A World of Information at your Fingertips
21 January 2008
Never get stuck on a difficult crossword clue or flummoxed by a tough homework question again thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s latest innovation.
The authority has invested in some of the most reliable reference websites available including the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Oxford Reference Online, Grove Art and Music online and Infotrac Newspapers and Journals.
You’d normally pay a subscription to use these info-packed websites. But Derbyshire library members can now use them free of charge from a home or office computer by logging on to the council’s website 24-hours a day.
Simply enter your borrower number from your library card when asked, with the letters DCC in front, and then access a world of information at your fingertips.
Previously, you had to go into the library to access the reference sites. Now you can log on at any time of day or night.
For schoolchildren there’s extra homework help on the Britannica website that only library members can access. Students will find the wide range of websites we subscribe to essential for research.
Those fond of the written word can use Infotrac Newspapers and Journals databases, which give access to 10 national newspapers and 50 journals and magazines going back to 1985. They also feature The Times from 1785. This website is only available to library members.
Officially launching the new service, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Bob Janes, said he was delighted the authority was investing in such good quality sites.
“These are great sites which are an excellent addition to our online service,” he said.
“Library members can already browse our massive library catalogue, find and choose a book, CD or DVD and reserve it online. Now you can access some superb information websites as well, free of charge.”
A Derbyshire family who are already taking advantage of free, 24-hour access to the websites are the Rodgers from Palterton, near Bolsover.
Mum Alison Rodger regularly logs on with her children to the sites to help them with their homework. She says the sites are good quality, providing reputable and accurate information.
Son Matthew, 17, and daughter Hannah, 12, are both at St Mary’s Catholic High School in Chesterfield. Matthew is studying for A Levels and Hannah is a keen musician, playing both piano and harp.
“We use the library a lot and now it’s even better because we can access lots of good resources from home,” explained Alison, 47.
“It’s an absolutely amazing facility and the sites are reliable, unlike some of the sites that get thrown up during searches.”
Matthew is a keen public speaker and needs to do a lot of research for his speeches. By logging on to Oxford Reference, he saves a lot of time previously spent flicking through reference books.
Hannah is studying music and says the Grove Music site, which gives details on all aspects of music, its history and performance, is great.
Alison teaches English to adults part time and finds the new sites a brilliant help for her own work.
“These are good sites and you know they are reliable,” added Alison. “I am recommending them to all my students.”
Alison and her family already use the county council’s website to choose and reserve books, CDs and DVDs. They also regularly visit libraries in Chesterfield and Shirebrook.
Any library members who would like to access the new sites can go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/24hrlibrary (opens in a new window) If you are not a member already, you can join online on the same site or go into your nearest library. To find your nearest library ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or go online to search.
ONLINE: Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, launches the new service with Alison Rodger, son Matthew, 17, and daughter, Hannah, 12, from Palterton.
