[defrost]

Many libraries in the UK and Commonwealth countries have the full volume set the first, second, or both editions of the OED.

I've routinely referenced it in both the university library and the local town library since 1980.

There's been a digital version of almost all of the second edition kicking about since just prior to the print release of the second edition - I have that on most computer images I own.

The OED offers digital subscription access to the second edition and to the in progress third edition which a good number of people, libraries, companies subscribe to.

It's the dictionary of reference for those serious about the English language.