New College Library

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 

New College Library is located at the back, on the left-hand side of New College quad.

Campus map

There is wheelchair access at the quad entrance then via a platform lift located near the rear of the Sanctuary corridor. There are no disabled parking spaces available. 

AccessAble 

New College Library virtual orientation

New College Library accessibility Information 

New College Library 

To find out more about how we assist disabled users here at New College Library please visit:

New College Library accessibility Information 

Readers unable to self-evacuate will require a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) arranged by their department. Non-UoE visitors unable to self-evacuate should contact the library in advance of visit.

A guide to New College 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 team based in the Library Hall can help with library, IT, student administration and finance related enquiries. You can also contact them online.

EdHelp

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 please visit the library helpdesk desk.

• self-check machine (for both issue & returning of books) in front of the library helpdesk
• self-issue machine inside the RESERVE section

WiFi and computer access

• Free Wifi access
• 1 open access PC for student and staff use
• Library Search PC (DiscoverEd) - in front of library helpdesk adjacent to Print/Copy room
• Laptops for loan (students only)

Eduroam

VisitED Guest WiFi

DiscoverED

Laptop loan service 

Printing, copying and scanning - EdPrint

There is an MFD (multi-function devices) available in the Print/Copy room

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

New College Library is a listed building therefore only bottled water is allowed. There is a water fountain at the foot of stairs next to to the entrance from the quad.

Toilets

There is one unisex toilet half way up the stairs to the library hall and there is an accessible toilet at the foot of stairs next to to the entrance from the quad.

New College Library offers both quiet and silent study spaces. 

Quiet and silent study

The whole of the main library hall is designated quiet study space with 88 spaces. There are also 24 study spaces in the David Welsh Reading Room which are designated for silent study. 

Group study

There are no facilities for group study.

Study space with computers

There is one open access lab PC. However, most reader spaces are equipped with power points and wireless is available. The library has printing/photocopying/scanning facilities.

Accessible study space

There is no accessible work station. However there is an electrically controlled height adjustable desk and a manual height adjustable desk in the main library hall.

Study spaces at other libraries

New College Library Special Collections

New College Library Special Collections image gallery

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

Water only in covered container. No food is allowed anywhere in the library. Food includes biscuits, crisps and other packaged snacks. 

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