Staff news

Main Library now open around the clock

The University's Main Library is now open 24/7.

Image of Main Library

The new opening times provide students with a staffed, secure and accessible environment for individual study, or to host group study sessions.

Three levels of the Library now remain open to students all night - the lower ground, ground and first floors.

At midnight, students working on the other floors are invited to move to lower levels. The upper floors re-open each day at 7.30am.

Supporting study needs

The University's Director of Estates Gary Jebb said the extended hours offer students greater choice to support their differing study needs.

The move has been welcomed by the President of Edinburgh University Students’ Association, Alec Edgecliffe-Johnson.

Chief Information Officer and Librarian Gavin McLachlan said the University was very happy to respond to student requests for extended hours.

New arrangements

As part of the new arrangements, the large computer lab in the basement of the Hugh Robson Building, George Square, along with the computing lab in High School Yards, now closes at 10pm and re-opens at 7.30am.

At that time, students are asked to move to the Main Library. The building will be fully staffed with teams trained in first aid and disabled evacuation, offering a much safer and pleasant option for students.

It is intended that the Hugh Robson computer lab will be open during peak times of the year, such as exams.

The student experience is at the heart of all that we do and we have worked closely with Edinburgh University Students’ Association and the Library to find out what our students want and how we can enhance their experience.

Gary JebbDirector of Estates

We've campaigned for this for over a year, and worked alongside the University to make it happen. It is a tremendous development for the student body and we’re delighted that it has begun before the May exam diet.

Alec Edgecliffe-JohnsonPresident of Edinburgh University Students' Association

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