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.
Delivery of manuscripts
You may order up to six manuscript items at a time. Manuscripts are delivered to the reading room at set times.
Monday to Friday
You must place your order at least 30 minutes before the delivery times below.
- Morning deliveries: 10.00 and 12.00
- Afternoon deliveries: 14.00 and 16.00
Saturday
You must place your order at least 45 minutes before the delivery times below.
- Morning delivery: 10.30
- Afternoon delivery: 14.30
Delivery of rare books and music
You may order up to six items at one time using the online booking request system.
Printed material you have not reserved is delivered to the reading room at set times.
Rare books and music held at George IV Bridge
Monday to Friday
You must place your order at least 45 minutes before the delivery times below.
- Morning deliveries: 10.00 and 12.00
- Afternoon deliveries: 14.00 and 16.00
Saturday
There are no deliveries on a Saturday. Order by 15.15 on a Friday for a Saturday consultation.
Rare books and music held offsite
Monday to Friday
Material that is held offsite must be ordered at least 90 minutes before the delivery times below.
- Morning deliveries: 10.30 and 12.30
- Afternoon deliveries: 14.30 and 16.30
Saturday
There are no deliveries on a Saturday. Order by 15.00 on a Friday for a Saturday consultation.
Returning material
All material must be returned to the Collection and Return desk by:
- 18.50 (Monday to Thursday)
- 16.50 (Friday to Saturday)
As the National Library of Scotland is reference only, no item from our collections may be removed.