Info for users

The information here should help you get the most of your visit, whether you use the website or come to see us in Edinburgh.

Brief summaries:

Online visits

• Search catalogues and NLS websites
  Find details of material in NLS collections and search the main NLS website, plus 'SCOTBIS Online' and the Scottish Screen Archive.
• View digitised material
  In our Digital Library and Digital Archive you have access to thousands of maps, hundreds of broadsides, several digitised books, and our database of digital objects.
• Register online
  Pre-register for a library card to use the reading rooms. You can also register for a login to use licensed digital collections remotely if you have a Scottish address.
• Use licensed digital collections
  Without an NLS library card you have free access to selected licensed resources, including family history material. With a card you can search thousands of pages of texts.
• Ask a Librarian
  Send us a question using the online form. This service is part of an enquiries network involving libraries all over the world.
• Preorder books
  If you have an NLS library card, you can preorder books online so that they are waiting for you when arrive to do your research.
• Make a Freedom of Information request
  Anyone has access to information about NLS under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. You can write to us or use our online form.
• Find staff and department information
  See a list of our departments and divisions and search the staff database.

Personal visits to Edinburgh

• Library cards
  This section tells you about how to get a library card and what proof of identify you need to bring with you.
• Reading rooms
  Your card gives you access to our reading rooms. These pages tell you about the facilities on offer and the kind of material you can consult.
• Opening hours
  The opening hours of our reading rooms and exhibition area.
• Public holidays
  A list of the local and national holidays when NLS is closed.
• Location map
  See how to get to our main buildings.
• Licensed digital collections
  With your NLS library card you have free access to a wide range of digital resources within our General Reading Room. Some resources are freely available for everyone.
• Manual catalogues
  Manual catalogues and indexes list details of material that is not yet available through the online catalogues.
• Access for people with disabilities
  Details of facilities available in the George IV Bridge and Causewayside buildings for people with special needs.
• Visitor Centre
  Our visitor centre has a café, shop, exhibition spaces, and computers for accessing NLS websites. Readers' Registration is also in this area.

Other useful information

• Copying services
  We have a range of services for NLS users, including copying services and inter-library lending. We can also organise visits to Library buildings, and speakers to talk to groups.
• Customer charter
  Read about our commitment to you, what we ask of you, and our customer service standards.
• Inter-Library Loans
  Find out how we can get can get material for you from another library.

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