The Best Library Spaces for Different Types of Study
There are several different study spaces available across our campus libraries to support your needs. From social study spaces that allow for collaborative work to individual spaces, silent study areas, and family study rooms, we have something to suit everyone.
Study rooms are available across all campus libraries and must be booked in advance via Resource Booker. You can book a maximum of one two-hour slot per day. During assessment periods, this is extended to five hours per day. Study rooms can be booked up to 14 days in advance.
Craiglockhart and Merchiston libraries have Family Study Rooms for students who have children with them. Please book rooms in advance of your visit.
Library opening hours vary across our campuses. We are currently operating our Summer Library timetable. Our standard opening hours will resume in September.
Please read on to find out more about the study spaces available at each of our campus libraries.
Craiglockhart Spaces
Social study spaces are available in the main area of the library, which also includes a relaxation space where you can take a break from your studies.
Five study rooms are available throughout the library. Each has a plasma screen, a whiteboard, and a webcam.
There is also a quiet study room and a silent study area for those who prefer a more peaceful environment for studying.
Merchiston Spaces
Please note: Zones 2 – 5 are currently closed due to essential maintenance works and are expected to re-open in September 2026.
Merchiston Library is available 24 hours a day during term time. You can use the library freely each day from 8am – 5pm. You will need your Student ID to access the library after 5pm.
Merchiston Library is divided into 5 separate zones allowing for different types of study spaces with 11 study rooms available.
Zone 1 is a social study area which allows for independent study and group work. There are round tables to allow for collaborative working and several computers available for use. There are also two study pods with large screens for independent or collaborative working. Here you will find Study Room 8 where you can connect your own personal device to a large screen.
Zone 2 is another social study area which allows for individual study and collaborative working. Computers are available for use in this area.
Study rooms 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 are available where you can connect your own device to a screen. There are also two study pods in Zone 2.
There is also a relaxation space to help you unwind from your studies.
Zone 3 is a silent study area with individual study spaces over two floors.
Zone 4 allows for independent study and collaborative working. Noise should be kept to a minimum.
Zone 5 has independent study desks and desks for collaborative working. This is a quieter area where noise should be at a minimal level with low work-related conversation. Study rooms 3, 4, 9,10 and 11 are available in Zone 5. Please note that these study rooms will be closed from 9pm to 9am.
Sighthill Spaces
Sighthill Learning Resource Centre offers students a range of comfortable study environments with up-to-date facilities spread over five floors.
Nine study rooms are available, and all are equipped with computers; most also have plasma screens. Study room 4.E.03 has an adjustable height desk.
Silent rooms (3.E.07 and 4.E.07) provide the opportunity for silent study with great views towards the Castle and Arthur’s Seat.
LRC Floor 1 is a social study space with a combination of study booths and collaborative desks. This can be a noisy area.
LRC Floor 2 is where you will find the helpdesk. There may be some noise, but it should be quieter than on Floor 1. Computers and desks are available in this area for independent or collaborative study.
LRC Floor 3 is a quiet study area but there may be some low-volume work-related conversations. Silent study room (3.E.07) contains individual study spaces and two dual screen PCs. Sighthill Library relaxation space can be found on the east side of LRC3, where you can rest and enjoy the natural light and views of the surrounding area.
LRC Floor 4 is also a quiet study area where low-volume work-related conversations may occur. Silent study room (4.E.07) contains individual study space, one large monitor and two dual screen PCs.
LRC 5 has group study spaces, laptop tables, four group study rooms and comfortable seating.
Please see Group Study Rooms for more details on what facilities are available across our campus libraries.
Relaxation Spaces
Each campus library also hosts relaxation spaces allowing for more informal study or a place to unwind from your studies for a while. Comfortable seating and indoor plants provide a pleasing environment to help you relax and a range of activities such as jigsaws, board games, Lego, colouring sheets and craft materials allow you to de-stress and take a break from studying.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of study spaces available across our campus libraries. ENU students can use any of our campus libraries regardless of which is your main campus.
If you require assistance while using our libraries, please contact staff at our library help desks, call us on 0131 455 3500 or email us at Library Enquiries.
By Sharon McMichael
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