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Libraries - Information Services
Libraries - Information Services
All seven branches of the Library Service offer customers a basic collection of reference books which can be used in the library.
The collection includes major works such as 'Whitakers Almanac'and the 'Times Atlas of the World' plus 'Which' reports and other general titles.Kingston, New Malden and Surbiton libraries have extended collections which include specialist dictionaries on a wide variety of topics, basic statistics for the UK and several titles on getting into further and higher education.
Kingston and Surbiton also offer university and college prospectuses plus study areas with tables and chairs. Newspapers and magazines are available .
All branches hold the planning applications for their own Neighbourhood.
There is a large reserve stock at Kingston comprising back runs of many directories and yearbooks including 'Whitaker's Almanac' back to 1900.This stock is kept in the basement and has to be asked for at the front desk.
Each branch also offers free access to several online services.These range from the Library Service's in-house Community Information database of local clubs and non-profit making organisations in and around the Borough, to several subscription services which again can be used by anyone free of charge in our branches and also at home on any computer with internet access by library members.
These online resources are a major resource for Kingston Libraries, vastly expanding the range of reference material available in even our smallest branches. You can find out what's available and how to access the services in the Online Reference Room. Customers can also use the What's in London's Libraries website which gives information on all public libraries and local authority museums in Greater London - where the buildings are,when they are open and what titles they stock.
Over the past few years, the growth of information available on the internet has mushroomed and it can now be difficult to hack your way through to a relevant site from the jungle of returns that any search throws up. Kingston Libraries have taken the pain out of the search by offering over 500 of the best web sites on a wide variety of topics free of charge via our Web Directory
The Information Service also provide fact sheets offering information on a range of popular topics.