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We're happy to let you know that the Library has taken out a subscription to Oxford Handbooks Online (OHO), giving you seamless access to the complete collection of these invaluable resources.
Previously, the library held perpetual access only to selected Oxford Handbook collections and individual titles, meaning some of the latest chapters and handbooks were unavailable to users. With the new subscription, not only do we open up access to all current and future content, but we also solve the issue of “turnaways” (when users are denied access because the content isn’t part of our existing holdings). ...continue reading "Full access to Oxford Handbooks Online now available!"
Grey literature can be a rich resource when researching for a literature review or dissertation topic. It can help you find current and emerging research, viewpoints of individuals such as patients and consumers, and more in depth or practical coverage of topics.
It can also help you to mitigate against 'publication bias’, where studies showing positive research results are much more likely to be published in journals. A search for grey literature will help to ensure that all relevant results, even if negative, are located.
'Grey literature' refers to a wide range of information which is not formally or commercially published, and which is often not well represented in library research databases. Here we’ll give several top tips for finding and using grey literature. ...continue reading "What is grey literature and where to find it"
Semester one is almost over and exams are looming! As the exam period approaches, it’s natural to start feeling the pressure build. But remember, you’re not alone!
At the University of Edinburgh, there are plenty of resources and services designed to support you every step of the way. In this post, we’ll highlight five key ways the library can help – from available study spaces and digital resources to helpful guides and wellbeing support – so you can make the most of your revision and head into exams feeling confident and prepared.
1) Study space, study space everywhere but not a place to sit?
Clockwise from left: New College Library, ECA Library, Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, and Moray House Library.
It can feel like this sometimes during the revision and exam period, particularly if you are a regular at the Main Library or Law Library. But there are lots of study spaces across our campuses that you have access to, including some temporary additional study space during the exam period.
While the Main Library is a favourite for many, there are 8 other site libraries that you have access to (with your student card). These range from old-fashioned, picturesque libraries, to modern libraries with light and space and also include a library in what used to be a swimming pool.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get cosy and watch some truly creepy horror movies. Luckily, if you’re a student or staff member at the University of Edinburgh, you’ve got free access to BFI Player, packed full of wicked horror films (and other films) that’ll give you all the chills and thrills you’re after. From classic spooky tales to modern scares, there’s something for everyone who loves a good fright!
So grab some snacks, turn off the lights, and settle in for a scary movie marathon without ever leaving your room. Whether you’re watching solo, hanging out with friends, or just want to discover some fantastic horror flicks, the BFI Player’s got your Halloween covered with some seriously creepy must-sees.
Unlock the potential of your dissertation or thesis at Discovery Day!
Join us on Monday 27 October, 10am–2pm at the Main Library for Discovery Day, your chance to explore the amazing resources available for your dissertations and theses during our Dissertation and Thesis Festival. ...continue reading "What will you discover at our Discovery Day?"
Today, 8 May 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) when people in Britain and Allied nations across the world celebrated the unconditional surrender of Germany in the Second World War. While it was not the end of the conflict (it was August 1945 before the war against Japan ended) the sense of relief for people who had been living under total war for 6 years was huge. In Britain VE Day was declared a national holiday and people took to the streets to celebrate and commemorate in a huge release of collective tension. This blog posts pulls together just a small selection of our digital library resources that will help you find out more about VE Day, the events leading up to it and the aftermath.
What did the papers say?
Mentions of VE Day or Victory in Europe Day start before the 8th May, as people were aware of and anticipating the likely German surrender. So some preparations were already underway and some people began to celebrate early, on the 7th, when in Britain it was announced on the radio that the war in Europe was over.
From "This was VE-Day in London." issue of Picture Post, May 19, 1945. Picture Post Historical Archive, 1938-1957.
Have you ever had that frustrating experience of searching on the web and finding a useful resource, but not sure whether the Library has access to it? Searching for academic content online can sometimes feel like a complicated process, but luckily the Library now has LibKey Nomad, an easy-to-use free browser extension that will link to academic articles, e-books and other materials which are available open access or though Library subscriptions.
LibKey Nomad works with many scholarly publishers' websites and also works with sites like PubMed and Wikipedia.
In February we celebrate LGBT+ History Month 2025 in the UK and this year the theme is 'Activism and Social Change'. Throughout history and across the globe LGBT+ activists have fueled social change, advancing society for the benefit of all.
To help you discover more we’ve pulled together just a small selection of Library resources that will allow you to start to find out more about activism and social change in LGBT+ history, herstory, theirstory.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) was founded in 1990 as the first NGO devoted to advancing LGBT human rights worldwide. Transnational LGBT Activism : Working for Sexual Rights Worldwide asks how is that mission translated into practice? And what do transnational LGBT human rights advocates do on a day-to-day basis and for whom? Arguing that the idea of LGBT human rights is not predetermined but instead is defined by international activists who establish what and who qualifies for protection. ...continue reading "Activism and Social Change in LGBT+ History"
Thanks to a request from staff in History, the Library currently has trial access to the newly launched extension years for The Scotsman Historical Archive from ProQuest Historical Newspapers. While the Library already has access to The Scotsman Archive covering the years 1817-1950, the new extension module increases coverage up to 2002.
In February we celebrate
