eReference Library

You can use the library catalogue to search for books and audio books. If you would like to borrow an item which is in stock or on loan to another customer, you can place a hold for it. We will let you know when it is ready for you to collect.  You can also manage your account online and renew items you have on loan.

Have you searched the web but don’t know which answer is correct?

Try some of our trusted reference works which you can search from home or work.  All you need is your borrower number.  If you aren't a library member, find out how to join.

Have you read all the books by your favourite writers and want to know what to read next?

Try Who else writes like to find an author whose books you like, and see which other writers are recommended. If you are looking at this web page from your own computer at home or work, please follow this link.

Do you want to practice the UK driving theory test?

Theory Test Pro is a highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory test. It contains the entire official test question bank, hazard perception video clips and an online version of the Highway Code. All this material is licensed from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the people who set the tests.

Access to Theory Test Pro is completely free for residents who call in to any of the Derby City Libraries. Members of Derby City Libraries can also access Theory Test Pro from outside the libraries using their library card number. 

Are you studying for the British citizenship test?

The Life in Great Britain course guides you through what you need to know to pass the citizenship test, with example questions at each stage. You can then test your knowledge about citizenship by having a go at the full practice test. You will need your library card number and you will need to create a login.

Do you want to start your own business?

Search Cobra (Complete Business Reference Advisor) for business ideas, marketing advice and local business information.

Do you need to know more about your rights?

The Citizens Advice Notes (CANS) legal information database has information about your rights when living, working and studying in Britain.

Are you new to to the UK and Derby?

Search EISODOS for information on living, working and studying in Britain in 23 languages for EU migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

Do you want to read about Derby and your ancestors in the 19th century?

Infotrac newspapers and magazines lets you read the Derby Mercury from the 19th century as well as 49 other regional 19th century papers.  You'll also find the full text of 15 national newspapers and 50 magazines.

Do you want help with homework or just to look up some information?

Try the trusted Encyclopedia Britannica. 

You can choose the Encyclopedia Britannica - Library Edition for complex enquiries or the Encyclopedia Britannica - Student Library Edition if you need less detail.

For basic information, the Encyclopedia Britannica - Junior Library Edition will answer your questions.

Do you have a general information enquiry?

Search our range of well known Oxford University Press reference sources. 

To search any of these resources, you need to enter DERBY plus your borrower number with no spaces in the library card number box on the home page of the resource. For example: DERBY12345678X.

• Oxford Reference Online for access to over 100 general reference books 
• Oxford English Dictionary for the meanings for over half a million words 
• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography for information on over 55,000 lives 
• Oxford Art Online for all your art enquiries 
• Oxford Music Online for the famous Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

Links to websites we recommend

We have created some recommended weblinks for you to use. These websites offer reliable information which is updated regularly. They focus on Derby and its communities, health information, the environment, consumer advice, learning and reading.

Community information database

Search the Community information database for information on local clubs, groups, tutors and speakers. Local groups can also add their own information.