Main Library
The Main Library is the largest of Edinburgh University's Libraries.
The Main Library holds the primary 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.
Main Library occupancy traffic light system
Updated every five minutes you can see here an indicator of occupancy of the Main Library based upon library entries and exits using anonymized and aggregrated card data recorded at the barriers. See further details about the Main Library Occupancy Traffic Light System data and privacy.
Location
Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ
Map: Campus map
https://www.ed.ac.uk/maps/maps?building=main-university-library
Main Library virtual orientation
Access and opening hours
Staff and students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights. NHS Lothian* staff may register as users according to the current service level agreement with the University of Edinburgh and upon production of current ID documentation.
*Please note that the service level agreement with NHS Lothian will cease on 10th September 2022. From 10 September 2022, NHS Lothian staff will be able to join UoE Library as members of the public.
NHS Lothian staff will continue to have access to a wide range of library and information resources and support from the NHS Education for Scotland Knowledge Network (external site)
Access to the library is also available to other users but please be aware that during exam periods access may be restricted. Please note, that for some external users, the membership application process has changed. Please check up-to-date information on the Joining the Library web pages before visiting any library.
Covid-19: Please see the University's guidance on hygiene and safety measures when on-campus. The University also promotes the Scottish Government ‘Distance Aware’ scheme and expect all library users to respect those members of our community who are either wearing a lanyard or badge, or request that others keep a distance.
Collections and their locations
You can see the most up-to-date location of the collections using the link below.
Study space
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 3rd and 5th floors of the Main Library. There are also a number of group study spaces available within the Main Library. Please see the Study Space pages for information and guidance.
Extra study Space at Main Library - April and May 2022
During the Revision and Examination period in April/May 2022, the following temporary additional quiet study space (non-bookable) is provided to assist students.
Floor 1: Rooms 1.07 (12 seats) and 1.09 (8 seats) open 24/7 until Tuesday 24 May
Floor 6: Centre for Research Collections (CRC) Research Suite (12 seats) available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 to 18:30, and Thursday and Fridays 10:00 to 16:00, from Wednesday 13 April to Friday 27 May except CLOSED Wednesday 20, Friday 22 April; and CLOSED Thursday 5 and Tuesday 10 May . Please note: no eating of any description is allowed in this room
Help using the Library
EdHelp service desk
-
Ground Floor
- Main Library
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LJ
Reporting noise and other inconsiderate behaviour in the Main Library
Please note that the anonymous report form is no longer available but you may report any problems to the Main Library EdHelp service desk.
Lockers
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. Please ask at the EdHelp service desk for details.
British Sign Language support
- 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.
Related Links
A guide to Main Library classification schemes and shelfmarks
Brief guide to location of collections in Main Library
Main Library floor plan: lower ground floor
Main Library floor plan: ground floor
Main Library floor plan: 1st floor
Main Library floor plan: 2nd floor
Main Library floor plan: 3rd floor
Main Library floor plan: 4th floor