5 things to remember if using the Library this summer, 2017


I wrote a “5 things to remember if using the Library this summer” post last year and it is the second most viewed post on this site. So shamelessly clinging to the coat-tails of that post, this is an updated version for 2017.


We’re creeping ever closer to the official end of the academic year (Friday 26 May) and while some of you may already have finished, to those that haven’t, keep going you are almost there!

While many of you are probably thinking the last thing you’d want to do is use or visit the Library over your summer break, there will be a large number of students who want to or need to use the Library during the summer vacation period to continue with their studies or research.

So if you are one of the many who is planning on using Library facilities or services over the summer then read on. And for those of you who aren’t planning on this maybe you should read on anyway just in case (particularly if you have not returned borrowed books).

1) The Main Library and other site libraries remain open throughout the summer vacation period.

Opening hours and Helpdesk staffed hours will be reduced in some libraries so keep an eye on the opening hours web site and follow the Library on social media for updates e.g. @EdUniLibraries, @EdUniMainLib, Facebook, etc.

The Main Library will continue to be open 24/7 throughout the summer (from midnight till 7.30am only lower ground floor, ground floor and 1st floor will be open, as per normal semester time).

2) The loan period for books remain the same over the summer, so remember:

  • Renew your books
  • Books can still be requested from you at any time by other library users. If you’re borrowing books from the Library over the summer and will not be in Edinburgh you must ensure you can return books on time if they are requested from you.
  • Fines still apply – you will still be liable for fines if you do not renew or return your books on time.

Renew your books and keep an eye on your library account via DiscoverEd. Remember you can pay any fines online via DiscoverEd as well: Payment of fines.

3) You may not be in Edinburgh but you can still access the Library’s online resources.

The Library gives you access to over 410,000 e-books, over 60,000 e-journals and over 240 databases. These can be accessed as normal via DiscoverEd or the Library web pages, normally just with your EASE username and password.

Some of these online resources may require you to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to get access to them off-campus. Follow the instructions on the VPN website to set this up, for any queries on the VPN please contact IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk.

4) Away from Edinburgh for the summer but still need to do some study or research?

The SCONUL Access scheme gives students and staff from member universities the opportunity to get access to other member university libraries. So if you are going to be based near another university in the UK and Ireland you may be able to access their library via the SCONUL Access scheme.

For more information and how to register please see SCONUL Access for University of Edinburgh students and staff.

For any queries on this please contact IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk or speak to a member of staff at a library helpdesk.

5) Graduating from the University this summer?

Graduates of the University of Edinburgh can join the Library as an external borrower for free, membership lasts for 1 year.

For more information on how to register, the documents/ID you must provide to do so and what your membership gives you access to see Joining the Library: Graduates of University of Edinburgh.

Graduates of the University can also get access to a small selection of e-resources the Library subscribes to e.g. British History Online, Churchill Archive, Early English Books Online (EEBO), JSTOR, Migration to New Worlds, etc. The Alumni A-Z list shows you what is available and provides links for access.

Whatever you may be doing, have a fantastic summer!


Want to know what the most viewed post on this site is? No? Well, I don’t care, I’m going to tell you anyway.

The most viewed post on this site is…drum roll…New to the Library: Papers of Neville Chamberlain. Obviously a popular guy.


Caroline Stirling – Academic Support Librarian for History, Classics and Archaeology