What we are

Useful facts about the National Library of Scotland.

In this section

One of Europe's major research libraries, with around 15 million printed items in our collections.
Scotland's legal deposit library.
A reference library — we do not lend our items, although copies of some books are available through Scottish local libraries.

Collections of international importance, covering all subjects.
Books, manuscripts, maps, music (print and recordings), photographs, posters, postcards, newspapers, magazines, electronic journals, CD-ROMS — and more!
Online catalogues, with details of millions of items that are on our shelves.
An online enquiry service to help you find what you need.
Digitised material, including thousands of maps.
Copies of most of the items in our collections.
Experienced enquiry staff and dedicated specialists.
Tours, visits, speakers, exhibitions and events.
Discover NLS, our free magazine
Resources for learners of all ages in our learning zone.

At the Library — anyone can consult our collections and use our services.
Online — anyone with a computer with an internet connection can access the material on our website. With an NLS library card, you can also use a wide range of licensed digital resources.

Governed by a board of trustees which meets throughout year.
Managed by a team of directors under the guidance of the National Librarian.
Answerable to the Scottish Parliament since devolution in 1999.
A non-departmental public body (NDPB) with direct funding from the Scottish Government.
Registered as a Scottish charity. Scottish charity number: SC011086.

Established by the National Library of Scotland Act in 1925.
Collections which had been gifted to the nation were transferred then to NLS from the Advocates Library, founded in the early 1680s.
Main building on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, was opened by the Queen on 4 July 1956.
Causewayside Building opened in two phases in 1989 and in 1995.