These online resources are part of the Library Service’s information and learning offer. To find out about other information available from libraries, visit the Information services web page.
Ancestry library edition
Key records for family history research, including 1841 to 1901 census; birth, marriage and death records; street directories, telephone directories, school and military lists. This service can only be accessed from a Croydon Library computer.
Subscription reference services
As a library member, you can use the barcode on your library membership card to access subscription-only online reference services. The following websites participate in the scheme:
Access to Research
Free, walk-in access to a wide range of academic articles and research in public libraries across the UK. Available from library PCs only.
Britannica Junior
Britannica Library Junior (age group 5 to 10)
Britannica Student
Britannica Library Student (age group 10 to 14)
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Britannica Library Adult (age group 14 and Up)
COBRA
A comprehensive and continually updated online reference resource for anyone looking to start a business, write a business or marketing plan, or conduct research into a new market. COBRA provides critical business facts, compliance and trading details covering hundreds of the most common small business trades, sectors and professions.
https://croydon.cobwebinfo.com
COOCS – community open learning courses
COOCs have been developed to help people from all walks of life to share learning and create opportunities for personal development.
Digital Unite - computer and internet guides
Getting started with computers and the internet can be difficult. To help you on your way, here are links to useful guides produced by Digital Unite. Whether you want help with setting up Skype, online shopping or email, there’s something here for you.
www.digitalunite.com/technology-guides
HM Revenue & Customs starting a business e-learning tool
Have you just started in business and become self-employed? Got a lot of questions about Income Tax, National Insurance, business records and expenses? Then try this e-learning course from HM Revenue and Customs.
www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob2/syob2/index.htm
National Numeracy Challenge
Helps adults learn the maths needed for everyday life. Why not take the challenge?
Oxford English Dictionary
Library login.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Contains biographies of 56,000 men and women who shaped British history worldwide.
Who's Who
The definitive directory of everyone who's anyone in Britain, and beyond. Also includes access to Who Was Who.
Supporting People Facing Changes in their Life
Croydon Libraries subscribe to useful online guides to help people facing changes in their life.
Universal Credit – step-by-step
Find out everything that you need to know about the Universal Credit system, including current rates of benefits
Job Skills – find and succeed
Lots of help, hints and tips to help you find your ideal job
Find a Job – step-by-step
Discover all you need to know about creating a Find a Job Jobseeker account
Life on the UK – The British Way of Life
A comprehensive guide to help all newcomers to the United Kingdom
They are all free to sign up to
Theory Test Pro
A highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for all vehicle categories. It contains all the official test questions licensed from the DSA, the people who set the tests.
https://croydon.theorytestpro.co.uk/
Ziptales
Ziptales is a fun online resource that uses stories, quizzes and games to make reading a pleasure for children. It includes:
- 500 + interactive levelled stories and curriculum aligned English lessons
- voice overs, animations, videos, follow up comprehension quizzes and much more
- over 1500 printable worksheets to follow up each story/lesson
- a fun and safe online learning environment
- use in small groups, or individual use at the library and at home
- access online anywhere from any device including computer, laptop, iPad, mobile phone and tablet