica is a newly acquired online reference resource for users of the Library Service and can be accessed by using the following links.  Customised for students and general use, it contains articles, a world atlas, dictionary, thesaurus and thousands of images and videos.
Britannica Junior Specifically designed for primary school students (age group 5 to 11)
Britannica Student Specifically designed for middle/secondary school and college students (age group 12 to 18)
Encyclopaedia Britannica Is for all users aged 18 and upwards.

Remote access:- Barnsley Library members are now able to access the different versions of Encyclopaedia Britannica from their home PC by typing in their library barcode in the box provided from the links above.

Know UK (use this link within the library network) is a useful reference tool that includes publications such as the Welfare Benefits Guide, Good Food Guide, UK Course Discover, the Voluntary Agencies Directory and many more.  It can help you to find the right university course and funding, help with your homework, find a solicitor or plan a UK trip.

Remote access:- on the left hand side of the page is a box labelled Public Library Users; enter your library barcode here.  Type your barcode in the box, click on Login, and you will be taken to the Search page.  KnowUK (use this link from your home PC)

Life in Great Britain is a British Citizenship self learn course with mock tests which can be used free on computers within the Barnsley Library network and can now be accessed on any internet connected PC by entering your library barcode when requested.  The new on-line training resource covers all the knowledge needed to successfully complete the 'Life in the UK' test as required by the Home Office, as well as providing detailed information about a number of everyday subjects such as Council Tax, gas and electricity suppliers, schools and how to get a job.  The new on-line programme gives people the opportunity to undertake revision sessions and practice tests before undertaking the national test at their chosen test centre. 

 News UK (use this link within the library network) provides up-to-date access to all the most popular British newspapers and most are backdated to the 1990s.  Includes many regional newspapers such as the Hull Daily Mail and the Liverpool Echo and magazines such as Computer Weekly and The Grocer.  Also provides background reading and information on many topics with links to recent headlines and sites on the web about many topics eg homelessness, bereavement, transport and health eating. 

Remote access:- on the right hand side of the page is a box labelled Public Library Users; enter your library barcode here.  Type your barcode in the box and click on Login.  Please select Barnsley Libraries from the drop down menu, and click on Submit.  This will take you to the Search page.  NewsUK (use this link from your home PC)

 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is an illustrated collection of thousands of specially written biographies of the men and women around the world who shaped the history of Britain

Remote access:- Click on Subscribers enter here (top right).  On the next page ignore the boxes labelled User Name and password.  Type your library card number in the box labelled Library Card Login, and click on Go.  This will take you to the Quick Search screen.

 Oxford Music Online provides access to the resources of Oxford's music reference in one location.  Featuring Colin Larkin's Encyclopedia of Popular Music - a reference work devoted exclusively to popular music.  The encyclopedia is the authoritative biographical encyclopedia of rock, pop and jazz artists, covering popular music from 1900 to the present.  Also includes access to information previously contained in Grove Music. 

Remote access:- On the home page click in the box headed Library barcode login (this is the section beneath Subscriber Login).  Now type in your library card number, and click on LOGIN.  This will take you to the Welcome Screen.

 Oxford Art Online is a reference dictionary of art and artists, previously titled Grove Art Online.  Includes thousands of pictures - some famous and some obscure, together with an explanation of many art terms.

Remote access:- Exactly the same as instructions for Oxford Music Online

 Oxford English Dictionary (Please note that at the moment a valid Barnsley Library Membership Card number must be entered to gain access to this resource from within the Library network).  This work is a historical dictionary of English, covering the language from the earliest times to the present day.  It aims to show not only the current meanings of words, but also traces their development through time.

Remote access:- On the Library Card Sign in page, type your membership number in the box labelled Library Card Number and click on Sign in.  This will take you to the Welcome Page.

 Oxford Reference Online provides access to English and bilingual dictionaries of French, German, Spanish and Italian with links to key events in 20th century history.  Includes images, many of which are in colour, and links to relevant websites.

Remote access:-  Ignore the boxes labelled Username and Password.  Type your library card number in the box Library Card Number (middle right).  Click on Login.  This will lead to the Quick Search page.

STILL CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU WANT?  Use the ENQUIRE Service.  Librarians will help you find the information you need using this 24 hour, 7 days a week on-line enquiry service. 
Important Notice
This is a national and international service staffed by librarians in both the United Kingdom and the United States.  If your enquiry relates to Barnsley Public Library or local information, contact Barnsley Central Library direct on 01226 773933/34.  Alternatively call in, write or e-mail to:-
Barnsley Central Library (Enquiries)
Shambles Street
Barnsley
S70 2 JF
BarnsleyLibraryEnquiries