THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. George Square Library. George Square. A GUIDE TO ACCESS AND FACILITIES.

Address George Square Library. University Of Edinburgh. George Square. Edinburgh. E H 8 9 L J. ,

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Telephone. 0131 651 3983 ,

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Map Link. http://www.ed.ac.uk/maps/buildings/main-university-library

If you require this document in an alternative format (e.g. large print) please contact the Estates and Buildings Department or email [email protected], telephone 0 1 3 1 6 5 0 2 4 7 0 or write to: ,

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Estates and Buildings The University of Edinburgh, Design Group Office, 11 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, E H1 1 NP ,

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Page 1.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is required for all staff and students unable to self-evacuate in an emergency. Provision for staff/students/visitors who are unable to selfevacuate is the responsibility of the organiser of the class/lecture/event/meeting. While the School is responsible for preparing this, staff and students requiring assistance should confirm the evacuation arrangements”.

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Table of Contents. Introduction

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Location

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Parking

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Access Routes

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Access Route 1 Access Route 2

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Access Route 3 Outside Access Entrance 1 Entrance 2 Entrance 3 Entrance 4

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Internal Access.

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Receptions

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Lifts.

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Platform Lift.

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Stairs

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Toilets

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Department Locations

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Floor Plans

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Opening Hours

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Contact Information

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Links

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Disabled Access Guide for the George Square Library

T his building is designed for, or has been adapted for the use of persons in wheelchairs, persons who have difficulty with mobility or are infirm. Seating is available. Accessible and standard toilets are also available.

Introduction. Planning for the George Square Library started in 1963 and construction was completed in March 1965. The Library opened two years later. The George Square library is a (Grade A) listed building and has undergone a major redevelopment which was completed in the spring of 2013.

Location. The George Square Library is located on George Square in central Edinburgh. The building is located within the city centre and is within two miles of the main halls of residence at Pollock Halls. The nearest railway line is at Waverley Station in the city Centre. The nearest bus stops are located on Buccleuch Street approximately 500 metres from the George Square Library. Numerous bus services stop on Buccleuch Street. Details of timetables are available from Lothian Buses, from their offices within the city and online from www.mybustracker.co.uk. Persons with mobility difficulties arriving by vehicle can access George Square Library from George Square and George Square lane.

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George Square Library Location Map image.

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Parking. There are numerous parking bays around the George Square Library but no free parking; all parking bays being permit or pay and display.

Pay and Display Parking. City of Edinburgh Council pay and display parking is available around George Square and along Buccleuch Place. Please note that there are a limited number of dropped kerbs around George Square and along Buccleuch place. See Location Map. All pay and display parking is situated on a cobbled surface and is not recommended for wheelchair users without assistance.

Disabled Parking Bays. There are four disabled parking bays located to the front of the George Square Library and one to the rear of the building within the University car park. The four disabled parking bays are located on a level paved surface and can only be accessed from the West side of George Square. Please note that the road leading to these bays has an uneven granite sett surface. The disabled parking bay located to the rear of the building has a level tarmac surface and is within close proximity to Entrance 4. There is access to Entrance 4 from this disabled parking bay via a level tarmac surface, two dropped kerbs and a ramp with a shallow gradient. The ramp has a paved surface and incorporates handrails to both sides.

Four disabled bays image.

Single disabled bay to the rear of the building

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University Parking. There is one University car park located to the rear of the George Square Library. This car park has a level tarmac surface and a limited number of parking bays. There are additional University car parks located around George Square and Buccleuch Place. See Location Map. If you do not hold a valid permit and require use of a University parking bay, it is recommended that contact is made with your host or the Transport & Parking Office prior to making your journey.

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Access Routes. There are three access routes which lead to the front of the George Square Library. The first access route starts from the West side of George Square and the four disabled parking bays. The second starts on Buccleuch Place and the third on the East side of George Square. Please note that all access routes incorporate a ramp or steps.

Access Route 1. This access route starts from the four disabled parking bays located to the front of the George Square Library. From the parking bays there is a level paved footpath and a two stage ramp with a shallow gradient. This ramp incorporates rest stops between each stage and handrails to both sides.

Footpath leading from the disabled bays image.

Paved ramp leading to the main entrance image.

Alternatively there are two flights of stone steps which provide access to the front of the library. The first flight of steps is located adjacent to the four disabled parking bays and the second is located adjacent to the café entrance. Both flights of steps incorporate contrasting nosings, tactile strips on steps and handrails to both sides.

Main staircase leading to Entrance 1 image.

Staircase leading to the Library Cafe

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Access Route 2. This access route starts from the paved footpath to the rear of the George Square Theatre. From this footpath there is a large staircase which links Buccleuch Place and George Square. The staircase consists of two flights of stone steps which incorporate rest stops, contrasting strips on steps and handrails to both sides. From the top of this staircase there is level access to the front of the library via a paved footpath.

Staircase leading from Buccleuch Place image.

Footpath leading to Entrance 1 image.

Access Route 3. This access route starts from the paved footpath on the lower East side of George Square. From this footpath it is necessary to follow a temporary level paved route around the ongoing refurbishment works. This route leads to the side of the Business School where there is a ramp and a set of four steps. See George Square Perspective View. Steps to the side of the Business School incorporate contrasting strips but do not incorporate handrails. The ramp has a paved surface with a shallow gradient and incorporates a handrail to one side. Alternatively there are generously spaced stone steps leading from the lower level of George Square to the George Square Library. These steps do not incorporate handrails but do incorporate contrasting nosings.

Start of paved access route

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Ramp leading to George Square Library image.

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Perspective view of George Square image.

Perspective view of Buccleuch Place image.

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Outside Access. There are three entrances to the George Square Library. See Floor Plans for Locations.

Entrance 1. This entrance provides access to the Ground Floor lobby and is located to the front of the building on a level paved surface. This is the main entrance to the library and is the recommended wheelchair access point. Please note that doors located to the right of the entrance are for exiting the building and those to the left are for entering the building. Entrance 1 consists of two sets of glazed double doors and two single width push pad operated doors. Following the external doors there are additional sets of internal doors which are of the same design. The single width doors open inward, are automated and will permit the passage of a wheelchair. The double doors are operated manually, open in both directions and will permit the passage of a wheelchair. All door handles and push pads are within comfortable reach of a wheelchair user.

Main entrance image.

Push pad operated internal door image.

Entrance 2. This entrance is located to the front of the building on a level paved surface and is the main entrance to the Library Café. There is internal access between the Library Café and the Ground Floor lobby via a set of security barriers to the rear of the café. See Ground Floor Plan for Location. Entrance 2 consists of a set of push pad operated glazed double doors. These doors are automated, open outward, will permit the passage of a wheelchair and incorporate door handles at an accessible height. The push pad is located to the left of the doorway within comfortable reach of a wheelchair user.

Temporary level access point Entrance 2 image.

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Entrance 3. This entrance is located to the side of the building on a level paved surface and is primarily used as a staff entrance. Entrance 3 provides access to the Ground Floor of the building and can be accessed from the front of the building via a level paved footpath. Entrance 3 consists of a secure single width manual timber door. This door opens outward, will permit the passage of a wheelchair and incorporates door handles at an accessible height. There is a swipe card point located to the left of the doorway which is above a wheelchair accessible height.

Entrance 3 image.

Entrance 4. Please note that Entrance 4 is only recommended for wheelchair users with assistance. This entrance is located to the rear of the library and is primarily used as a staff entrance. Entrance 4 provides access to the Lower Ground Floor of the building and can be accessed via a paved ramp from the adjacent footpath. The ramp has a shallow gradient and incorporates handrails to both sides. Please note that the intercom located to the left of the doorway is linked to the mail room and is for deliveries only. Entrance 4 consists of a secure set of timber double doors. These doors lead to a corridor with a shallow gradient and a set of timber double doors. All doors open outward, are operated manually and incorporate door handles at an accessible height. Please note that both of the external doors must be opened fully to permit the passage of a wheelchair. There is a swipe card point located to the left of the external doorway which is within comfortable reach of a wheelchair user.

Ramp to Entrance 4 image.

External Doors at Entrance 4 image.

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Internal Access. There is good level access to all floors of the George Square Library. All corridors within the building incorporate wide push pad operated doors. All push pads are within comfortable reach of a wheelchair user.

Swipe Access Barriers. Access from the main entrance to the library lobby is regulated by a set of secure swipe card activated barriers. There are dedicated barriers which will permit the passage of a wheelchair.

Barriers to the main lobby image.

High Use Books (HUB) Access to the HUB is via a set of swipe card activated barriers which are located to the right of the IS Helpdesk. All barriers will permit the passage of a wheelchair. See Ground Floor Plan for Location.

HUB entrance image.

Library Stacks. As some library stacks within the building may be too narrow to permit the passage of a wheelchair there is a manual wheelchair available from the main reception to staff, students and visitors who are able to self-transfer.

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Library Café. There is internal access from the main lobby to the library café via a set of swipe card activated barriers which will permit the passage of a wheelchair. The servery counter within the café is at a wheelchair accessible height. See Ground Floor Plan for Location. There is an additional servery counter located within a Ground Floor corridor to the rear of the cafe. This counter is at a wheelchair accessible height and incorporates a call button.

Café access point image.

Additional Servery counter image.

Staff Breakout Room. The staff breakout room is located on the Lower Ground Floor and requires a swipe card to gain access. See Lower Ground Floor Plan for Location. There is a swipe card point located to the left of the doorway which is at a wheelchair accessible height. The door to the breakout room consists of a secure wide manual door with door handles and viewing panels at a wheelchair accessible height. There is one dedicated wheelchair accessible booth to the rear of the room.

Staff breakout room image.

Wheelchair accessible booth image.

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Group Study Areas. Group study pods are located on the Ground and First Floors within close proximity to the lifts. These study areas offer ample manoeuvring space and desks which will permit a wheelchair underneath.

Group study pods image.

Accessible Study Rooms. The accessible study rooms are located on the First Floor adjacent to the Meeting Suite reception. Access to the study rooms is only possible with permission from the Student Disability Service. See First Floor Plan for Location. For details on how to contact the Student Disability Service please see Contact Information .

Accessible study room image.

Internal Ramps. There are corridors on the Lower Ground Floor which incorporate ramps with a shallow gradient. These ramps do not incorporate contrasting/ tactile surfaces or handrails to either side. There is an additional ramp located on the First Floor which provides access to the Library Gallery. The ramp has a shallow gradient with a carpeted surface and a handrail to one side. See Floor Plans for Locations.

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Reception Point. Lower Ground Floor. There is a reception point located on the Lower Ground Floor adjacent to the staff offices. The reception point is well sign posted and consists of a phone with a list of contact numbers mounted on the wall. See Lower Ground Floor Plan for Location.

Reception Point image.

Main Reception. Ground Floor. The main reception is located within the Entrance 1 lobby and currently does not incorporate a desk at a wheelchair accessible height or an induction loop system. See Ground Floor Plan for Location. There is an additional access point to the main building located next to the reception desk which will permit the passage of a wheelchair. This is a secure manual glass door which can either be operated via a swipe card point to the right of the doorway or by the reception. This access point incorporates door handles and a swipe card point at a wheelchair accessible height. Please note that all visitors are required to check in at the reception before proceeding to the rest of the building.

Main reception image.

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Student Information Point. Ground Floor. The Student Information Point is located within the Entrance 1 lobby on the Ground Floor. The Student Information Point incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system. See Ground Floor Plan for Location.

Student Information point image.

Servitors Desk Ground Floor. The servitors desk is located within the main lobby adjacent to the main reception. The servitors desk incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system. See Floor Plans for Location.

IS Helpdesk. Ground Floor. The IS Helpdesk is located to the rear of the Ground Floor lobby and to the left of the High Use Books HUB. The IS Helpdesk incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system. See Ground Floor Plan for Location. The IS Helpdesk has a queuing system which is wide enough to permit passage of a wheelchair.

Queuing system at the IS Helpdesk image.

IS Helpdesk and wheelchair accessible desk image.

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Meeting Suite Reception. First Floor. The Meeting Suite Reception is located on the First Floor and can be accessed via a set of push pad operated double doors from the lifts. See First Floor Plan for Location. The reception incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and can provide portable induction loops/ IR receivers for the Meeting Suite rooms. Please note that the Meeting Suite is not available to students.

Meeting Suite Reception image.

Careers Services. Third Floor. The Careers Services department is located adjacent to the Disability and Student Counselling Services departments on the Third Floor. The Careers Services reception incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system. See Third Floor Plan for Location. Careers Services has an open plan entrance with ample manoeuvring space and a large seating area.

Careers Services Reception image.

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Student Disability Service and Counselling Service. Third Floor. The Student Disability Service and Counselling Service share a reception on the Third Floor which incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system. See Third Floor Plan for Location. Access to the Disability and Student Counselling Services reception is via a set of push pad operated doors from the study area. There is ample manoeuvring space within the reception and a large seating area to the right of the desk.

Student Disability and Counselling Services Reception image.

Centre for Research Collections. Sixth Floor. The Centre of Research Collections is located on the Sixth Floor within close proximity to the lifts. Access from the lifts to the reception is via a set of push pad operated glass double doors and a large open area. See Sixth Floor Plan for Location. The reception incorporates a desk at a wheelchair accessible height and an induction loop system.

Centre of Research Collections image.

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Lifts. There are three lifts within George Square Library which serve all floors. See Floor Plans for Locations. There are two lifts located within the main lobby and the third is located adjacent to Staircase 2. The lift call points and car controls are at an accessible height −

The lift car controls are within comfortable reach of a wheelchair user.

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The control panels have braille markings.

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The lifts have an alarm and emergency call point.

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There is good contrast between the lift wall and floor surfaces.

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There are no induction loops.

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There are audible announcers.

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The lifts have a mirror on the rear wall.

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The lift cars have interior handrails.

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There are visual floor indicators.

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The lighting levels in the lifts are good.

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Lift doors have pressure sensors.

Platform Lifts. There is one platform lift located on the Lower Ground Floor of the library which is primarily used by staff to access the book stores on this floor. See Lower Ground Floor Plan for Location.

Platform lift image.

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Stairs. There are six staircases within the George Square Library, these are listed below:

Staircase 1. This is the main staircase from the Ground Floor lobby to the Second Floor.

Staircase 2. This is the central staircase which is located close to the lifts and provides access to all floors.

Staircase 3. This is the West staircase which provides access between the Ground and Sixth Floors. This is primarily a Fire Escape Stair.

Staircase 4. This is the East staircase which provides access between the Basement and the Sixth Floors.

Staircase 5. This staircase is located to the rear of the building and provides access between the Basement and Ground Floors.

Staircase 6. This staircase is located to the Front of the building and provides access between the Basement and the First Floor. This is primarily a Fire Escape Stair. All staircases within this building have contrasting nosings on steps and a handrail to one or both sides. See Ground Floor Plan for Locations.

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Toilets. Toilets are available on floors as follows: −

Standard Male toilets are located on all floors

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Standard Female toilets are located on all floors

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Accessible toilets are located on all floors

See Floor Plans for Locations. The accessible toilets incorporate the following: −

All accessible toilets within the building are wheelchair accessible with varying left and right hand lateral transfer space.

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There is good manoeuvring space in all accessible toilets.

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Emergency alarm strips are present in all accessible toilets.

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Accessible toilets have sliding action doors.

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The width of the accessible toilet doors is suitable for wheelchairs.

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There are suitable dropdown and support rails for transfer.

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The tap types are lever operation.

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There are no a coat hooks.

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The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.

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The contrast between the walls and floor is good.

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Lighting is motion activated and lighting levels are good.

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All toilet doors within the building have identifying braille markings.

One Ground Floor accessible toilet incorporates a hoist and one accessible toilet on the Lower Ground Floor incorporates an accessible shower. All toilets within the building are well sign posted with signs on each floor at the top of stairwells and lifts. These signs have location maps at the base with braille markings and “You are here” signs.

Fifth Floor accessible toilet image.

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Department Locations. Centre for Research Collections, Special Collections, Lothian Health Services Archive,

Sixth Floor Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Museums Support, Research Support Collections, University Archives, Study Area, Centre for Research Collections (Access via 6th Floor),

Fifth Floor Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Seminar Room, Conservation Studio, Digital Imaging Unit, Older Lending Collection, Journals (Per. .0 – 9), Centre of African Studies,

Fourth Floor. Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Collections, Sergeant, Watt and Smith Collection, Newspapers, Main Collection, P- Language and Literature, Q- Science, R- Medicine, S- Agriculture, T- Technology, U- Military Sciences,

Third Floor.

V- Naval Sciences, W- Medicine, related subjects, Z- Bibliography, Library Science, East Asian Studies Collection,

Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Careers Service, Student Counselling Service, Student Disability Service,

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Main Collection, A - General Works, B - Philosophy, Phycology, Religion, C - F History, Archaeology, G - Geography, Anthropology,

Second Floor.

H - Social Sciences, Business, Economics, Sociology, J - K Political Science, Law,

Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

L - Education, M - Music, N - Fine Arts, Study Area, Accessible Study Rooms, Computers,

First Floor. Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

uCreate, Meeting Suite, Video Conferencing Room, Study Area, Computers, High Use Books (HUB), Helpdesk,

Ground Floor.

Café, Reception,

Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Exhibition Room, Student Information Point, Servitors Desk, Staff Offices, Acquisitions and Metadata, Collections Management, Consultancy Services, Data Library,

Lower Ground Floor

E- Resources, Help Services,

Th i s Fl oo r Comp ris es:

Information Systems, Operational Services, Scholarly Communications

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Floor Plans.

Lower Ground Floor Plan – George Square Library i

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Ground Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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First Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Second Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Third Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Fourth Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Fifth Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Sixth Floor Plan – George Square Library image.

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Opening Hours . Monday 6h of January to Thursday 13th of June George Square Library. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

7:30am-2:30am 7:30am-2:30am 7:30am-2:30am 7:30am-2:30am 7:30am-2:30am 7:30am-2:30am 12:00am-2:30am

George Square Library Helpdesk. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

9:00am-7:50pm 9:00am-7:50pm 9:00am-7:50pm 9:00am-7:50pm 9:00am-6:50pm 12:00am-4:50pm 12:00am-6:50pm

George Square Library Information Point. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

11:00am-3:00pm 11:00am-3:00pm 11:00am-3:00pm 11:00am-3:00pm 11:00am-3:00pm Closed. Closed.

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Contact Information. Main Reception: Telephone.

0131 651 3983 ,

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Email address.

[email protected]

Servitors Desk: Telephone.

0131 650 8382 ,

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Email address.

[email protected]

IS Helpdesk: Telephone.

0131 650 3409 ,

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Email address.

[email protected]

Student Information Point: Email address.

[email protected] T ext Number.

Text SIP then a space, and then your question to: 0 7 9 5 0 0 8 1 3 7 9 ,

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Texts will be answered Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Meeting Suite Reception: Telephone.

0131 650 4141 ,

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Email address.

[email protected] Careers Service: Telephone.

0131 650 4670 ,

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Email address.

[email protected] Student Disability Service: Telephone.

0131 650 6828 ,

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Email address.

[email protected]

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Student Counselling Service: Telephone.

0131 650 4170 ,

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Email address.

[email protected] Centre for Research Collections: Telephone.

0131 650 8379 ,

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Email address.

[email protected] University Switchboard: Telephone.

0131 650 1000. ,

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Transport & Parking: Telephone. :

0131 650 91 01. ,

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Email address.

[email protected].

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Links.

University Homepage.

Campus Maps. Transport & Parking.

City of Edinburgh Council Parking.

Bookable Rooms Guides.

Student Disability Service.

Main Library Information.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. George Square Library. George Square. March 2014.

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