Using the Library

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 the main catalogue and websites
  Find details of material in NLS collections listed in our main catalogue and on our web pages.
• View digitised material
  Visit our Digital Gallery for access to maps, broadsides, books, photographs, posters, films and other digitised material.
• Register online
  You can register online to use NLS password-protected services and pre-register for a library card.
• Use licensed digital resources
  Without a 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 and millions of records and abstracts.
• Preorder books
  If you have a library card or if you registered online with us, you can preorder books via the main catalogue in advance of your visit to the George IV Bridge Building.
• 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.
• 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.

Personal visits to Edinburgh

• NLS library cards
  This section tells you about NLS library cards, how to get one and what evidence of identification you need to bring with you.
• Reading rooms
  Your library 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, exhibitions and Visitor Centre.
• Public holidays
  A list of local and national holidays that affect the availablility of services, the reading rooms and other public areas.
• Location map
  See how to get to our main buildings.
• Licensed digital resources
  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 to 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. Reader's Registration is also in this area.

Other useful information

• Video guides
  Four short videos in the Learning zone to help you get started if you are new to NLS.
• Guides for web users
  Information on how to use particular features on the website or aimed at specific groups of visitors, whether online or in our buildings.
• Collections
  Overviews of what we have in NLS collections, ranging from early manuscripts and rare books to films, newspapers, music, maps and more.
• Copying services
  Discover what copying we can do for you, what you can photocopy yourself, our latest prices, and delivery options.
• Terms and conditions
  Conditions of use covering access to our reading rooms and collections.
• 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.
• Enquiry policy
  An outline of our commitment to answering enquiries.