National Library of Scotland

National Library of Scotland
source
Name	National Library of Scotland
Established	1925
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland
Collection size	Over 26 million physical items
Director	Amin Shah
Website	www.nls.uk

National Library of Scotland. It is the largest library in Scotland and one of the major research libraries in the United Kingdom. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1925, it holds the legal deposit privilege for materials published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its vast collections span centuries and encompass millions of printed items, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources, serving as a crucial repository for the nation's published heritage.

History

The origins of the institution can be traced to the Advocates Library, founded in the late 17th century by the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh. This library grew substantially, acquiring important collections like the manuscripts of the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume. In 1710, the Copyright Act granted it legal deposit rights for books published in Great Britain, a status later affirmed by the Copyright Act 1911. The collection was formally transferred to the nation through the National Library of Scotland Act 1925, creating a new entity distinct from the Faculty of Advocates. Key figures in its development included the first Librarian, William K. Dickson, and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, whose funding supported early growth. Major acquisitions over the decades have included the Glenriddell Manuscripts of Robert Burns and the archives of the publishing firm William Blackwood and Sons.

Collections

Its holdings are exceptionally diverse, containing over 26 million physical items. The printed collections include comprehensive runs of Scottish newspapers and significant holdings related to the Scottish Reformation and the Jacobite risings. The manuscript department safeguards treasures such as the letters of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Murthly Hours, and the papers of Sir Walter Scott. The map library is one of the world's largest, featuring the military surveys of William Roy and the first atlas of Scotland by Timothy Pont. Other notable collections encompass the John Murray Archive, containing correspondence with figures like Lord Byron and Charles Darwin, and extensive sound recordings from the School of Scottish Studies.

Services and access

It provides a wide range of services to researchers and the public. The main reading rooms on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh offer access to the general and special collections, while the modern Causewayside Building houses additional material. A dedicated Map Room and a Business Reading Room cater to specific research needs. Digital initiatives are central to its mission, with online resources like the Digital Gallery providing access to thousands of digitized items, from medieval charters to First World War posters. Public exhibitions are regularly held at its headquarters and at the Kelvin Hall cultural centre in Glasgow.

Legal deposit and copyright

As a legal deposit library, it has the right to claim a copy of every work published in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, under legislation including the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003. This mandate extends to digital publications, such as e-books and UK websites, archived through projects like the UK Web Archive. This system ensures the comprehensive preservation of the nation's published output. The library also plays a key role in advising on matters of copyright law, particularly as it relates to Scottish heritage materials and the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Buildings

The institution operates from several key sites. The iconic main building on George IV Bridge, designed by Reginald Fairlie and opened in 1956, is a Category A listed structure in the New Town. The former Governors' House on the Royal Mile serves as administrative offices. A major expansion came with the opening of the Causewayside Building in the 1980s, which provides high-density storage and conservation facilities. In 2016, it opened a public centre at Kelvin Hall in partnership with Glasgow Life and the University of Glasgow, expanding its physical presence in the west of Scotland.

Governance and funding

It is a Non-departmental public body sponsored by the Scottish Government. Its governing body is a Board of Trustees appointed by the Scottish Ministers. Operational leadership is provided by the Chief Executive and National Librarian, a post held by Amin Shah. Primary funding comes from the Scottish Government via the Culture and Historic Environment Directorate, supplemented by income from charitable trusts, donations, and specific grants from bodies like the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It works closely with other national institutions, including National Records of Scotland and National Museums Scotland.

Category:National libraries Category:Libraries in Edinburgh Category:1925 establishments in Scotland