- Online Reference Library
- Browse the OnRL
- FAQs
- Disclaimer
- 17th-18th Century Burney Collection
- 19th Century British Library Newspapers
- 19th Century British Pamphlets*
- Ancestry Institution - Libraries Only*
- Ask About Business
- Britannica Online
- Britannica Online - Junior (5-11)
- Britannica Online - Student (12-18)
- British Standards - Inside Libraries
- British Standards - Outside Libraries
- Cobra Business Adviser
- Community Legal Advice
- Dictionary of National Biography
- GoCitizen.co.uk
- Grove Art/Oxford Art Online
- Grove Music/Oxford Music Online
- Issues Online
- Kompass - Inside Libraries
- Kompass - Outside Libraries
- Lancashire Lantern
- Lancashire Lantern - WiCI - Community Information
- Literati by Credo
- NewsBank - UK Papers
- Oxford English Dictionary - Inside Libraries
- Oxford English Dictionary - Outside Libraries
- Oxford Reference Online
- Printed Ephemera 18th to early 20th Century
- Theory Test Pro
- Times Digital Archive
- Who else writes like?
- Who's Who and Who Was Who
Online Reference Library (OnRL)
Our Online Reference Library is a selection of 100s of websites chosen, organised and maintained by library professionals to answer your questions. Resources marked with * can only be accessed within a Lancashire Library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Online Reference Library?
The Online Reference Library (OnRL) is Lancashire’s Gateway to Information. It is contains our Premier Choice subscription sites and the Website Gateway. Premier Choice sites include well known resources such as Oxford English Dictionary, Grove Music , Encyclopaedia Britannica, Kompass and Who's Who, as well as the full text national newspaper site NewsBank. Lancashire County Council has paid for the subscription so you don't have to and we give you 24 hour access from any internet connection. The Website Gateway consists of links to 100's of sites chosen, organised and described by professional librarians that you can either search directly or by browse through category headings.
Where can I use the Online Reference Library?
The OnRL can be accessed at www.lancashire.gov.uk/onrl from any internet connection. Members of Lancashire Library can use the Premier Choice resources at any of the People’s Network terminals in Lancashire Libraries. Most can also be used from any internet PC by logging in with your Membership number (that's the 14 digit barcode on your library card). Please note that those websites marked with an asterisk * - such as Ancestry’s Library Edition - can only be used within Lancashire Libraries.
Who can use the Online Reference Library?
Anyone! Most of the category websites on the OnRL can be used from any internet PC anytime, but to use the Premier Choice sites you need to be a Lancashire Library member.
How have the sites been selected?
The Premier Choice sites are primarily online versions of classic reference works, previously found only in the largest Lancashire Libraries, providing trusted information and increased functionality. Most are available for your use 24/7 from any internet PC. Similarly all the other Web Sites, which are predominantly free access sites, have been checked and validated by members of library staff and cover a wide range of subjects. All of the sites have been selected to provide a range of quality, reliable and relevant subject information.
Are there any copyright restrictions applicable to the premium sources and other websites?
Often websites will have some notification on them about what you may or may not do with the information. Generally speaking you will be allowed to make single copies of extracts from the subscription-based copies. These copies may be saved or emailed to yourself or a friend for personal use. It won’t be permissible to make multiple copies of extracts or use any copies for commercial purposes. Some of these sites may have a link to a legal notices or similar page which should give you more information about any such restrictions.
Are there any sources that provide business information?
British Standards Online allows people to view full copies of all British Standards. This is available in all libraries and is also available outside library premises by logging on with the barcode number from a Lancashire Library membership card. Similarly Kompass online provides a global database of 2.2 million industrial and commercial companies in 70 countries, searchable by product, trade name, executive names, location and turnover. Lancashire Profiles has 1,000's of pages relating to the social and economic wellbeing of Lancashire, including Area Profiles and a breakdown of Industry sectors in Lancashire. In addition the Business and Finance category provides links to many recommended sites providing business directories in particular fields and business advice.
Are there any sources which can help me trace my family tree?
Ancestry’s Library Edition provides access to a whole range of Family History information including Census Records for England and Wales from 1841-1901 and Birth, Death & Marriage information. This source is only available in libraries. The History & Heritage category also provides links to many other recommended sites for Family History Information. Some of these sites may require registration, subscription or the purchase of credits such as the 1911 Census.co.uk.
Can I recommend a website for inclusion?
Yes, you can e-mail onrl@lancashire.gov.uk with your recommendations or any other suggestions about the OnRL.
Can the Premier Choice sites be used in schools?
They can be accessed from any internet PC but they should only be used as sources of information for individual library members and should not be used as teaching resources.
How can I become a member of Lancashire Library?
It's free to join at any Lancashire Library or join now online.