If you have access, cruise the internet. You can type in very specific search parameters. Check that the source of the information is legitimate. There is an excellent FAQ on internet research for writers on the Pure Fiction website. For newspapers, libraries have CD roms of the broadsheets.
Newspapers are topical and reasonably up to date.
On the question of being up to date, bear in mind that older books will probably have been superseded. New information, newer theories, are being developed in all fields at all times. Trade magazines and general interest magazines might be useful and contain manageable amounts of information. Maps, photos, pictures, travel mags. There is a book called Women Travel, published by The Rough Guides, which outlines women's experiences of different countries, including Britain.