University of Edinburgh staff, students and academic visitors

Staff and fully matriculated students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights to all of our site Libraries. Some academic visitors may also have full rights at the Library.

University of Edinburgh staff and students

Your University ID card should be carried with you at all times.

In the Library, you must have your card to borrow books and also to access printing/copying. 

What does my card entitle me to at the library?  

If you do not have your University ID card with you, you can still gain access by requesting a day pass at the Helpdesk.  If you have lost your University ID card you will need to buy a new one. 

Replacement cards

Academic visitors

As an Official Visitor, including Visiting and Honorary Fellows and Research Associates, you will have been registered on the Visitor Registration System (VRS) by your department and you should receive a University ID card.

Having a University ID card does not mean that you have an automatic entitlement to borrow Library books or access to e-resources. This is a decision made by your department.

Library regulations

A University ID card is issued on the understanding you agree to abide by the Library regulations. 

Library regulations

Policy for child access to the University Library

Computing regulations

SCONUL Access

Edinburgh University Library is a member of the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) Access scheme. SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme between most of the Universities in the UK and Ireland. If you are:

  • an academic on an open or fixed term contract
  • a postgraduate research student registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
  • a part-time, distance learning and placement student
  • or a full-time postgraduate

You may be able to borrow from other college or university libraries or to use other libraries for consultation or study.

SCONUL Access

Scotland's Rural College Library (SRUC)

Edinburgh University Library has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with Scoland's Rural College (SRUC) This allows all current staff and matriculated students at University of Edinburgh access to SRUC Libraries 

To register you must complete an application form. You can pick up an application form from the EdHelp Service desk in the Main Library, please bring along your staff or student card, complete the form and EdHelp staff can authorize it.  

If you have any blocks on your library record e.g. fines of over £20, then these blocks will have to be cleared before your application can be approved.

Registration is for a maximum of 1 year, or the end of your contract or course, if this is sooner.

Scotland's Rural College Library

 

Other access schemes

If the library you wish to visit is not covered by the schemes or agreements mentioned above then check that library's website or contact them directly to see what their access policies are. You may still be able to get access to the library.

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