Reference Online

Designated collection at Norfolk

Reference Online

Reference Online is a subscription-based electronic service for English public libraries brokered by the MLA.

We have used the complex EU tendering procedures, to enable authorities to buy services from 22 suppliers who are now part of the Framework Agreement. They offer general reference material, online newspapers, and business and financial information. The Framework Agreement is available for use by English public libraries over a period of four years from April 2008 to March 2012.

The product list pages below provide an overview of all the resouces for which agreements have been secured and information on how to subscribe and any discount arrangements that have been agreed.

The Framework Agreement requires use of a Model Licence and Pricing Schedule between suppliers and library services. Please note that some suppliers have appended this with changed schedules. Always check first with the supplier if any changes to the model licence have been agreed with MLA. In most cases, these schedules will appear on the relevant supplier pages.

If you have any general questions or comments about Reference Online, please email refonline@mla.gov.uk . Enquiries about specific products should be sent via the contact details given on the relevant web page.

General Reference

Including Credo Reference; KnowUK; Oxford Reference Online Premium Collection; Who's Who; World Authors; and much more

Newspapers

Including The Guardian and Observer; Daily Mirror and Daily Express; NewsUK and more

Music and Performing Arts

including Alexander Stree Press online listening and reference; Encyclopoaedia of Popular Music, Grove online, and more

Children and young people

Stories from the Web is an interactive and creative reader development website designed specifically for Library Services

Business information

Including the Dun & Bradstreet range; FAME; Key Note; Kompass; MINT; and MarketLine Business Information

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. Continue reading