Members of the public
University of Edinburgh Library is open to all members of the public on production of appropriate proof of identity.
Restricted access to the Main Library and the Law Library for Reference users during exam period
From Friday 1st December - Monday 18th December 2023 inclusive, access to the Main Library and the Law Library will be restricted for Reference users. This also includes those with SCONUL Reference Only cards. This is due to the revision and exam period at University of Edinburgh and consequent high demand on study spaces.
Heritage Collections users are not affected by this.
Normal access arrangements will resume on Tuesday 19th December 2023.
If you feel an exception should be made in your case, please email library.account@ed.ac.uk stating the reasons for an exception to be made:
Library Membership
University of Edinburgh Libraries are fully open to all categories of external membership.
If you wish to join or renew your existing membership, please e-mail us at library.account@ed.ac.uk (Please state you wish to join/renew and include in your email your name, category of visitor and existing card reference number starting ‘200..’ if applicable).
We will reply to you with important information for access within a maximum of 7 days. Please wait for our reply before visiting our libraries.*
*We may not be able to process your membership if you do not follow these steps.*
Any member of the public can join University of Edinburgh Library. You can join on either a Reference only basis, or as an External Borrower for which there is a fee. Please note that you must be 16 or over to join as a member of the public.
| Membership | Notes |
|---|---|
| Reference (consultation only) | Free. Membership lasts for 1 year. |
| External borrower | A fee applies. Membership lasts for 3,6 or 12 months. |
What do I need to bring?
Please bring the appropriate ID as outlined below. You will be unable to register unless you have all the requested documentation.
| Membership | Documentation |
|---|---|
| Reference (consultation only) | Photographic ID plus proof of address* |
| External borrower | Photographic ID plus proof of address* |
*Proof of address must be dated within the last 3 months.
Edinburgh Libraries Passport (ELP) holders do not need to bring proof of address in order to register with the Library. PLEASE NOTE THIS SCHEME IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS. Existing valid passports will be accepted.
What does my card entitle me to?
Details of what your card entitles you to at the University Library can be found on the following page.
Your library card can be used in the Main Library and all site libraries. Access to departmental or class libraries is not available.
Replacement cards (lost, stolen or expired)
If your reference card or external borrower's card is lost, stolen or damaged you can get it replaced with an online payment of £10. Please email library.account@ed.ac.uk for more details.
If your card expires you must apply for a new one. Please email library.account@ed.ac.uk and we will send you all the relevant information for a replacement. All required documentation must be provided.
Further information about renewing your external borrower's card
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.