Contemplate this: A treasure trove holding centuries of knowledge. This is Edinburgh University Library. It is not just a repository of books. It’s a living testament to the University of Edinburgh’s enduring pursuit of wisdom.
Edinburgh University Library is the main library of the University of Edinburgh. It stands as one of Scotland’s most important libraries. Its story stretches back even further than the university itself. The library predates the university by three years. In 1580, Clement Littill bequeathed 276 theological books. This collection became the library’s foundation.
Originally, teaching staff consisted of four regents. They guided each class through logic, metaphysics, ethics, and physics. This included elements of mathematics and astronomy. Until the mid-17th century, teaching involved commentaries on Aristotle. Robert Lumsden’s shelf catalogue of 1637 listed over 2,400 volumes.
The library moved in 1827. It relocated to William Playfair’s Upper Library in the Old College building. In 1967, the collections moved again. This time to the purpose-built Main Library at George Square. This eight-storey building became one of the world’s largest academic libraries. Today, Edinburgh’s university-wide library system holds over 3.8 million items. These include books, e-books, and e-journals.
Edinburgh University Library’s Special Collections Department holds about 200,000 items. These span all branches of knowledge. It includes 1,200 incunabula. There are also about 9,000 printed books from the 16th century. The library also holds 35,000 from the 17th and 18th centuries. 60,000 books are from the 19th century. A significant part of this collection is German Reformation tracts.
The library houses collections once owned by James Halliwell-Phillipps. He was a 19th-century Shakespearean scholar. The library acquired the first collection between 1872 and 1889. This included a Shakespearean collection. The second collection was purchased in 1964 from Sotheby’s.
Edinburgh University is also part of The Making of the Queen’s Manuscript research project. This project focuses on Christine de Pizan’s Harley MS 4431. It is a collaboration with the British Library and ATILF. The project is based in the French section of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. It also uses the Special Collections department of Edinburgh University Library.
The Main Library is on the southwest corner of George Square. This location was chosen for its relative quiet. Opened in 1967, the eight-storey building was designed by J.M.Marshall and Andrew Merrylees. They were of Spence, Glover and Ferguson. The library’s exterior resembles a bookcase. It blends brutalist elements with oriental features. The north side’s columns are non-weight-bearing. Upon its opening, it was the largest university library in the UK. Each floor covers an acre. Today, the Main Library is a category A listed building. Its design influenced other university libraries.
Edinburgh University Library’s story is one of continuous growth. It began with a small bequest. It evolved into a vast resource. It fuels academic inquiry. It preserves cultural heritage. As you stand here, consider the countless minds that have passed through these doors. Each seeking knowledge. Each contributing to the library’s rich history.