Procurement
National Library procurement strategy
As a publicly funded body, the National Library of Scotland aims to procure goods, services and construction-related activities sustainably, ethically, fairly and transparently. We aim to do this in line with current Scottish public sector procurement legislation.
The form of procurement will vary depending on the nature, cost and complexity of the item(s) to be purchased.
Our Procurement Strategy sets out the process we intend to adopt for regulated procurement. This is a requirement under section 15 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, It covers an initial period of two years (June 2024 to June 2026) with a review annually up to a period of five years.
It outlines our key processes for the development and continued improvement of internal procurement systems, processes and procedures that are proportionate and relevant to our requirement and supports our business needs.
Read our Procurement Strategy document (Word document) (92.3 KB; 17 pages).
Sustainable procurement
We are committed to ensuring that the procurement of goods, services and construction works bring improvements to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the local and wider community. Our procurement practices also aim to reduce inequality, facilitate engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), third sector bodies plus supported business and promote innovation by doing things differently.
Read our Sustainability Policy (Word document) (81.6 KB; 8 pages).
Single Point of Enquiry
At the National Library of Scotland we support the aims, vision and values of the Single Point of Enquiry service (SPoE).
The SPoE offers an independent, impartial and confidential service for businesses which have concerns about a procurement exercise carried out by a Scottish public body.
It can work with buying organisations to try to resolve concerns in an informal manner.
Advertising of contract opportunities over £50,000
We have adopted the national public contracts advertising portal set up by the Scottish Government for advertising all contract opportunities for goods, services or construction related activities.
You can view our Public Contracts Scotland 'Buyer Profile'.
Supplier registration is free. Registered suppliers can choose to receive email alerts about relevant contract and tendering opportunities as they become available.
Contracts register of public contracts
Our published list of public contracts awarded over £50,000 for goods and service and £2,000,000 for works can also be located on Public Contracts Scotland advertising portal. View our contracts register of public contracts.
Commercial opportunities
We are interested in receiving proposals for collaborative digitisation projects that can help us share world-class materials with wider audiences. Please email enquiries@nls.uk to discuss collaborative digitisation.
Future commercial opportunities may also be advertised on this page as well as the Library's Buyer Profile on Public Contracts Scotland.
Conditions of contract - goods and services
We have three standard conditions of contract for purchase of goods and services available to download. They incorporate a clause requiring payment of valid contractor and sub-contractor invoices within 30 days throughout the supply chain of public contracts.
LTC1: Conditions of contract: supply of goods (and any related services) (Word document) (67 KB; 21 pages)
LTC2: Conditions of contract: purchase of services (Word document) (76.6 KB; 19 pages)
LTC3: Conditions of contract: purchase of goods (Word document) (70.1 KB; 17 pages)
Conditions of contract for engaging with Freelancers:
LTC4: Freelance contract agreement (Word document) (141 KB; 13 pages)
Contact us
If you have any questions about National Library procurement, contact us by emailing enquiries@nls.uk.