Learning at the Library
Schools and colleges
If you are a school or college teacher or a school librarian, resources and information are available to you at National Library of Scotland. Read on to find out about workshops, downloadable material, events – and more!
Free workshops for schools
The National Library of Scotland runs an exciting programme of free workshops and events for schools throughout the year. These sessions use the amazing collections of the Library to bring the past to life, to make sense of the present and explore the future.
Schools can apply for a bursary to travel to an NLS workshop or make an accompanied or independent visit to one of our exhibitions. The travel bursaries scheme started in summer 2008.
See our Workshops page to find out what's coming up, or contact the Education and Outreach Officer if you have an idea for a workshop or project with NLS.
Free workshops for colleges
Discover the National Library of Scotland
Come along to the Library and learn about our unique service and amazing collections. You'll get to explore behind the scenes, discover Scotland's history and get help to become a reader to complete your own research.
Let us know what you want!
At NLS, we can support your students with a range of free, tailor-made workshops, where appropriate. Contact the Education and Outreach Officer to discuss your needs. See our Workshops page to find out what's coming up.
CPD
NLS is offering free half-day CPD courses for teaching staff at both primary and secondary levels.
- See behind the scenes at NLS, and explore just some of our collection of over 10 million printed items!
- Discover the free resources available to support teaching.
- Ideas on how to use our collections in classroom activities.
- Meet some of our expert staff.
Downloadable resources
- Schools packs for teachers
Teachers' packs downloadable as PDF files. - Experiences of War
The First World War seen through the eyes of a general, a soldier and a nurse. Site includes activity sheets. - Churchill: The Evidence
An exploration of the life of Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister during the Second World War and a former Dundee MP. Site includes activity sheets.
Online resources
- The Scottish Science Hall of Fame
James Clerk Maxwell won the public vote on our website for the favourite Scottish scientist. Read more about it in this web feature. Celebrates the work of the most important Scottish scientists. Complements Environmental Studies (Society, Science and Technology) teaching in the classroom. Can be used for research in science and history. - The Private Lives of Books
How to become a book investigator. Includes downloadable book plates. - Digital Library
Special features on Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Queen of Scots' last letter, albums from the world's first photographic society, thousands of zoomable online maps – and more!
Other useful services for educators
Inter-Library Loans
How NLS readers can request items from other libraries in the UK and overseas.
School librarians
School librarians can borrow books through the NLS Document Supply Team, using inter-library loans. For more information, phone 0131 623 3985, email the Document Supply Team or go to Document Supply Team services.
Using the Library
You need a library card to use the services and resources in our reading rooms. The Info for Users section tells you how to apply for a card, when we are open, how to get to our main buildings, and what facilities will be available to you. You might also find our page of researchers' FAQs helpful.
Contact us
- For more information on services for schools and colleges, call Education and Outreach Officer Beverley Casebow on 0131 623 3700, or e-mail b.casebow@nls.uk
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