Royal Infirmary 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

NHS Lothian staff can join UoE Library as members of the public or apply for other UoE Library membership options if appropriate and on production of the required documentation. Information regarding UoE Library membership is available on the Joining the Library web pages, but please be aware that during exam periods access may be restricted. 

NHS Lothian staff have access to a wide range of library and information resources and support from the NHS Education for Scotland Knowledge Network (external site).

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

Joining the library 

NHS Education for Scotland Knowledge Network

The Royal Infirmary Library is based at The Chancellor's Building at Edinburgh BioQuarter. Access is from the main entrance to the Chancellors Building. The library is located on the first floor and can be accessed by lift or stairs. The Computer Suite is located on the second floor and is accessible via the Library during the Library opening hours. 

The Library can be reached by public transport and there is also limited parking facilities at BioQuarter, mainly for permit holders only. There is disabled parking located close by the Chancellor’s Building. 

Campus map

Lothian Bus Transport 

AccessAble 

The Royal Infirmary Library entrance is on the first floor, adjacent to the lifts in the atrium.

Once you enter the library, you’ll see the EdHelp service desk on the right. The study desks and bookshelves are located on the Floor 1. There is an internal staircase leading to the Floor 2 with the Computer and Study suite, where you can find Edinburgh University computers and also NHS Net computers.

Royal Infirmary Library virtual orientation

Royal Infirmary Library access

Please note: access to Computer and Study suite on Floor 2 is only available via the internal staircase in the Library during the Library opening hours.

To find out more about we assist disabled users here at the Royal Infirmary Library please visit:

Royal Infirmary Library accessibility information

A guide to the Royal Infirmary 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 can help with library, IT, student administration and finance related enquiries and can also advise regarding University card related enquiries. You can also contact them online.

EdHelp

Borrowing and returning books

If you need to borrow or return books, there is a self-service machine in the library. 

Self-service machine is located by the wall, on the left side of the Edhelp service desk on the first floor. You can issue and return books using the self-service machine.  

If you have any problems please ask at the EdHelp service desk.

WiFi and computer access

There is free Wifi access available in the Library. 

There are 50 open access Edinburgh University PCs for student and staff located mainly in the Computer and Study suite on the second floor. There are 3 Edinburgh University PCs without apps available on the first floor in the Library. 

There are 19 NHS Net computers located in the Computer and Study suite on the second floor. 

Laptops can be borrowed by students at the EdHelp service desk at the Royal Infirmary Library.   

There are 2 walk-in access PCs where you can search Library catalogue (DiscoverEd) and access limited e-resources. 

Eduroam

VisitED Guest WiFi

DiscoverED

Laptop loan service 

Printing, copying and scanning - EdPrint

There are MFDs (multi-function devices) on Floor 1 and 2, which University of Edinburgh staff and students can use to print (from open access PCs or from own devices), scan and photocopy. Both black & white (mono) and colour MFD is available on Floor 1 with paper size options A4 and A3. Black and white (mono) MFD is available on Floor 2 with only paper size A4 as an available option. 

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

EdPrint 

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

• Covered drinks are allowed throughout the library.
• No food is allowed anywhere in the library.  Food includes biscuits, crisps and other packaged snacks. 

Toilets

There are toilets available outside the Library - on Floor 1 from the staircase turning right through a corridor and two sets of doors. Toilets are also available on the ground floor and Floor 2 in the Chancellor's Building.  

The whole of the library is a designated quiet study space with 73 study spaces located on Floor 1. There are an additional 10 study desks on Floor 2 in the Computer and Study suite. Power sockets are available throughout the library as well as wireless access.

Group study

There are no facilities for group study.

Study space with computers

There are 50 open access computers: 1 open access PC and 3 Kiosk PCs without apps are located on the 1st floor and 46 University networked PCs are located on the 2nd floor in the Computer and Study suite. 

There are also 19 NHS Net computers available on the 2nd floor in the Computer and Study suite. 

Check real time availability of computers in the Royal Infirmary Library

Accessible study space

There is an adjustable height standing desk located by the self-service issue and return machine on the 1st floor in the Library. 

Study spaces at other libraries

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

Library study space

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