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Open Research

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Becoming an interdisciplinary incubator, building communities of knowledge and practice. Inspiring people from all backgrounds to engage with our collections and contribute to our research.

The Library supports you throughout the whole research cycle, no matter what stage you are in your research career.

The Open Research Team work with you through the provision of services, systems, resources and training to help you achieve your research goals and enable Open Research. We’re here to engage with you throughout the whole research cycle, no matter what stage you are in your research career to help you plan, publish, preserve and share your research and meet funder requirements.

Open Research (used interchangeably with Open Science) champions the idea that scholarly and scientific knowledge (and data) should be shared as freely as possible and as early as possible in the research process across all disciplines, both within and beyond academia. By aiding the development of open research skills and practices, we are working towards more reproducible, accessible and rigorous research. Find out more about the principles and benefits of Open Research.

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Research Publications and Rights Retention policy

Following a recent N8 Research Partnership initiative Lancaster University’s Senate have approved a new ‘rights retention’ policy for Lancaster University.

Research Publications and Rights Retention policy

Research Engagement Spaces

The Digital Scholarship and Open Research Labs are flexible spaces that can facilitate a range of workshops and events. The Library is looking to partner with its diverse research community to promote interdisciplinary Open Research and Digital Scholarship throughout the institution and beyond. If you are interested in hosting an event in the Research spaces that relates to either Open Research, Digital Scholarship, or partners with the library, please submit an expression of interest form. Please click here for further information.

If you would like to discuss an event idea with the Library Open Research Team please email libraryresearchspaces@lancaster.ac.uk.

Open research lab

Location: A386, A floor

Facilities: LCD Screens with laptop input, folding tables and chairs. View on campus map

Digital scholarship lab

Location: A387, A floor

Facilities: teaching console with LCD Touch Screen, multiple cameras, 3 desktop computers, folding tables and chairs. View on campus map

SafePod

A SafePod is a standardised safe setting that provides the necessary security for a researcher to access sensitive datasets from participating Data Centres across the UK. The SafePod includes a door control access system, CCTV, a researcher area for the analysis of datasets and a separate secure storage area for IT equipment. The SafePod is also wheelchair accessible and includes a height adjustable desk.

Find out more about the SafePod.

Image of SafePod in Library

Library Research News

Collage of images including Nelson Mandela, a person in scrubs holding a baby and a crowd of people seated around a table.

New 'Commons' Resources From the Library

The library has subscribed to two new 'Commons' resources. Africa and Policy Commons. These are a newer type of resource, that benefits both researchers and decolonisation efforts across the University by surfacing lost or difficult to find Primary Source resources, much of which is located in the Global South. This also means we have had a significant increase in the amount of interesting Policy Documents, Photographs, Zines, Films and Documentaries.
Complete Anatomy, image of human face.

Complete Anatomy. Now Available on University PCs, iPads and Android Devices

Complete Anatomy is the world's leading 3D anatomy platform, with ground-breaking technology, models and content.
Image of a book spine.

£5.8 million project to deliver a more sustainable future for Open Access books

A new project that works to increase access to valuable research is to receive more than £5.8 million in funding.
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‘Striking Women: Narratives from the Past, Present and Future’ event

On the 13th of March, the ‘Striking Women: Narratives from the Past, Present and Future’ event took place in the Library Exhibition Space and was attended by over fifty individuals, including students, staff, and the wider community.
An image of the library safepod in the library.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) Data now accessible from the Library SafePod

National Records of Scotland (NRS) has joined the SafePod Network.  
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Autism Acceptance Week at Lancaster University Library

Autism Acceptance Week runs from 27th March – 2nd April. Its aim is to raise awareness and acceptance of autism through education, and to celebrate the achievements of autistic people.

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