With your library card, library members can access a whole range of online information databases and learning websites.
We have resources for all ages, including encyclopedias, family history, image libraries and more.
Some resources can only be used within your library, but others can be accessed at any time and anywhere, with your library card number and PIN.
Select the resource you would like to learn more about in the expanding menu below .
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Access to Research
Access to Research is a service that provides free, walk-in access to more than 30 million academic articles in public libraries across the UK.
It’s a valuable service to students and independent researchers in particular, but members of the public can use it too.
Please note that this service is only available in libraries, not from home.
You do not need to be a library member to use our Access to Research service.
Britannica Library
Specifically developed for public libraries, Britannica Library contains comprehensive information for all ages.
Content is differentiated by age so that readers can access engaging and safe resources that are appropriate to their age – junior, student, adult.
Britannica ImageQuest
Access millions of royalty free images especially selected to provide high-quality and trustworthy information.
All images are rights-cleared for non-commercial, educational use.
That’s perfect for students and teachers looking to include pictures and/or photos into lesson plans, assignments, reports, etc.
GoCitizen
GoCitizen.co.uk is an online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test.
It includes an online version of the latest official study materials licensed from the Home Office plus hundreds of practice test questions in the same format as the official test.
GRD (Gaelic Resource Database)
The GRD is an expanding bank of information on the availability of Gaelic-related educational resources.
The wide range of topic includes articles on Scottish history, oral tradition, bards, animals, birds, songs, puzzles, riddles and children’ rhymes, etc.
GRD is part of our Gaelic resources
National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland (NLS) subscribes to over 100 electronic resources.
From subject specific databases to vast academic journal and e-book platforms, this is a significant research resource, most of which is available to access remotely.
Anyone with a Scottish address can join the NLS for free.
You can peruse NLS’s world-class collections through their digital gallery.
National Library of Scotland Maps Images
The National Library of Scotland (NLS) has also made accessible online over a quarter of a million maps as high-resolution, colour, zoomable images.
This is a fantastic resource and we have been privileged to collaborate on a project with their team; Stornoway and environs historic maps, 1780s to 1960s. This has seen the conservation and digitisation of historic maps to allow their wider availability online.
The maps provide many insights into the development of Stornoway over the last two centuries, including proposals (some not implemented) for its development.
SCRAN
Explore over 490,000 images, movies and sounds from world-class museums, galleries, libraries, archives and the media.
Scran is a fantastic source of images and historical information about Scotland and beyond.
Schools can access Scran via Glow
Theory Test Pro
Theory Test Pro is a highly realistic online simulation of the UK’s driving theory tests for all vehicle categories.
It contains all the official test questions licensed from the DVSA, the people who set the tests.
Which? Magazine
Online product reviews and recommendations.
All Western Isles Libraries have a login which can be requested for use on a library computer.