International Day for Universal Access to Information: Finding the right information in a digital world

On 28 September, we mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day recognises the importance of everyone being able to access information and use it to make informed decisions. UNESCO established the day in 2015, and the United Nations formally recognised it in 2019.

This year, the focus is particularly relevant to university students. The 2026 theme is “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder.”

But what does that mean for you?

Information is everywhere. But is it reliable?

You probably have access to more information than any previous generation of students. You can search Google, scroll social media, watch YouTube videos, ask an AI tool a question or find an article in seconds.

That sounds like a good thing. And it is.

However, having access to information does not automatically mean having access to good information.

You might find a statistic on TikTok. You might see a confident claim on Reddit. You might ask an AI tool to explain a complicated topic. You might find a website that looks professional but gives no indication of where its information came from.

So, when you are researching an assignment, the question is not simply “Can I find information about this?”

It is also:

Who produced it?
Where did the information come from?
What evidence supports it?
When was it published?
And can I trust it?

These questions form an important part of information literacy.

Your library is part of the answer

This is where your university library can help.

Library resources give you access to information that you might not find through an ordinary web search. Through LibrarySearch and the library’s databases, you can find academic books, journal articles, newspapers and other resources selected to support your studies.

You can also use your reading lists to find resources recommended for your modules. If you are not sure where to start, your librarians can help you search for information, understand different types of sources and develop your research skills. Check out our LibGuides in your particular subject area.

There may be another version of the resource available through the library. There may be another database to search. There may be an alternative source that meets your needs.

And if you cannot access something you need, we are here to help. There are interlibrary loans and SCONUL Access to help you access what you need. Ask us for help when you are stuck, and one of our Librarians will be happy to help.

Getting help with your research is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. It is part of becoming an independent researcher.

Access also means removing barriers

Universal access is about more than simply putting information online.

People access information in different ways. Disabilities, technology, internet access, language, cost, and the design of websites and documents can all create barriers.

Accessible information helps more people participate fully in education.

That might mean using accessible documents, providing alternative formats, designing content clearly or making sure digital resources work with assistive technologies.

The library has an important role here too. We want students to be able to find and use the information they need for their studies, regardless of how they access it. Check out more information on our accessibility tools in this guide

What about open access?

Access to information also connects to open access. Read about Napier’s Open access here.

Open access makes research available online without requiring readers to pay for access. This can make research more widely available to students, researchers and the public.

However, open access does not mean that every piece of information online is reliable. You still need to consider who produced the research, how it was published and what evidence it provides.

In other words, access and quality go hand in hand.

Your information toolkit

You do not need to become an expert in every source you encounter. Instead, build a few simple habits.

First, pause before you share. If something makes you angry, shocked or excited, take a moment to check it.

Next, look beyond the headline. Find the original source and read the information in context.

Then, check the evidence. Look for references, data and links to reliable sources.

Finally, compare sources. If you find an important claim, see whether other trustworthy sources support it.

And when you are doing university research, make the most of the resources available through your library. All your research should start in LibrarySearch.

Information is a shared resource

The International Day for Universal Access to Information reminds us that access to information matters. It supports education, participation, research and informed decision-making. UNESCO describes access to information as important for inclusion, social progress and the development of knowledge societies.

For students, that starts with something very practical.

Find the information. Check the information. Understand the information. Then use it well.

And if you are not sure where to start, your library is here to help.