Our libraries subscribe to a number of online information resources including dictionaries, encyclopedias, newspapers and business information.
To access a world of information all you need is your 8-digit borrower number on your library card. (If you are using a smart card, please enter the 8-digit number written on the reverse of the card).
If you are not already a member of the library you will need to join to use these resources. Joining the library is easy and doesn't cost you a penny – please see the Join the library page.
If you would like help with accessing any of these resources our Ask Bolton Libraries service can help.
Please note that some of our resources are only available to use on a library computer.
Access to Research
The Access to Research service is a new initiative to give free, walk-in access to a wide range of academic articles and research in public libraries across the UK.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only.
Ancestry Library Edition
Search an extensive database of records to help you in your family tree research.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only.
BFI Replay
BFI Replay is a free video on demand service with thousands of digitised videos and television programmes from the collections of the BFI National Archive and partner UK Regions and Nations Film Archives. Available exclusively at your local library, come down and delve into the recorded past for fun, discovery, nostalgia or research.
*Access only available from within Libraries.
British Newspaper Archive
The British Library's newspaper collections are among the finest in the world, containing most of the runs of newspapers published in the UK since 1800. Search for articles, family notices, letters, obituaries and advertisements from 356 titles.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only. Registration with a valid email address is required.
COBRA
COBRA is a continually expanding business encyclopedia covering all aspects of starting and running a business. From writing a business plan to expanding an existing business, COBRA contains around 4000 factsheets, market reports, contacts, and sources of funding and support to help entrepreneurs and their advisers.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Britannica contains over 120,000 articles, a world atlas, thousands of images and videos, an online dictionary and thesaurus, over 300,000 articles from respected magazines and journals, news headlines, a guide to the Web's best sites and much more.
Find My Past
Trace your family tree and build a family tree by researching extensive birth records, census data, obituaries and more with Find My Past.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only. Registration with a valid email address is required.
Frost and Sullivan
Frost and Sullivan provides access to a range of in-depth global market research & strategy reports. They cover medical technology, chemicals & plastics, automation, electronics, energy systems, environmental & building technologies and IT.
You can download up to 10% of one report (limited to two reports per person per calendar month).
*Access available via Bolton library computers only.
GrantFinder
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national, and international sources of funding.
*Access available via Bolton Library computers only (login required).
Issues Online
Issues Online covers topics such as crime and justice; drugs and alcohol; health; human rights and citizenship. Every topic has news articles, key facts and statistics, opinions from people involved in the subject and suggestions for topic work and assignments.
Local Data Online
Local Data Online provides up-to--date information on the retail and leisure sector in a particular location, such as a town, city or region. You can break search results down by industry classification, produce area summaries and lists of companies with contact details. Key statistics include the number of vacant units, opening and closure rates, and the mix of independent and chain businesses.
*Access available via Bolton Library computers only (login required).
Mintel
Mintel is the world's leading market research and insight agency. You can access in depth reports on retail and consumer trends across a vast array of products and services. You can also investigate regional, national and international markets with in depth reports and statistics.
Mintel is only available for online access. Reports cannot be downloaded or printed off.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only.
Statista
Statista is a source of statistical information on industry sectors, market share, company data and consumer behaviour across the world. Browse current news topics or search and build your own data profile. Written reports are available as well as a range of infographics on important current affairs and topics relevant to business and markets.
*Access available via Bolton library computers only.
Which? Online
Instant access to 1000s of independent reviews and recommendations online.
*Access available via Bolton Library computers only (login required).