Anyone who is looking for further history (after census info) on a relative the online newspapers are the first place to look. The best sources for tracing individuals or incidents of South Shields history by far are the local newspapers. Local libraries usually have free access to newspapers including the Shields Gazette through Findmypast or British Newspapers Online, at The Word in South Shields they are certainly free.
George B Hodgson – The Borough of South Shields (1903) – The bible for South Shields History, though maybe a bit heavy going for modern readership, with few images.
The Word, South Shields local library is the best place for books on South Shields. They also have: trade directories, Council minutes, maps, photos, burial records, electoral registers, free internet access to censuses and newspapers. (The Word)
Online Resources
A Vision of Britain Through Time – 19th century historical statistics, maps
Crew List Index Project – For ships crew lists and ship information
Durham at War – Durham County Record Office’s First World War
Durham Mining Museum
Durham Records Online: Search Census and Church Records
Durham University Library – Discover – books, maps, manuscripts etc about South Shields, online and in person
Heather’s Historical Society – Historical and genealogical information and documentation
Lit & Phil Library Catalogue (inforlib.uk) – books, Wards Trade Directories, in person
Local history and heritage – South Tyneside Council
North East War Memorial Project
South Tyneside Libraries (southtynesidehistory.co.uk) – excellent selection of South Shields photos
The National Archives – Kew Gardens, for Merchant Navy and military records, some records online some in person
Tyne Tugs & Tug Builders – Tyne tugs info
Yorkshire Film Archive (yfanefa.com) – Film archive with amateur films about the Tyne and South Shields