Celebrating The Knowledge Network: Scotland’s digital library service enters a new era

Monday, 30 March, 2026

From 1 April 2026, a new national body - Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) - will bring together the existing strengths of NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS).

PSD Scotland will become the public sector’s national enabler of transformation, driving digital innovation, workforce development and Once for Scotland services to deliver efficient, equitable and future‑ready health and social care.

As we move toward this exciting new chapter, we are proudly celebrating The Knowledge Network - Scotland’s original “Once for Scotland” digital library service - and recognising more than 20 years of national collaboration and equitable access to knowledge.

A legacy of national, equitable access

Since 2004, NES has championed the principle that everyone working across Scotland’s health and social care system should have equal access to trusted evidence and digital knowledge resources.

Under the leadership of Ann Wales (MBE) and Annette Thain, NES launched the eLibrary, Scotland’s first truly national digital library service for health and care. It was a bold step that united all NHS Scotland libraries into one collaborative network.

Key milestones on our journey

2004 - Launch of the eLibrary

NES and NHS Scotland Library and Knowledge Services unveil the eLibrary: a unified, nationwide service providing equal access to journals, books, research and evidence.

2008 - Expanding beyond the NHS

NES broadens the national offer, embedding collaboration across health and social care and opening access to trusted evidence for a wider workforce.

2010 - The Knowledge Network is born

The Knowledge Network launches as a national, cross-sector knowledge platform bringing together evidence, expertise and shared practice.

2011 - Knowledge into Action and community platforms

The Knowledge into Action initiative deepens Scotland’s knowledge-sharing culture and strengthens the role of librarians as active knowledge brokers. Community websites further empower collaborative learning.

2017 - A leap forward in digital consistency

NES leads Scotland’s migration to Alma/Primo, enhances national procurement, and simplifies access through Single Sign On, ensuring a smoother, more unified user experience.

2024 - A modern, user-centred relaunch

Exactly 20 years after the eLibrary’s debut, NES relaunches The Knowledge Network: sharper, more focused and redesigned around the needs of today’s health and social care staff.

Looking Ahead: The Knowledge Network in the PSD Scotland Era

As NES and NSS come together under PSD Scotland, The Knowledge Network’s role remains vital. NHS Scotland Library Services continue to exemplify what “Once for Scotland” means in practice - national consistency, collaborative delivery and equitable access for all staff.

As part of PSD Scotland, we look forward to:

• Continuing to deliver high‑quality digital library services
• Supporting health and social care staff with trusted evidence
• Strengthening national knowledge‑sharing cultures
• Building on two decades of innovation and leadership

As we step into this new era we are committed to continuing the delivery of digital library services for Scotland’s health and social care workforce - ensuring access to the knowledge they need to deliver excellent care.

Check out our infographic: Journey of The Knowledge Network

Get in touch with your NHS Scotland Library Service to find out more about how they can support you: Local library services

Find out more about NES's move to the new organisation: Shaping the future of health and care: Public Services Delivery Scotland

 

 

 

For further assistance, please contact: Knowledge Services Help Desk