Using the Collections

Our services are tailored to user needs and provided at multiple locations across campus, as well as online.

Heritage Collections at the University of Edinburgh are open to all and we want everyone who visits our spaces to feel comfortable and welcome. We have created AccessAble Guides, Sensory Maps, and Visual Guides to help you familiarise yourself with our sites before and during your visit.

This image shows students and curator discussing a book.

How to book an appointment to consult collections in our Reading Rooms.

This image shows a member of staff assisting a reader in the reading room.

We can offer specialist advice and expertise about your research enquiry.

This image shows a student with a lecturer discussing collections.

We can support experiential learning through object-based teaching.

This image is of a conservator working on a scroll.

We work with community partners to co-develop and deliver inclusive civic engagement projects.

This image shows a student cleaning a collection item.

How to get involved with our work as a student volunteer or intern.

This image shows a close up of a book on a cushion.

How to view collections remotely when you're unable to visit in person.

This image shows a member of staff photographing collections.

Find out more about our digitisation and image licensing services.

This image is of an exhibition held in the Main Library.

Discover our programme of events and exhibitions at St Cecilia's Hall, the Main Library, and beyond.

This image is a close up of a fossil from the geology collection.

Find out more about how we use our collections to support research projects.

Important Information

Why some collection items may not be readily accessible.

General and visitor information in BSL.

User registration for access to our services.