Online Reference Room
Online Reference Room Resources
The Library Service subscribes to many online information resources which are available in all our branches free of charge. Library members can also use most of them from any computer anywhere which has internet access, so long as they have their PIN number. To obtain your PIN please phone 020 8547 5006. You will be asked toconfirm your borrower number, name and full address including postcode.
See the links at the bottom of this page for a list of the online resources available.
How to access the online resources
From a library computer simply follow the links below or click on My Account and visit the Digital Library page on Arena.
*NEW* To access all 3 Britannica editions from home you should click on the links below and then enter your full 11 character membership number including the "KTP" prefix (for example as KTPnnnnnnnx). You do not need to log in to the Library Catalogue first and you do not need your PIN.
NewsUK is only available within Kingston Library branches.
Some home personal firewall software may block access to these links. Unfortunately as firewall software configuration varies, we cannot offer advice on configuring your firewall software.
Related External Links:
- My Account log-in to your library account to access the resources from outside a library. Do not forget the KTP.
- Search for a Book, CD or DVD. Use Extended search to limit your search to just Kingston or by item type.
- Ancestry UK Public Library Edition is now available in all branches of Kingston Public Libraries and also at the Local History Room, North Kingston Centre. Ancestry UK is not available from home computers.
- BFI Screen Online Archive is now available in all library branches.
- Britannica Online for adults search four of Britannica's encyclopaedias including the most up to date multi volume set (Use 11 character borrower number outside a library)
- Britannica online for students 12 - 18 specifically for students (Use 11 character borrower number) outside a library
- Britannica online for Juniors 5 - 11 - tailored for juniors (Use 11 character borrower number outside a library)
- Driving "Theory Test Pro" If you are learning to drive a car or a bike, Theory Test Pro is a highly realistic online simlulation of the UK's driving theory test. It contains the entire official test question bank, hazard perception video clips and an online version of the Highway Code
- Go Citizen is an online study resources for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK or British Citizenship test.
- Oxford Music Online - this up-to-date major encyclopaedia offers information on music and musicians through the ages. From home you need to first login to Oxford with your library card omitting your KTP number.
- Oxford Art Online (formerly Grove Art Online) - find information on artists and art movements world wide from prehistory to the present day
- Credo Reference (formerly xreferplus) - search a selection of major reference books on topics ranging from art and fashion to maths and technology
- KnowUK offers full access to over 100 major directories including 'Whitaker's Almanac' and 'Who's Who'. This is not currently available outside the library
- UK Newstand- formerly News UK. Find the full text of articles from a wide range of national and local UK newspapers (currently not available outside the library)
- Newsplan London and South East - Find archives of local newspapers for all over London and the South East. This site appears to no longer be accesible.
- Newsplan West Midlands - Find archives of local newspapers for the West Midlands. There may be a problem with accessing this site from home.
- Oxford Reference Online Find information in over 100 of Oxford's dictionaries and companions via one cross-searchable database. There has recently been a few problems with accessing Oxford material from home. If you have problems with Oxford at home it may be worth clearing your cache.
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
- Oxford English Dictionary The major English language dictionary is being fully revised and updated
- Oxford Dictionaries Pro OUP’s innovative current English language resource.
Kompass for the UK. - The business search engine. Find contact details for companies. To access Kompass UK it depends on your location.
•Kompass for the UK (from within one of Kingston’s Libraries)
•Kompass for the UK (from other locations)