FAQs

Who can use the Online Reference Library?

Anyone! The Online Reference Library is Lancashire’s Gateway to Information. It is partly made up of premium content subscription sites paid for by Lancashire County Council. Members of Lancashire Library can use most of these from any internet PC by logging in with their Membership number (14 digit barcode). They can also be used at any of the People’s Network terminals in Lancashire Libraries. Please note that Ancestry’s Library Edition can only be used within Lancashire Libraries. We also act as a gateway to many other sites by classifying them under category headings and making them searchable by keyword through the Web Sites Gateway.

Where can I use the Online Reference Library?

Most of the resources on the Online Reference Library can be used from any internet PC by anyone who is a member of Lancashire Library. Please note that Ancestry’s Library Edition can only be used within Lancashire Libraries.

Why won’t the log-in page accept my barcode?

All Lancashire Library’s barcode numbers begin with the sequence 20118 which is followed by 9 digits. This 14 digit code should be entered without any spaces. Some of the older membership cards also have letters before the first and after the last digit. These letters are NOT part of the barcode and are not required.

How can I become a member of Lancashire Library?

It's free to join at any Lancashire Library or join now online.

How have the sites been selected?

The premium content sites are ones that are we have recognized as worthwhile reference works providing trusted and reliable information and we’ve paid the subscription so you don’t have to. Most are available for your use 24/7 from any internet PC and not just at specific libraries. Similarly all the other sites on the Web Sites gateway (predominantly free access sites) have been checked and validated by members of library staff and cover a whole spectrum of subjects. All of the sites, whether free or premium content have been selected to provide a range of subject information equivalent to what you might expect to find in a good reference library.

Can I recommend a website for inclusion?

Yes, you can e-mail reference.questions@lcl.lancscc.gov.uk with your recommendations or any other suggestions about the Online Reference Library.

Can I submit general reference or information enquiries?

You can submit enquiries to Reference Staff in libraries across the county. The main Reference Libraries are located in Preston (the Harris), Chorley, Lancaster, Accrington and Burnley.

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.

Can the premium sources 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.

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. We are also working on a sheet of information to assist people using Ancestry. The Web Sites Gateway also provides links to many other recommended sites for Family History Information. Some of these will be sites that require subscription or registration.

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 now also available outside library premises by logging on with the barcode number from a Lancashire Library membership card. Lancashire at Work is a database of companies from Lancashire produced by the Economic Development Team of Lancashire County Council. It includes about 8,000 companies and is searchable by location, business type, etc. In addition the Web Sites gateway provides links to many recommended sites providing business directories in particular fields and business advice.