Encyclopedias and references

All Medway Libraries' members have free online access to a wide range of encyclopedias and reference works.

Access to Research

Free online access to published academic research and scientific papers on a huge range of subjects. This online service is available from a Medway library computer.

View the Access to Research website

BFI Replay

Discover thousands of digitised videos and television programmes from the 1960s to the 2010s, offering a glimpse into Britain’s past, people and places.

Resources are from the British Film Institute (BFI) National Archive and partner UK regions and nations film archives. They're available to browse and enjoy, research or study - with some familiar and memorable, others rare and unseen for decades.

You can only access this resource when in a Medway Library.

View BFI Replay

Encyclopaedia Britannica Online (Library Edition - Adult)

A fully fact-checked online encyclopedia with hundreds of thousands of objective articles, biographies, videos, and images. You will need your library card to access from outside the library.

View the Encyclopaedia Britannica online

Encyclopaedia Britannica Online (Library Edition - Student)

For 12 to 18 year olds, this is a fantastic study tool bridging the gap between the junior and adult editions. You will need your library card to access from outside the library. 

View the Encyclopaedia Britannic student version online

Encyclopaedia Britannica Online (Library Edition - Junior)

For 5 to 11 year olds, this is designed to help with homework, projects and general interest. You will need your library card to access from outside the library.

View the Encyclopaedia Britannica junior version online

Lexico: English dictionary, thesaurus and grammar help

Powered by Oxford, Lexico's dictionary and thesaurus offers trusted English definitions, synonyms, and grammar guides for native speakers and language learners.

It is free to use.

Visit the Lexico website

Life in the UK Test

Free online access to help you prepare for and pass the life in the UK test. 

View the GOV.UK Life in the UK advice

Oxford Bibliographies

Bibliographies of the best writers, books and studies on almost any subject.

Free with your library card. Your login is your library card number beginning with D or 056. 

You do not need to log in if using a Medway Libraries' computer. 

View the Oxford Bibliographies

The Oxford English Dictionary

The definitive online record of the English language, explaining the meaning, history, and pronunciation of more than 600,000 English words - past and present.

Free with your library card. Your login is your library card number beginning with D or 056. 

You do not need to log in if using a Medway Libraries' computer. 

View the Oxford English Dictionary

Oxford Reference Online

References for subjects from Archaeology all the way to Zoology, including dictionaries for English, other languages and quotations.

Free with your library card. Your login is your library card number beginning with D or 056. 

You do not need to log in when using a Medway Libraries' computer.

View the Oxford Reference online