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Information, facts and figures

NewsBank

NewsBank contains articles from UK and world newspapers from the last 5 to 25 years, depending on the title. You can also read yesterday’s edition.

It includes:

  • all major national daily newspapers

  • many local and regional newspapers

  • Access Global News — news from more than 200 countries on topics such as business, health, education, the environment, and politics

How to access NewsBank

You will need your library card number. NewsBank is available 24/7 on any device.

You can watch a video introduction to NewsBank.

Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a historical dictionary. It shows the history of English words as well as their current meanings.

Access to Research

Access to Research gives free, walk‑in access to academic articles and research in public libraries across the UK.

Subjects include:

  • art and architecture

  • business

  • engineering

  • history

  • languages

  • politics and philosophy

  • mathematics and sciences

All content is digital and accessed on our People’s Network computers.

Access to Research is only available in our libraries.

Public Information Online

Public Information Online gives access to UK and Great Britain parliamentary publications in PDF format. It includes:

  • House of Commons and House of Lords papers

  • bills and amendments

  • Daily Hansard from the 2006/07 session onwards

Mario maps

Mario Maps is Lancashire’s online mapping service. You can zoom in to any location in Lancashire and find information on:

  • local services

  • schools

  • transport

  • council facilities

  • historic maps

  • historic photographs

Guides and videos are available to help you use Mario Maps.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

This resource includes stories about people who shaped Britain’s past, from the fourth century BC to today.

You can also:

  • search by place to see who was born, lived or died in your area

  • view the special Lancashire Lives page

Oxford Bibliographies

Oxford Bibliographies

Oxford Bibliographies includes expert‑written articles with commentary and annotations.

Modules include

  • Victorian Literature — more than 100 topics such as Gender, Charles Dickens and Race

  • British and Irish Literature — more than 100 topics, including Arthurian Literature, John Keats and Christopher Marlowe

Who’s Who and Who Was Who

Who’s Who lists people who influence British life today. Who Was Who lists people who influenced British life in the past.

  • Who’s Who includes more than 30,000 autobiographical entries

  • Who Was Who includes more than 90,000 entries

Which? Online

Which? offers consumer product reports and advice.

Best buys and test results are not available.

Which? is only available in our libraries. Please check availability with your local library.

Recommended websites

Our Good Web Guide includes hundreds of reliable websites chosen by library staff. These sites can help you find trustworthy information on many topics.