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Information in your library

Online Reference Library

Our Online Reference Library provides access to a whole range of information websites, free to you because Leicestershire Library Services subscribes to them.

Quick Reference

All major libraries in Leicestershire hold a good selection of a very wide range of frequently consulted sources such as foreign language dictionaries, biographical works, quotations dictionaries, atlases and gazetteers, sport reference works and travel guides.  
Quick online reference titles accesible in the library or from home. To use it from home you will need a valid library card number.
Church of England Year Book Oxford Dictionary of English
Crockfords Clerical Directory Whitaker's Almanack
Educational Grants Directory    Who's Who 2008
Financial Times World Desk Reference           Willings Press Guide
Good Schools Guide and Directory World Encyclopedia
Hutchinson Almanac Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
Municipal Year Book UK Advice Finder
Major libraries:
Coalville Library                    Melton Library              Loughborough Library                Market Harborough Library           
Melton Library                       Oadby Library               Wigston Library

Computers & Online Activities

        myguide logo
www.myguide.gov.uk - is one of the main website used by all the UK online centres providing FREE online training to learn about computers by offering you a range of courses. Subject range from how to use a keyboard and mouse to how to keep safe online, use government e-services, begin social networking, get to grips with digital TV and digital photography, and even online job-hunting and banking.
Use above link to start using the myguide website but you will need to register first. It's FREE and if you need help then ask a member of library staff.

Consumer Information

All our libraries hold a current edition of Which? magazine for reference use in the library. Please ask a member of library staff if you want to use Which? Online to access current and back copies of Which? reports on the Internet.
Please note that we have a limited subscribtion to Which Online and therefore you may not be able to view all the Which reports.

Enquire - ask a question 24/7 service               Enquire image ask a question

If you want to chat online to a librarian straightaway, you can send your question to Enquire the national online enquiry service. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It works like an instant messaging or chat room technology, allowing you to put questions to trained staff who can help you, just as they would if you were talking to them face-to-face or on the phone.
A 24/7 professional service managed by librarians form public libraries in the UK and North America - ask any question at anytime of the day - logon to Enquire.

Health - NHS Choices                                          NHS choices logo

Leicestershire Library Services has teamed up with Leicestershire PCT team to provide you with help and assistance if you decide to choose a hosiptal to have your treatment.
Please note that this service is only available in our Major libraries as listed below. If you need help then ask a member of library staff.
Coalville Library                    Hinckley Library              Loughborough Library                Market Harborough Library           
Melton Library                       Oadby Library               Wigston Library
For more information about this service visit the NHS Choices website or read this PDF document about choosing your hospital.

Internet Links

The Internet Links Gateway is a quick and easy way to find useful websites organised by subject categories.

Learning About


Legal Information

You can access following online reference titles on Legal Information either in the library or from home:
If you require free legal advice regarding family law then visit our Community Legal Service webpage.
Use our Community Information Service (Infolinx) if you are looking for a local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Local Information

Find out local community information at www.infolinx.org
  • local groups, clubs and societies
  • tutors or local speakers
  • jobs in local government
  • events and places to visit
  • local facts and statistics
  • contact details of elected representatives – Councillors, MPs, MEPs etc
  • Citizens Advice Bureau.
  • local doctors and dentists lists
  • local schools & colleges and schools Ofsted reports plus much more.

Maps and Travel Information

  • OS Mapping Service
  • holiday & travel guides
  • local bus timetables
  • hotel & accommodation guides
  • foreign language guides.
You can also use our online reference library to access popular UK travel guides by accessing KnowUK Online service.

Ordnance Survey Mapping Service for planning applications

Image of colour Ordnance Survet site maps       

Do you require an Ordnance Survey map for a planning application?

You can now purchase a large-scale site centred Ordnance Survey maps suitable for
Planning Applications Conveyancing
Presentations and Reports Insurance Claims
Home Referencing Property Location Plans
For more information about this service visit our OS Mapping Service webpage.

Work & Learning


Visit our major libraries in Leicestershire to consult books on following subjects:
Education: General Information, Which School, Adult Education, Further and Higher Education, Money to Study, Education Abroad and many others
Careers: General Information, Jobsearch Skills, Careers 16 - 18, Training Opportunities, Vacation Employment, Working Abroad, Working for Yourself, Changing your Career and Voluntary Work.
Other information that may help you
  • Adult Learning Services : website link if you are looking for local adult education classes to attend.
  • Infolinx: website link to Community Information Service if you are looking for a local schools, WEA groups, jobs within local councils etc.
  • Inspire web page: information about accessing collections held in other public libraries, higher education or specialist libraries in the UK. This is a free service.
  • Jobs4U Careers Database: website link offering information on occupations and job case studies for young people.
  • Connexions Direct: website link to information and advice for young people
Online reference titles: Primary and Secondary  Education
Primary Education Problems with Schooling
Choosing a School for Your Child Good Schools Guide and Directory
Home Tutoring Nursery and Pre-school Education
Who's Who in Education Schools' Who's Who
School Examinations and Special Needs Education        Gabbitas Guide to Schools for Special Needs
Testing in the UK Secondary Education Overview: UK Education System
Online reference titles: Further and Higher Education
Post-16 Choices A Guide to UK Qualifications
Adult Returnees to Higher Education British Qualifications
Choosing a University Education Benefits You May Be Entitled To
Educational Grants Directory Funding for Higher Education
Life-long Learning and Online Learning        Part-time Studying Options
Studying Abroad Studying at University    
Vocational Education  
Online reference titles: Courses & Careers
How To Find Careers Advice Choosing a University Course
Search Courses and Careers UK Course Discover
UK Courses:Universities and Further Education Colleges           

further information

Last Updated:
27 April 2009
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