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... Edinburgh
The easiest way to find the information you are looking for is to use the right keywords and the right resource - Google is not always that resource! Thinking about the type of information your require for your own research, use one of the Library resources listed below to help you pin-point that information more quickly.
Books and eBooks
Books and eBooks are both listed in the Library Catalogue. There are various ways to search the Library Catalogue and this will differ depending on whether you are looking for a particular title or just want to have a general look for books on a subject...
Journal articles
To search for journal articles you should use a resource that has been designed to help you do this. The Library provides several resources, your choice will depend on the depth of information you require...
Journal titles
Conference proceedings/papers
Depending on your subject area these can be an important source of current and up-to-date information. Generally, you can search for them using Bibliographic Databases.
Theses and dissertations
There are several resources that will allow you to search for UG and PG dissertations and theses...
Government information
There is much Government information freely available online, including consultation documents, research papers, policy documents and legislation. Think about which Government information you want (Scottish, UK, EU...) and then use the right resource to help you find that information...
Newspaper articles
Many newspapers make current news information available for free online. To search the archives usually requires a free personal registration or a paid subscription. The University Library pays for access to various newspaper archives...
Statistics
Sources of statistical data for Scotland, UK, Europe and internationally. Detailed information on statistical sources for energy, economy and finance and other topics.Reference information
This is a very broad category of information and consists of various different types of information you might want to check for 'quick facts' or 'background information' (e.g. map data, encyclopedias, dictionaries, manuals, handbooks, company information, compounds... etc)...Patents
A patent is a legal document which gives it's owner the right to stop others from copying, manufacturing, selling, and importing their invention without their permission. Patents can be a vital source of technical information...Standards
The University Library has a subscription to British Standards Online (BSOL). You can also search for international standards via various other resources...
Impact Factors
The impact factor is a measure of the frequency with which the "average article" in a journal has been cited in a particular year or period. The University Library provides access to the most current impact factor data...
Subject Guides
The Subject Librarian has put together a Guide to resources in your Subject - useful if you are not sure where to start...
Mobile Apps
Find mobile apps for research and study
Other
Exam papers | Lecture notes | WebsitesNon Heriot-Watt resources
Can't find what you are looking for in our Library? You can either get items delivered to Heriot-Watt from other libraries (ILL) or visit another Library in Edinburgh...
If the type of information you require is not listed above why
not try the 'How to Find Out...'
Guides or contact your Subject
Librarian.
HWU Library buildings
If you are not sure where to find the Library on campus, have a look at our maps...Your way around the Library
If you are not sure where to find resources/staff in the Library, have a look at our floorplans...