What is The Knowledge Network?
The Knowledge Network is the national digital library and knowledge service for health and social care in Scotland.
We offer access to journals, print and online book collections, databases, evidence summaries, medicines information, and many other resources to support health and social care practice across Scotland.
Find out more on our About pages.
Where do I start?
The key to getting access is an NHS Scotland OpenAthens account which is free to anyone involved in the delivery of publicly funded health or social care.
Additionally a few resources require you to set up personal accounts or link in with your OpenAthens account to gain access:
- Register for OpenAthens
- Register with Mind Tools
- Register with Barbour
- Set up LibKey Nomad
- Personalise Google Scholar
Accessing library resources
Unlock a wealth of library resources by registering for your very own NHS Scotland OpenAthens account today!
Register for OpenAthens
Finding the right information for you
The Knowledge Network provides a range of resources to support your information needs. Here are a few to get you started.
Library search
Use our Library Search to discover books, journals and articles in health and social care.
Summarised, quality-assured evidence to support decision making at the point of care. Includes BMJ Best Practice, DynaMed and Clinical Key.
As well as using Library Search to access journals, books and articles, you can also install LibKey Nomad on your PC or laptop for quick and easy access to online articles and eBook content on the web.
Access subject-specific searchable collections of research literature, including journal articles and conference abstracts. Includes Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo and ASSIA.
Resources to support the safe use of medicines and advice on their therapeutic use. Includes BNF/BNFC, Martindale and Stockley's.
A gateway to social care information and learning resources to support practitioners in their day to day work and professional development.
The Knowledge Network has eJournals, eBooks and databases including MindTools (previously Good Practice) which covers leadership, management, personal skills development and project management.
You can access British Standards, including standards relating to health and safety, fire safety, medical labs and medical devices from Barbour.
Access our reference management software, RefWorks along with guidance and advice on referencing and reference management.
Current awareness bulletins are produced on a regular basis by NHS librarians and cover a wide range of topics. They review the recent literature and identify important, high-quality evidence.
Finding and using knowledge, hosted on the Turas Learn platform, provides support and guidance to continue your professional development in the workplace.
It provides resources to support a range of information skills including
- How to find, use and share knowledge
- Getting published advice
- Copyright information
- Digital and study skills
Improve your health literacy awareness by taking the eLearning module or joining a trainer led webinar.
Help and Training
For additional help on using our resources visit our information skills pages
NHS Scotland libraries provide print resources and a study space along with professional librarians who can provide literature searches and expert advice.
Find your local library service
Feeling lost?
If you have read through all our content and FAQs and still need help get in touch with our support team.
Contact us