Law Library

The Library holds the majority of the University's law collections, specialising in Scots, UK, European and International law.

Law Library Senate Room table with students


Contact details

 

Opening Hours

Law Library opening hours from 15 September 2025

DayBuilding opening hoursHelpdesk opening hours
Monday - Thursday9am - 8pm9am - 7:50pm
Friday9am - 7pm9am - 6:50pm
Saturday & Sunday9am - 5pm9am - 4:50pm

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

We are also pleased to welcome external students, researchers and visitors to the Library but please be aware that during exam periods access may be restricted. In advance of a visit in person,  please email us at library.account@ed.ac.uk

Please check up-to-date information on the Joining the Library web pages before visiting any library.

Joining the library 


The Law Library is situated on the North West side of the Old College Quad, South Bridge.

The Library entrance is up a set of steps to the Ground Floor. 

Campus maps and travel information

AccessAble


The Law Library is located in the North West Corner of the Old College Quad, South Bridge. 

Access to the Law Library via stairs is available from the Old College Quad.  If you are a wheelchair user access to the Law Library can be arranged through a back entrance in Chambers Street.

Law Library accessibility information

The Law Library is on 3 levels, The Lower Ground Floor, the Ground Floor and a Mezzanine level with study space throughout. 

Law Library virtual orientation


Law Library access

To find out more about we assist disabled users here at Law Library Library please visit:

Law Library Library accessibility information

A guide to the Law Library an be found on the AccessAble website.

AccessAble

 
BSL - British Sign Language support

A video relay service is available, enabling British Sign Language users to contact public bodies and vice-versa.

This service operates from 8am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week.

For full details, please visit.

https://contactscotland-bsl.org

 

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 team based on the ground floor can help with library, IT, student administration and finance related enquiries. You can also contact them online.

EdHelp

 
Borrowing and returning books

There are two self-service machines in the Law Library you can borrow and return books with, one located beside the Helpdesk on the Ground floor and one in a corner on the Ground Floor beside the book stacks.

There are two self-issue machines in the RESERVE area on the Ground floor for the purpose of borrowing and returning RESERVE items.

 If you have any problems with self issue and return please visit the EdHelp desk.

 

WiFi and computer access
  • Free WiFi access
  • 65 open access PCs located on the Lower Ground Floor and the Mezzanine level
  • Library Search PCs (DiscoverEd) - Ground floor
  • Laptops for loan (students only)
  • Walk-in access PCs - access to limited e-resources 

Eduroam

VisitED Guest WiFi

DiscoverED

Laptop loan service 

 
Printing, copying and scanning - EdPrint

There are 2 MFDs (multi-function devices) located on the Ground Floor, in the RESERVE area, on which University of Edinburgh staff and students can print (from Library PCs or from own devices), scan and photocopy. Our MDFs print in both Mono and Colour.

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

 

Card Services

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

Replacement card desks 

Getting your first card 

Card Help 

 

Food and drink

No eating or food allowed anywhere in the Law Library.

Covered hot and cold drinks allowed.

Water fountain located on the Lower Ground floor.

No hot water taps.

No microwaves - they can can be found in the Study Hub at 40 George Square on Level 02.

The Quad Cafe is located next door on the Mezzanine level of the Law School. It is open term time only.

Study Hub at 40 George Square

 

Toilets

Gender Neutral toilets located in the Lower Ground Floor corridor with one accessible access toilet.

One accessible access toilet on the Ground Floor.

One accessible access toilet on the Mezzanine Level.


Silent Study

The Law Library is  silent study area on all 3 levels.

The only areas for quiet conversation are the bookable Group Study Rooms on the Mezzanine Level.

 
Desk Space

On the Ground Floor their is desk space with ports for device charging and a large, attractive study hall called the Senate Room. On the Lower Ground Floor and the Mezzanine floors there is a combination of desk space and desktop PCs.

 
Study space with computers

There are 65 open access PCs in the Law Library, located on the Lower Ground Floor and the Mezzanine level.

 
Group study rooms

There are 2 group study rooms on the Mezzanine level which can be booked online via MyEd. 

The rooms can be found under the building name Old College. Room numbers are 00M.153 and 00M.154.

The rooms are for groups of up to 4 students and are equipped with a PC, screen and whiteboard.

Booking study rooms via MyEd

 
Accessible Study Space

There are 4 height adjustable desks, 2 on the Ground Floor, 1 on the Mezzanine and 1 on the Lower Ground Floor.

There are two standing desks in the RESERVE area.

There is a height adjustable self-issue and return machine in the RESERVE area. 

 

Study spaces at other libraries
Information about study spaces across all ten University Libraries can be found at the following link:
 

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 


Related links

British Sign Language support

A video relay service is available, enabling British Sign Language users to contact public bodies and vice-versa.

This service operates from 8am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week.

Please visit https://contactscotland-bsl.org for full details.

Library help

Please get in touch with us if you need help using the library.