Reference resources
If you're a student or are doing some independent research, these reference tools can help you find what you need.
Britannica online
As a library member, you can access the adult, junior or student edition of Britannica Online for free.
Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary provides a definitive guide to the meaning, history and pronunciations of English words. The most authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of English in the world, the OED goes beyond a simple definition.
Log in with your library card number.
Log in with your library card number.
Oxford reference
Browse a range of Oxford's reference titles at your fingertips including the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Login with your library card number.
Login with your library card number.
Oxford dictionaries
Access digital versions of Oxford's English and foreign language dictionary, thesaurus and usage guides.
Log in with your library card number.
Log in with your library card number.
Access to Research
Discover a world of published academic research. Explore full text academic research articles and journals, ordinarily only available with a subscription. Includes free access to the findings of publicly funded research.
Free access onsite at your local Dudley Library.
Free access onsite at your local Dudley Library.
Browse resources in our catalogue
Browse allHistorical collections
Dive into the past with our range of historical archives and ancestry tools.
Ancestry
Dudley library members can access the UK's largest family history site for free. (Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.)
Find My Past
On this site, all library members can access records, including UK BMDs, Maritime BMDs, Merchant Navy Records, England & Wales censuses.
Whos' Who and Who Was Who
This website is home to thousands of biographies on significant British people past and present since 1897.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Details the lives, accomplishments and portraits of over 55,000 people who have shaped British history over 2,500 years. Log in with your library card number.
Browse more resources in our catalogue
Browse allWhat our members say
"Exploring my family history has never been this seamless and fascinating. The library's access to premium genealogy resources has allowed me to uncover hidden stories and connect with my roots."
Eva Jobbs
Library member
Eva Jobbs
Library member
"Hats off to our amazing local library for the goldmine of resources on local and family history! Our library is a true treasure trove for anyone exploring their history- couldn't be more grateful!"
Rachel Ebbs
Library member
Rachel Ebbs
Library member
Newspaper and media archives
Whether you're studying or researching a topic you're interested in, find what you need with these digital newspaper and media records.
British Newspaper Archive
Explore over 200 years of history with these digital records.
Only available free in the library when using one our public computers. Please register with the website to unlock access to the whole collection.
Only available free in the library when using one our public computers. Please register with the website to unlock access to the whole collection.
Pressreader
With this online tool, library members can get instant access to over 4000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages.
The Times Digital Archive 1785 - 2013
The Times of London is widely considered to be the world's 'newspaper of record'. The Times Digital Archive allows users to search over 200 years of this invaluable historical source. Type your library card number to log on; eg X5319009
BFI replay
BFI replay is a free archive of videos and TV programmes from the BFI National Archive. (Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.)
Discover archive collections
Browse allDiscover digital
Explore our large and growing collection of eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, Audiobooks, and Music, available free with your library card. With hundreds of thousands of titles from all major publishers and authors, there is always something new to discover.
