Online reference

Accessing online reference material

We offer free online access for library members to the online resources below. If you are using a library computer you will have automatic access. If you access the site use your library card number to access the service.

• Ancestry Online website - is a family history website with access to census records, births, marriages and deaths records, and much more. You can access Ancestry Online at any of our libraries
• British Newspaper Archive website – access millions of historic local and national newspapers, dating from the 1700s to the 2000s. Using a library computer, you can set up an account using the 'Register' option, and can then login to search the database, view and save your results. From home, you can login and view your saved pages. (Note: you will have to use a library computer to carry out any further searches.
• Access to Research website - gives access to publicly-funded academic research, e-Journals, and conference papers. Available at Wokingham, Woodley, Lower Earley, Spencers Wood, Twyford, Wargrave and Finchampstead libraries. You must be at the library to use this website

Which? magazine

Which? magazine is the online version of the consumer magazine, with up-to-date product tests and reviews. Our subscription also allows access to Which? Local and Which? Trusted Traders, giving over 125,000 reviews for a range of local businesses. There's also an archive of all Which? magazine reports since January 2005. You can access Which Online at Wokingham, Woodley, Lower Earley, and Twyford libraries. Ask a member of staff if you want to use it.

Useful websites

Law

• British and Irish Legal Information website - information about case law and legislation
• InfoLaw website - a gateway to legal information on the web 
• Citizens Advice website - help and advice for a range of problems
• UK legislation website - official government website giving access to all UK legislation
• Ombudsman Association website - find the right Ombudsman to deal with your complaint
• Legal Aid website - how it works and who is eligible

Government

• Gov.uk website - official website for all government services
• UK Parliamentary website - information about Parliament and MPs
• Office of National Statistics website - official government statistics
• Find your MP on the UK Parliamentary website - biography, parliamentary activity and contact details
• Write to Them website - the easy way to write to your MP

Business

• Companies House website - information about existing companies
• Confederation of British Industry website - business organisation that campaigns on behalf of its’ members
• Trades Union Congress website - information about trade unions

Money

• Money Advice Service website - advice on a range of money issues
• Money and Pensions Service website - help with financial well-being and pensions
• Your Money website - information and advice on money issues
• Inland Revenue website - information about tax issues
• Tax self-assessment website - how to register for and file your tax return
• Benefits information on the Gov.uk website - information on a range of benefits

Health

• National Health Service website - local health services advice about common illnesses
• Patient website - how to live a healthy lifestyle
• Carers UK website - advice for anybody acting as a carer
• Age UK website - advice on keeping healthy for the elderly
• Disability rights UK website - advice on benefits and living independently    
• Care Home website - information and reviews for care homes nationwide
• Berkshire Care Homes Directory - online version of the directory
• Disability information on the Gov.uk website - official information on rights, benefits, equipment etc.    
• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) website - information and support for the blind and partially sighted   
• National Health Service (NHS) Mental health helplines on the NHS website - helplines and support groups covering a range of conditions
• Mind website - mental health charity offering information and support

Education and careers

• BBC Bitesize website - learning and revision resources for all levels
• Complete University Guide website - search for a course, find profiles and league tables of universities
• Uni Guide website - information and advice on exams, courses and universities
• Prospects website - advice on postgraduate courses and careers
• Student Loans website - government advice on student loans
• Apprenticeships website - advice on becoming an apprentice, or employing an apprentice

Home and family

• Driving Test website - information about the test and how to book it
• Driving Theory Test website - information about the test, including a practice test
• Highway Code website - online version of the Highway Code
• Life in the UK Test website - information on booking and sitting the test
• Life in the UK website practice tests website - practical info and lots of practice tests
• Read the childcare and parenting pages on the Gov.uk website - information on a range of subjects, including finance and childcare
• Read the marriage, civil partnership and divorce pages on the Gov.uk website - official information on a range of subjects
• Read the 'what to do when someone dies' page on the Gov.uk website - a step-by-step guide

Organisations

• Charity Choice website - details of charities, searchable by name or sector
• Charity Commission website - details of charities, including detailed financial information
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations website - information and support for voluntary organisations. Includes a list of members
• Voluntary Service Overseas website - information on volunteering overseas

Information resources

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook website - large amount of information on every country
• Britannica website - cut-down free version of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Telephone directory

• Yellow Pages website - online yellow pages - find contact details for businesses in a particular area