Edinburgh College of Art Library

University of Edinburgh staff and students are automatically members of all our libraries, including this one at ECA. Please remember to bring your ID card to access our libraries.

We are also pleased to welcome external students, researchers and visitors to the Library, subject to the access restrictions above. In advance of a visit in person please email us at library.account@ed.ac.uk.

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

Joining the library 

ECA Library is located inside Evolution House on West Port, at the west end of the Grassmarket. 

The Library entrance is on the first floor. The books are located downstairs and can be accessed through the first floor Library entrance. 

Campus maps and travel information

The first floor has the EdHelp Desk, journals and magazines, our Reserve lending collection, DVDs, Quick Reference items, and computing, printing and scanning facilities. Along with study space, we have a break-out space with comfortable easy chairs and lots of natural light.

Downstairs on the ground floor is our book collection, along with more study space and additional computing, printing and scanning facilities. 

ECA Library virtual orientation

ECA Library book collection - floor plan

There is lift access to the Library entrance on the first floor. If you require access via the ground floor, please ask the EdHelp Desk for guidance on how to request this. The EdHelp Desk is wheelchair accessible and has an induction loop installed.

Please see the links below for full information on the accessibility of ECA Library:

Accessibility @ ECA

AccessAble ECA Evolution House

EdHelp Desk

The EdHelp Desk is based on the first floor. Staff can help with library, IT, student administration and finance related enquiries. You can also contact us online.

EdHelp

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 cards

Getting your first card 

Card Help 

Borrowing and returning books

If you need to borrow or return books, there are self-service machines within the Library. If you have any problems using the machine please visit the EdHelp Desk. 

WiFi and computer access

• Free Wifi access via Eduroam or VisitEd
• 10 PCs for student and staff use
• 2 additional PCs with A3 flatbed scanners attached (1 of which also doubles as the accessible PC)
• Catalogue Search terminals / PCs are located on both floors
• Short-term (up to 28 days) laptops for loan for students only
• 1 walk-in public access terminal allowing access to limited e-resources 

Eduroam

VisitED Guest WiFi

Laptop loan service 

DiscoverED

Printing, copying and scanning - EdPrint

There is an MFD (multi-function device) located on each floor of the Library that University of Edinburgh staff and students can use to print, scan and photocopy. Printing can be done from our PCs or your own devices, and can be in either monochrome or colour, and on either A4 or A3 paper. 

Other library users are able to pay for photocopying services only. Please ask at the EdHelp Desk for more information.

EdPrint 

Food and drink

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

There is a water fountain in the ground floor corridor, just past the lifts as you enter the building. There is no water fountain inside the Library itself. 

Food and drink policy 

Toilets

Gender-neutral single occupancy toilets are available on every floor, in the corridors outside the Library. 

There is also a gender-neutral accessible toilet on every floor, and sanitary products can be found within these spaces as well. 

Library study space

ECA Library has a total of 57 permanent study spaces at desks and tables and informal, soft seating for a further 32 people.

Study space with computers

We have 12 PCs for student and staff use, including 2 PCs with A3 flatbed scanners (1 of which is a designated Accessible Workstation).

Group study

There are no facilities for group study.

Silent study

The ground floor of the Library is designated for silent study: this comprises 45 study spaces and 15 easy chairs for informal study.  

Accessible study space

There is an Accessible Workstation PC with adjustable height desk and assistive software on the first floor of the Library, opposite the EdHelp Desk. There is also an adjustable height desk at the rear of the first floor.

Study spaces at other libraries

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

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