Main Library

The Main Library holds the University's primary print collections in arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine and informatics. It also houses the Library's general collections of books and periodicals, older books in all subjects, most of the special collections of rare books and manuscripts, the University archives and the Lothian Health Service Archive. The Main Library is the largest of Edinburgh University's Libraries.

Contact details

Access and opening hours

Staff and students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights. Please remember your ID to access the libraries.

Access to the library is also available to other users but please be aware that during exam periods access may be restricted. 

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

Joining the Library

How to find us

The Library is situated on the south side of George Square.

Campus map and travel information

Main Library virtual orientation 

Orientate yourself in the Main Library

Collections and their locations

You can see the most up-to-date location of the collections using the link below.

Study space

Study space is available as a walk up service across the campus with the exception of a small number of bookable study spaces on the 5th floor of the Main Library. There are also a number of group study spaces available within the Main Library. Please see the Library Study Space page for information and guidance.

Library Study space

Lockers

Day lockers are available for University of Edinburgh students and staff. Keys will be issued for the day and are to be returned by 9am the next morning. From Monday 30 September 2024 there will also be lockers which can be rented for the academic year. See page below for more details.

Rental lockers

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.

Related links