Information and reference

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Information and reference

If you need help with homework, want to search for a newspaper article or need to check an encyclopaedia or dictionary, you can access a range of online reference material from any East Renfrewshire Library or from home using your library membership number.

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry is a family history website which contains hundreds of thousands of records and indexes from all around the world, including census data, military records, wills, passenger lists, personal stories and much more. There are resources from the UK, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia and beyond, as well as useful reference materials such as trade directories and gazetteers.

Library members can use Ancestry for free from any PC in East Renfrewshire libraries or on a mobile device in those libraries that are wireless enabled. Please note, there is no access to our subscription outwith our libraries. You will find Wi-Fi hotspots in Clarkston, Giffnock and Mearns Libraries.

Transparent Language Online - an effective, fun and easy to use online learning tool

Over 80 languages to choose from including English for foreign speakers
Fun learning with lots of interactive lessons and activities
Available 24/7 from any PC or Mac - no downloading required
Learn on-the-move with iPhone and Android apps

For more information on using Transparent Language Online visit the Related documents section.

Britannica Encyclopaedia for 18+

A great homework, study or research resource with in depth articles, photos, audio links, videos, diagrams, index, A-Z browse, interesting links, a dictionary and much, much more for all ages.

Britannica Junior Encyclopaedia for ages 5 - 11

Britannica Junior Encyclopaedia has been created especially for readers at primary school level. It contains thousands of shorter article covering subjects for school and hobbies.

Britannica Student Encyclopaedia for ages 12 - 18

Britannica Student Encyclopaedia is designed for young people at high school. Articles from Britannica Online are edited and presented in a way to appeal to older students.

Oxford Reference Online

Oxford Reference Online is considered the biggest, most up-to-date, authoritative and accessible reference work in the world.

Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of English in the world and includes 350,000 definitions and 600,000 synonyms and antonyms. Find out the meaning, history, or pronunciation of any word - past or present - from across the English speaking world and delve into over three million quotations.