Virtual Reference Library
Members of Cheshire Libraries can use this Virtual Reference Library from any computer in the world with Internet access. Have your membership number to hand when you wish to consult the resources below, which have been subscribed to by Cheshire Libraries on your behalf.
If you are not a member, join online via the library catalogue - Membership is free!
Please use the links and images below to access the resource and enter your library card number where prompted.
Ancestry Library Edition Available only in libraries
Britannica Online Library Edition - for ages 18+
Britannica Junior - for ages 5 - 11
Britannica Student - for ages 12 - 18
Online access to the complete British Standards. Available only in libraries
100 ready reference titles from Credo including dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and biographical information.
Enquire: the free People's Network live enquiry service where you can ask a librarian your question at any time of the day or night.
Note: this is a national service. If you have a question about Cheshire libraries, please contact your local library.
- an information network throughout the European Union.
Library card not needed to access this resource.
European Sources Online information database covering all aspects of the European Union. Available only in libraries
Search the Infotrac newspaper, journal and magazine archive.
Note: Access not available to members who have joined online via the library catalogue. Visit your local library to upgrade your membership to access this site.
Issues covers a wide range of topics on contemporary social issues.
Kompass offers worldwide company and product information.
Oxford Art Online is an integrated online dictionary of art and artists.
Enter CHES followed by your library card number when prompted.
56,000 scholarly biographies from 2,400 years of British history in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Enter CHES followed by your library card number when prompted.
The full text of the multi-volume Oxford English Dictionary.
Enter CHES followed by your library card number (using uppercase letters) when prompted.
Oxford Music Online is an integrated online dictionary of music and musicians.
Enter CHES followed by your library card number when prompted.
Over 100 authoritative titles from Oxford University Press's premium reference service.
Enter CHES followed by your library card number when prompted.
This site offers The Times Digital Archive: the full text and digital scans of The Times from 1785 to 1985.
Note: Access not available to members who have joined online via the library catalogue. Visit your local library to upgrade your membership to access this site.
Useful Information Sites Links to free online resources, selected for you by our Reference and Information Specialsts
Online edition of Which? magazine. Available only in libraries
Who's Who and Who Was Who. Enter CHES followed by your library card number when prompted.