8.16 Information services

Library facilities

Availability and conditions of use of central library facilities. Information in this Category currently includes:

Information on Library opening hours and library services

Information about our libraries (including those overseas) and the services they provide can be viewed on the Information Services: Library essentials pages.

Computing facilities

Availability and conditions of use of computing facilities can be found on our Information Services: Library essentials pages.

Other Information Facilities

Availability and conditions of use of other information facilities. Information in this category currently includes:

• Policies and procedures
• Accessing information (including Data Protection and handling Subject Access requests)
• Our museum and archive

Major Strategy Documents

High-level aims and strategies of information services units can be found on our Publications page.

For additional information, please email us at foi@hw.ac.uk.

Collections

Scope of major collections held by the University. Information in this Category can be found on the Heritage pages.

Heriot-Watt University Museum and Archive holds Full Accreditation under the UK museums Accreditation Scheme. In Scotland, the Scheme is administered by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS).

Guides and catalogues to the collections are available from the Heritage, Information Governance and Legal Services. These can also be accessed by inspections in the University Museum and Archive. Access arrangements can be made. Access to the Museum and Archive, and Textile Collection is free of charge.

Copies of some of our leaflets, booklets etc can be requested via heritage@hw.ac.uk.

Collection Strategy

Collection management and preservation strategies, including policy on disposal of stock. Information in this Category includes:

• Our Museum and Archive collections development policy
• Our Collections management policy

Open Archives

Records held by the University's archive facilities for permanent preservation and designated as open irrespective of the date of creation. Information in this Category currently includes:

Conditions of access

Material referenced by catalogues will generally be exempted as ‘otherwise accessible’ under s.25 of the Act, since it is available in terms of the "Library Facilities" Category above. Further contact details: Email: heritage@hw.ac.uk

University Archive and Textile Collection

Summary catalogues and other information about the University's institutional archives and third party archive material gifted to the institution for permanent preservation upon which access restrictions have been placed by the donor, available on the following websites:

• our Heriot-Watt Museum and Archive pages
• Textiles Scotland
• the Archives hub
• the Gateway to Archives of Scottish Higher Education (GASHE)

Guides and catalogues to the collections are available from the Heritage team.  These can also be accessed by inspection in the University Museum and Archive. Contact: heritage@hw.ac.uk.

Conditions of access

Material referenced by catalogues will generally be exempted as "otherwise accessible" under s.25 of the Act, since it is available in terms of the "Library Facilities" category above.

Archive services aim to be as open as possible. However, information may be withheld where it falls within one or more of the categories of exempt information as defined in Part 2 sections 25 to 41 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, or by other legislation which prevents disclosure. Handling or copying of archives which are in a fragile condition may be restricted.
Contact: heritage@hw.ac.uk

Copying and research services

Copies of documents can be ordered in paper, photographic or electronic formats, depending on the format and condition of the originals. Permission to publish material from the Archive must be sought in advance from the Head of Heritage and Information Governance. Responsibility for obtaining copyright clearance rests with the applicant.

Heritage and Information Governance (HIG) staff are happy to provide guidance on sources in the archives and will undertake simple searches of catalogued archives free of charge for the first 30 minutes. HIG provides a research service for more detailed searches of catalogued archives. For details of charges for reprographic and research services, contact: heritage@hw.ac.uk

Collection relating to Edinburgh and Scottish history

A small collection of books and monographs about Edinburgh and Scottish history is available for consultation in the University Museum and Archive. Contact: heritage@hw.ac.uk

Collections of photographic and video materials held by Media Services

Media Services holds a resource of contemporary images for use by the University. Images are retained as high quality printable objects with low resolution preview versions. Media Services also holds a video archive - a collection of film and video footage from the 1960s to the present day. This archive is not fully catalogued.

Further information on the photographic and video archives including arrangements for viewing, terms and conditions and costs is on the media services page.

Collection held by the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

The School Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society curates a museum collection of about 300 historical artefacts associated with civil engineering, particularly instruments and bridge related items, on behalf of the Institution of Civil Engineers East of Scotland Region. The collection is exhibited mainly at each entrance to the Sir William Arrol Building and may be viewed at any time during normal University hours.