Libraries Change Lives Week 2026

Access to Research supports CILIP's annual advocacy campaign capturing and celebrating the impact of libraries: Libraries Change Lives Week.

As the library sector celebrates the impact of public libraries through CILIP’s Libraries Change Lives initiative, Access to Research continues to demonstrate how libraries and publishers can work together to widen public access to knowledge. Available through most public libraries across the UK, the service provides free, walk-in access to millions of academic articles, helping people explore trusted research on topics ranging from health and education to business, technology and the environment.

The Libraries Change Lives initiative highlights the many ways libraries create opportunities, support learning and strengthen communities. 

For many people, access to high-quality research can be life changing. Someone considering a new career, for example, may use the service to access the latest studies and industry insights to support retraining or professional development. Others may use academic research to better understand a health condition, support a community project, or pursue a personal interest in greater depth.

Access to Research embodies the Libraries Change Lives message, empowering people to learn, make informed decisions and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.