Joining the Library
Information on how to join and access the University of Edinburgh Libraries, what identification is required and services provided.
University of Edinburgh staff, students and academic visitors
Staff and fully matriculated students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights to all of our site Libraries . Some academic visitors may also have full rights at the Library.
Staff and students from other universities
Membership to University of Edinburgh Library is available to staff and students of other universities through the reciprocal access schemes mentioned below .We have certain ID requirements depending on membership (see link for relevant group and accepted ID) .Reference access is available to all on production of appropriate ID and proof of current address. Borrowing rights may be available to some students and staff via the local and national reciprocal agreements and schemes such as SCONUL Access.
We ask that all Visitors email us at library.account@ed.ac.uk before visiting.
Centre for Open Learning (COL)
Students studying at the Centre for Open Learning are welcome to join Edinburgh University Library.
Members of the public
University of Edinburgh Library is open to all members of the public on production of appropriate proof of identity.
Graduates of University of Edinburgh
Alumni, Friends of the Library and Life members may apply to access the library by e-mailing: library.account@ed.ac.uk (Please include in your email your existing card reference number starting ‘200..’ if applicable). We will reply to you with important information for access within 7 days . Please wait for our reply before visiting our libraries.
Other access agreements
Access arrangements are also in place for certain groups and organisations.
Privacy Notice for Library Self-Registration
This privacy notice explains what personal information the University holds about those joining as library members. It explains why we hold this information, what we do with it, how long we keep it for and if we share it with third parties.
Library services - University of Edinburgh staff and students
Staff and fully matriculated students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights to all Edinburgh University library sites.
Services for external members
Although, as a University service, the Library is partly funded from central government, we are not a public library. The extent to which we can offer facilities to external users free of charge is limited.
The library can offer some services only on payment of subscriptions or fees, which are set at realistic but reasonable levels. Income derived from these subscriptions and fees is used to maintain and develop collections and services.