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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 andinformation 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

A phenomenal range of online reference products

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

> Read more about general reference

Newspapers

fast access to news archives

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

> Read more about newspapers

Music and Performing Arts

Online access to fantastic resources

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

> Read more about music and perfoming arts

Children and young people

Stories from the web

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

> Read more about children and young people

Business information

Fast access to company documents and a whole lot more

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

> Read more about business information

related links

  • library action plan

    An Action Plan designed to set the course for public libraries over the next five years was published by the MLA in May 2008.

  • tenders and contracts

    Find out how MLA commissions consultancy services from an external body.