The National Library of Scotland's collections are housed in the George IV Bridge building and in an offsite store approximately one mile apart.
Library Search provides information on where items are held and which reading room to use. Always check this information before requesting any material.
As the National Library of Scotland is reference only, no item from our collections may be removed.
This guidance relates to book requests placed during a visit to our buildings. If you wish to place a request before your visit, see the preorders page.
Material stored in George IV Bridge
We will deliver items stored in George IV Bridge at set times.
Requests for material must be made at least 45 minutes before the delivery times below.
Monday to Friday
- Morning deliveries: 10.00 and 12.00
- Afternoon deliveries: 14.00 and 16.00.
Saturday
There are no deliveries on a Saturday. You will need to order by 15.15 on Friday for a Saturday consultation.
Material stored offsite
We will deliver offsite material at set times.
Requests for material must be made at least 90 minutes before the delivery times below.
Monday to Friday
- Morning deliveries: 10.30 and 12.30
- Afternoon deliveries: 14.30 and 16.30.
Saturday
There are no deliveries on a Saturday. You will need to order by 15.00 on a Friday for a Saturday consultation.
Material held by the Advocates Library
You can consult law materials held by the Advocates Library in the General Reading Room.
We will deliver items held by the Advocates Library at a set time.
Monday to Friday
- Delivery at 14.15
- Order by 12.00 on the previous day for deliveries Tuesday to Friday and by 12.00 on Friday for delivery the following Monday.
Saturday
There are no deliveries on a Saturday. You will need to order by 12.00 on a Thursday for Saturday consultation.