How may I use the Gale databases
if I joined as a Virtual Library member?

The Gale databases are: InfoTrac Custom Newspapers, articles from national newspapers from 1985 onwards; The Times Digital Archive, the complete digital edition of The Times 1785 - 1985; online magazines and journals, a database of forty well-known titles; and Gale Virtual Reference Library, a large collection of encyclopaedias and specialised reference books

Do you live in Bedfordshire?

If you joined Bedfordshire Libraries as a Virtual Library member
and you live in Bedfordshire - we sent you an email explaining that we had upgraded your membership to 'full' library membership so that you would be able to use the Gale databases. If you did not object to the upgrade, you may simply log in now and start using the Gale databases

Do you live outside Bedfordshire?

If you joined Bedfordshire Libraries as a Virtual Library member
and you do not live in Bedfordshire - you need to visit any Bedfordshire library to upgrade your library membership so that you become a 'full' library member OR an 'instant' library member

        How to upgrade to become a 'full' library member

• Visit any Bedfordshire library, taking with you two documents that prove your name, one of which must also include proof of your address. Click here for names and addresses of Bedfordshire libraries and click here for details of accepted proofs of identification
• Library staff will give you a library card. You will then be able to use the Gale databases by logging in with your library card number and PIN
• You will also be able to use all other library services, including borrowing items. Click here to find out all about borrowing from the library

        How to upgrade to become an 'instant' library member

• Visit any Bedfordshire library. You will not have to show proof of name or address. Click here for names and addresses of Bedfordshire libraries
• Library staff will give you a library card. You will then be able to use the Gale databases by logging in with your library card number and PIN
• You will also be able to borrow a limited selection of items from the library. Click here to find out all about borrowing from the library

If you would like any help to find information from the Gale databases, please contact us

If you are under 16 and you joined Bedfordshire Libraries as a Virtual Library member - you need to visit any Bedfordshire library to upgrade your library membership so that you become a 'full' library member OR an 'instant' library member

        How to upgrade to become a 'full' library member

• Visit any Bedfordshire library. Staff at the library will give you a form for your parent or guardian to sign. Click here for names and addresses of Bedfordshire libraries
• Return the signed form to the library and show the library staff two documents that prove your parent's or guardian's name, one of which must also include proof of your parent's or guardian's address. Click here for details of accepted proofs of identification
• Library staff will give you a library card. You will then be able to use the online Gale databases by logging in with your library card number and PIN. You may use them on library computers only if your parent or guardian has signed to give permission for you to use the Internet in the library
• As a 'full' library member you will also be able to use other library services, including borrowing items. Click here to find out all about borrowing from the library

        How to upgrade to become an 'instant' library member

• Visit any Bedfordshire library. Click here for names and addresses of Bedfordshire libraries
• Library staff will give you a library card. You will then be able to use the Gale databases by logging in with your library card number and PIN. You may use them on library computers only if your parent or guardian has signed to give permission for you to use the Internet in the library
• Library staff will write to your parent or guardian to tell them that you have joined the library
• As an 'instant' library member you will also be able to borrow a limited selection of items from the library. Click here to find out all about borrowing from the library

If you would like any help to find information from the Gale databases, please contact us