The Library has set up trial access to BBC Monitoring Library and you can access this resource on the Databases trials page at www.ed.ac.uk/is/databases-trials

BBC Monitoring was created in 1939 to assess the use being made of radio by the Axis powers during WWII.

A number of its unique capabilities are still valued, such as its focus on open sources – specifically a wide range of broadcasts and news agency transmissions; its ability to provide “the words as spoken” – accurate and impartial translations of what happened, plus understanding how the media reported an event.

BBC Monitoring has changed and developed as the media has, with short wave radio, media regulations, FM radio, satellite TV, the internet and the exploitation of the media for propaganda and extremist views.

We are who you come to for a level of insight others cannot provide. The combination of our expertise, ability to identify relevant sources, our regional knowledge and presence on the ground ensures we deliver the most unrivalled insight into world media.

BBC Monitoring Library provides you with

• Reporting on political and economic events around the world that impact topics such as: internal affairs, proliferation, human rights, international relations, crime, energy, environment, health, media, migration, military, narcotics, peacekeeping, terrorism and telecoms.
• Reliable, deep, on the ground insight in key locations
• Understanding around local nuances
• Timely information
• Quality human translation, ensuring accurate regional understanding
• Constant monitoring of relevant and trusted sources
• 70 years of expertise and understanding
• A resource you can rely on, being an integral part of the trusted BBC brand heritage

Trial access is available until 13th November 2014 and we would welcome feedback on the service.

Caroline Stirling – Academic Support Librarian for Social and Political Science