Recognising that people may still be uncomfortable with on site visits, in person consultations or the distance to travel, the University has set up a virtual reading room.

Online appointments can be booked to view items from the University of Edinburgh’s archive and collections. Theye hold the University of Edinburgh student records of matriculation and graduation (dating back to 1587) and also those of Edinburgh College of Art, Moray House and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The also house some of the world’s most important archives and manuscript collections and their holdings cover both personal and institutional records. These come in a great variety of formats, including working papers, correspondence, legal documents, photographs, notebooks, diaries, films, and digital media. Particular strengths include science, medicine, Scottish literature, Gaelic and Celtic studies, Middle Eastern Studies, theology, music, architecture, and town-planning.

The Lothian Health Services Archive which holds the historically important local records of NHS hospitals and other health-related material, are also available.

Find more information on the collections here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery/cultural-heritage-collections

Find more information about the Virtual Reading Room appointments here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery/cultural-heritage-collections/crc/visitor-information

1 hour appointments are available on Mondays 10.00-16.00 (GMT). You can book a virtual appointment by emailing is-crc@ed.ac.uk (or lhsa@ed.ac.uk for Lothian Health Services Archive)