24 Hour Library: Online resources

If you are a member of Shetland Library, you can use our 24 Hour Library online resources, for free, anytime. 

Why do I need the 24 Hour Library?

Many people use Google, Bing, or other search engines to find information online. This is very useful, but sometimes the information you need is not available free. When that happens Google won't find it, or you may be unsure of the accuracy of the information provided. Often your search results can provide information which is out of date, or just wrong! This is why we still need high quality reference publications, but these can be expensive to buy and can quickly go out of date. Shetland Library has developed its own online reference library, providing free access for library members to hundreds of popular reference books.

To use these sites at home or outwith the library, enter your library card number on their log-in pages.

Theory Test Pro

Pass your driving test with Shetland Library

Online practice theory tests, hazard perception simulations and access to the Highway Code for car, motorbike, PCV and HGV.

UK Newsstand provides a searchable database of local and national newspapers. Set up email alerts for your favourite topics and have your personalised results delivered to your inbox. An invaluable resource for keeping up to date with news and research.

Encyclopaedia Britannica

The best known encyclopedia in the world, for ages 15 and above. Includes multimedia material unavailable in printed format. Instructions.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Contains over 56,000 biographies of anyone who was anyone from the Romans to the present day. It is the first place to look for anyone interested in British history.

Britannica Student

For children aged 10-14, with information at their level with journals, videos & more available. Instructions

Oxford English Dictionary Online

The Oxford English dictionary is the definitive guide to the English language covering more than 600,000 words.  If you are using the OED from another computer please go to the OED library log in page.   Instructions.

Britannica Junior

Primary school children will be entertained & educated by this resource, with games, videos & talking articles. Instructions

Oxford Reference Online

A collection of over 200 Oxford University Press reference works accessible through one site. You need your library card to access Oxford Reference Online outside the library. Instructions

Original Sources by Britannica

Original Sources from World History, containing 350000 texts & 5000 full books. Perfect for historical, legal, scientific or religious enquiries.

SCRAN

This site provides access to over 300,000 images, movies and sounds from museums, galleries, archives and the media. To log in from a computer outwith the Shetland Library go to the SCRAN library login page. Instructions.

KnowUK

Over 100 reference publications provide a comprehensive resource for everybody in the UK. Most are unique to KnowUK and are not available elsewhere online. Instructions.

Ask Scotland

Ask Scotland is an online information service provided by Scotland’s libraries that lets you get real answers from real people direct from your desktop.

Who Else Writes Like . . . ?

Have you read all the books by your favourite author and are looking for something new to try? This site can provide you with a list of similar authors whose books you might enjoy.