Art and Architecture Library

University of Edinburgh staff and students are automatically members of the Library. Please remember to bring your ID card to access our libraries.

We are also pleased to welcome external users: students, researchers and members of the public to the Library.

Before visiting in person:

• please email us at library.account@ed.ac.uk to obtain information about joining the library.
• check up-to-date information on the Joining the Library web pages 

Joining the library 

The Art and Architecture Library is located on the ground and lower ground floors of Minto House, Chambers Street. 

Access to the building is by swipe access for everyone holding a university library card. There is a buzzer for those who do not have a card.

Pass by the reception desk and bear left into the corridor to find the Art & Architecture Library entrance.

There is a ramp for wheelchair access at the Maltings entrance to the left of the main door. After entering, follow the ramp on your right down into the corridor. The library is on your right.

Campus map and travel information

Art and Architecture virtual orientation

Art and Architecture Library Accessibility Information

The Art and Architecture library is a quiet and compact library on two levels.  The majority of the book collection is on the ground floor with the journals and the remainder of the books on the lower ground floor. 

You can find out more about the library before you arrive by viewing the documents below.

Art and Architecture virtual orientation

Art and Architecture Library access

To find out more about we assist disabled users here at the Art and Architecture Library please visit:

Art and Architecture Library accessibility information

A guide to the Art and Architecture Library is available on the AccessAble website.

AccessAble

More information on University Library accessibility

Find information on the physical accessibility of the libraries and the services offered to disabled users.

Library Accessibility

EdHelp Desk

The EdHelp Desk is located directly opposite the ground floor library entrance. 

We are happy to help with all your library enquiries, including helping you find books and articles, assisting with printing, lending short-term loan laptops, printing replacement library cards, and advising on our electronic library resources.

As members of the EdHelp team we can also help you at the desk and online with a wider range of queries relating to IT, paying tuition fees and finding your student documents.  

You can find out more about the EdHelp service here: 

EdHelp

Finding, Borrowing and Returning Books

You can find resources using DiscoverEd, which itemises both our library catalogue and our eresources. The Art and Architecture Library does not have an open access terminal for searching but you can access DiscoverEd on your own device. Alternatively, please ask at the desk and we will be happy to help you find items. 

There is a self-issue machine for borrowing and returning books opposite the EdHelp Desk.

Out of hours, books can be returned to the book box opposite the common room.  

If you have any problems finding your books or using the self service terminals, please ask at the EdHelpDesk and we will be happy to help. 

DiscoverEd

Using the Online Library

DiscoverEd Orientation Guide

Borrowing books and other resources

WiFi and computer access

• Free Wifi access
• 6 PCs for student and staff use
• Laptops for loan (students only)

Please note: we do not have a DiscoverEd terminal nor a walk-in user terminal. If you need to search DiscoverEd you can use your own device or we are happy to search for you if you ask at the desk. 

Eduroam

VisitED Guest WiFi

DiscoverED

Laptop loan service 

Printing, Copying and Scanning- EdPrint

There is a MFD (multifunctional device) on the ground floor, for copying, printing and scanning which prints in colour. You can operate the device using your university card.  

• University of Edinburgh staff and students can use the EdPrint service to send documents from Library PCs and also from their own devices once they have configured their devices by adding the EdHelp print queue.
• Other library users are able to pay for photocopying services only – please ask at the EdHelp desk for information or email library.account@ed.ac.uk.

We have an A3 guillotine and various kinds of staplers available next to the printer. 

ECA students should also be aware of other printing and scanning services offered by the college and not managed by the library. For information about these please see the ECA handbook. 

EdPrint

Adding EdHelp print queue

ECA Handbook (access for ECA students only)

Card Services

If you have lost or damaged your card, or if it is expired, you can get a replacement at our EdHelp desk.  

If you are an Edinburgh University student or member of staff at the university, you will need to collect your initial card from the Main Library in George Square.

Replacement card desks 

Getting your first card 

Card Help 

Toilets

Female toilets are located in the lower ground floor. 

Male toilets are located on the landing of the Maltings stairwell, between the ground and lower ground floor. 

There are accessible, gender neutral toilets available on the ground floor to the right of the entrance hall past the common room and on the lower ground floor. 

Sanitary products are available in both accessible toilets and in the basement ladies toilets by the main Minto House stairwell.

The library provides 23 study spaces and 5 open access PCs, 2 on the ground floor and 3 on the lower ground. 

All desks are equipped with power sockets and charging points. 

There are no facilities for group study and no noisy areas. Typically the library is a silent place to work.  

Accessible study space

• There is a height adjustable desk on the ground floor.

Accessible features of the Art and Architecture Library

Disability and Learning Support Service

Library Regulations

All users of the University Library must observe these Library Regulations and observe special regulations relating to any Library premises which they may use.

Library regulations

Food and drink

Drinks with a lid are permitted, but food is not allowed.

Food and drink policy 

Child access to the Library

This policy is intended to enable parents and carers accompanied by children to access the University Library and to ensure the safety of children.

Policy for child access to the Library