Introduction to our collections
The National Library of Scotland is home to Scotland's memory. From medieval manuscripts to contemporary websites, we collect, care for, and share the nation's stories, ideas and discoveries.
Our collection holds over 34 million print and digital items, and it's growing by 5,000 new additions every week. At our George IV Bridge building, books are stored in floor-to-ceiling stacks across 10 floors, organised by size and year to maximise space. The rest of our physical collections span 150 miles of shelving across four storage sites.
What's in our collections
We collect material in many formats, from many places. Some are centuries old. Others were created digitally.
Books and journals: from rare first editions to the latest research
Newspapers and magazines: covering Scottish life, locally and nationally as well as some national and overseas publications
Manuscripts and archives: letters, diaries, records and more
Maps and atlases: historical and modern, from Scotland and around the world
Music and sound: scores and recordings covering a range of genres
Film and moving image: amateur footage, documentaries, and broadcast collections
You'll also find artwork, ephemera and government publications.
We collect under legal deposit as well as through purchase, donation and partnership.
Topics to explore
You can explore almost any subject area using our collections, including:
Scottish history and literature
Politics, law and government
Science, technology and medicine
Art, photography, theatre and film
Gaelic, Scots and English language
Sport and recreation
Social change and everyday life
Colonial history and global connections
Find what you need
Some people come with a specific query, like a name, a date, or a record to check. Others come to discover something new, whether that's an image, a phrase, or the spark of an idea. Whatever your reason, we can help!
Continue your journey by searching our catalogues or exploring digitised content online. If you're not sure where to begin, ask us a question. We're here to help you find your way in.