Learning Resources & IT

Heriot-Watt aims to provide the highest quality education to meet the aspirations of its students and help them to realise their potential.

The library

Heriot-Watt University Library is open for over 80 hours per week, giving you plenty of time to access the books, journals and other material you need for your course.

Library staff will help you find and use the information you need to succeed in your degree. Specialist Subject Librarians are available to introduce you to the wide range of information resources and services available to support you as you undertake more advanced, independent study. The library blog, Spineless?, provides up to the minute news, views, information and advice on the Library's resources and services, for all students.

Networked PCs allow you to access online databases and journals, as well as other Internet resources, and there is wireless access if you bring your laptop.

Library research facilities

The Library manages network access to all the relevant major abstracting and indexing datasets. These services allow researchers to identify rapidly relevant literature and, in many cases, link directly to the full text of the journal articles. The Library also manages network access to over 5,000 full-text electronic journals and to a range of electronic books. Research is also supported by a rapid document delivery service which supplies material from other libraries.

The Library delivers a range of support services specifically for research students. These include individual advice and group training in information retrieval skills, supported by a range of web-based subject guides.

Computer facilities

Heriot-Watt’s computer network can be accessed from Schools, the library, Computer Centre and some Halls of Residence. Broadband Internet access is also available in all student study bedrooms at the Edinburgh Campus and other designated areas. This means that you are never very far away from the internet, your emails, personal files, word processing and graphics packages, and any specific software that you need to use for study.

The main student service is PC Caledonia, a network of 650 PCs. The UICS Help Desk offers friendly help and support. Students using their own equipment can access the internet from the residences on the Edinburgh Campus through the broadband ResNet service.

University archive and museum

Understanding and using archives is a key learning and research method, particularly as more and more archives become available digitally. The Heriot-Watt University Archive and Museum contains many unique records relating to the history of science, engineering, technology and business, going back to 1821, and is open to all students.