We can also help with advice and tips on getting to grips with the technology you can use to access information.
A good starting point is our Key Skills page. It will help you learn about how to search the catalogue, and provides ways to help improve your basic computer skills as well as how to search more effectively.
Digital Library - find it, 24/7
Christchurch City Libraries' website contains a huge amount of detailed and useful information that is constantly updated. One of your most valuable assets is the Internet Gateway - thousands of websites that our librarians have selected and recommend to you, organised so that it's easy to use. If there’s a site you’d like to see included, please tell us.
The digital library also includes CINCH, our community information directory; localeye, the place to find Christchurch and Canterbury online. Our digital services even include one-to-one help from our LiveOnline librarians. Ask an expert if you need advice on finding the information you need. For school students, Any Questions provides online homework help every weekday from 1 to 6pm.
Resource of the week
Google is the first stop on the internet for many, however there is information the google robots can’t find – but librarians (and you) can! The library subscribes to a huge range of pay-for websites and databases. Because we've paid the subscription fees, you can access them FREE with your library card number and PIN. A few can only be accessed from within our libraries.
With technology in mind, this week check out Safari books online, an entire Information Technology library. From artificial intelligence and mark-up languages, to desktop publishing and networking, Safari contains e-books from publishers such as O'Reilly, New Riders, Peachpit Press and Adobe Press. It's a mine of information for intermediate and advanced users.
Keeping up to date with the library
However you prefer to digest your information about what’s new at the library, we have a number of tasty options available:
- by RSS - RSS allows you to check our news from your desktop without having to visit the library website (updated weekly).
- by email - our weekly edition and monthly/bi-monthly news on new items online and on our shelves
- on the web - weekly edition and monthly new titles lists
- The library blog is a great place to keep up to date with new and interesting material at the library. Library staff with a wide range of interests and expertise contribute to the blog, and it is open for comments – so you can have your say if you wish
Spring! Daffodils, lambs, lawnmowing - next week we'll look at ways to help you get the most from your garden by using resources at your library.
Libraries are at the heart of the information world, and Christchurch City Libraries offers you a wide range of services to help you find information online, 24/7. Our 
