The Main Library holds the University's primary print collections in arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine and informatics. It also houses the Library's general collections of books and periodicals, older books in all subjects, most of the special collections of rare books and manuscripts, the University archives and the Lothian Health Service Archive. The Main Library is the largest of Edinburgh University's Libraries.
During the exam period holders of Library Reference cards will not be permitted access to the Main Library and the Law Library. New Reference memberships and renewals of existing Reference memberships will also not be possible.
Affected dates: Tuesday 8 April till Thursday 15 May 2025 inclusive.
If you wish to apply for an exemption to these restrictions on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, please email us at library.account@ed.ac.uk
Staff and students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights.
Access to the library is also available to other users but please be aware that during exam periods access may be restricted.
Please check up-to-date information on the Joining the Library web pages before visiting any library.
The Library is situated on the south side of George Square.
You can see the most up-to-date location of the collections using the link below.
Study space is available as a walk up service across the campus with the exception of a small number of bookable study spaces on the 5th floor of the Main Library. There are also a number of group study spaces available within the Main Library. Please see the Library Study Space page for information and guidance.
Day lockers are available for University of Edinburgh students and staff. Keys will be issued for the day and are to be returned by 9am the next morning. From Monday 30 September 2024 there will also be lockers which can be rented for the academic year. See page below for more details.
A video relay service is available, enabling British Sign Language users to contact public bodies and vice-versa.
This service operates from 8am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week.
Please visit https://contactscotland-bsl.org for full details.
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