How do I borrow a book?

You have found the book that you want from our shelves, now how do you take it out of the Library?

When you have found the books that you want, you can take them to the self-service machines available at most libraries or to the Library Helpdesk where, on production of your card, staff will issue the book to you. Self-issue machines will provide an itemised receipt of books issued.

Books cannot be issued to you if you do not have your card, or if you have a block on your Library record such as an outstanding fine over £20.00. The Library will normally require accrued fines to be paid off fully in one transaction.

How many books can I borrow?

Undergraduates

Undergraduates may borrow 100 books at any one time, 10 of which may be Reserve.

Taught Postgraduates

Taught Postgraduates may borrow up to 100 books at any one time, 10 of which may be Reserve.

Research Postgraduates and University staff

Research Postgraduates, University staff may borrow up to 100 books at any one time, 10 of which may be Reserve.

University of Edinburgh alumni

University of Edinburgh alumni may borrow up to 15 books at any one time. Reserve and HUB short loan collections are for reference use only.

Other categories of user

Other categories of user may be entitled to borrowing. Reserve and HUB short loan collections are available to certain categories. For more information on this please check the joining the Library pages:

Joining the Library