Welcome, and welcome back, to all students starting the new academic year this week!
Whether you are one of the many descending on campus or one of our online or distance learners logging in from across the globe, we hope you make full use of our library resources, services and facilities while you are at the University.
Main Library
Our newly refreshed Library website has everything you need to know about the Library, while our Library subject guides help you find the resources you may need for your subject area.
But here are 5 things to help you get the best out of our (or your) library in 2024-25.
1) DiscoverEd is your library catalogue
2) Remember there are 10 libraries at the University of Edinburgh that you have access to
3) The Library is here to help!
4) Remember to keep up to date with the Library
5) The Library isn’t just for your academic work and research.
1) DiscoverEd is your library catalogue.
DiscoverEd
It may look a wee bit different this year (it’s purple!) but it’s still what you need to use to find items or reading material in our libraries.
DiscoverEd is searching both our online resources and our physical or print resources e.g. books and e-books, journals, e-journals and e-journal articles, databases, films, musical scores, etc.
It’s always worth remembering or getting into the habit of signing in to DiscoverEd when you are using it (you sign in with your University login), as this ensures that no matter where you are working you will see a full set of search results, request options will be active, you can save items or searches, and you can access My Account.
2) Remember there are 10 libraries at the University of Edinburgh that you have access to (with your student card).
From top (clockwise): Law Library (interior), New College Library (interior), Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library (exterior).
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut and keep using the same library for study space but it’s good to explore all the other libraries, as you might find one that you prefer. All 10 libraries have unique collections and features, and each has its own distinctive atmosphere. So why not take the time to explore?
Have a look at Using our Library which has information about the locations and opening hours of the 10 libraries. There’s useful orientation guides that you can look at to familiaries yourself with the libraries. And there’s also a student-led tour of the Main Library you can watch.
And don’t forget, there are study spaces outwith our libraries as well e.g. the Study Hub at 40 George Square which offers 388 study spaces for individuals or groups, or the Nucleus at King’s Buildings which offers 400 study spaces for individuals or groups. Find out more about study space across the University on the Study Space website.
3) The Library is here to help!
The University Library is big, with vast collections, and even for seasoned students and researchers it can be a bit overwheming at times. For some students it may even lead to library anxiety.
That’s ok but do remember there are lots of ways you can get help when using the Library, and you should not be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. That’s what we are here for.
EdHelp are the first point of contact for all library-related queries. You can contact them online via www.ed.ac.uk/edhelp or you can speak to them in person at an EdHelp desk, which you will find in each of our 10 libraries.
If your library query is subect specific, or you are looking for more guidance on literature searching, citing and referencing, etc., then you can contact your Academic Support Librarian (ASL). Or you can book a 1-2-1 librarian consultation.
If you are looking to use our rare books, manuscripts, archives, etc., then you can contact Heritage Collections. You can email them directly or you can speak to staff in-person in the Centre for Research Collections on the 6th floor, Main Library.
But that’s not all! There are courses, training sessions, workshops, presentations, and other events held by the Library to help you with your learning and research.
LibSmart
You can build your library skills with our online Learn course LibSmart I, including literature searching, managing references and avoiding plagiarism. Then develop advanced searching skills with LibSmart II. You can access both courses from the Essentials area in Learn. And there’s more information about the courses at LibSmart.
Library Bitesize
These are a series of short (30 mins) online covering a wide range of library related topics that will help you build your library and research skills. They are suitable for students at all levels of study. Search MyEd Events for, Library Bitesize, to find upcoming events and to book.
Dissertation & Thesis Festival
The Library’s Dissertation & Thesis Festival brings together the support that the Library, Digital Skills and Institute for Academic Development (IAD) provides for students undertaking their dissertations and theses. We normally run two Festivals each year, with the Autumn Dissertation & Thesis Festival taking place 21-25 October 2024. The full programme of events will be available on the Dissertation & Thesis Festival website as of 1st October 2024.
4) Remember to keep up to date with the Library.
Be the first to know about new resources, events and exhibitions, as well as finding out more about the library’s collections, behind-the-scenes stories, and more, by following us on socials: edunilibraries.
Instagram is our main social media platform but you can also find us on TikTok, Facebook and Threads.
Look out for our How to Library (#UoEHowToLibrary) series this year that will take you from the absolute basics to more advanced library skills. You too can learn how to library, which will help you develop your study and research skills, improve your work, and save you time.
5) The Library isn’t just for your academic work and research.
Through the Library you have access to a wide range of resources that you may like to use in your downtime, or if you are looking to relax and unwind.
Our guide to the library for leisure and wellbeing brings together these resources, including fiction and reading for leisure, books for wellbeing, film and TV, and music. And looks at other resources and services beyond the library.
It also highlights our new Leisure Reading Collection (Libby), which allows current students and staff to dip into a collection of popular fiction and non-fiction e-books and audiobooks. You can access Libby either through the app or via a web browser. For more information on how and where to access Libby go to Leisure Reading Collection (Libby).
So whether you are a new or returning student, on campus or online, there’s so much for you to discover at University of Edinburgh Library.