The Research Library, National Museum of Scotland
The Research Library is the largest museum library in Scotland.
Following an extensive refurbishment programme, it is now open
again to the public.
Founded 230 years ago with its roots in the collections of the
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, it is now a modern research
library with collections and services supporting and reflecting the
strength and variety of the Museum’s objects, collections and
research directions.
The collection includes:
- 320,000 monographs and other printed items
- 450 journal titles and access to 4,300 e-journals
- Outstanding collections in archaeology and world-wide
decorative arts
- Manuscript collections of noted archaeologists and natural
historians
- A Special Collection of pre-1800 printed books
- Archive material associated with the history of National
Museums Scotland and its object collections.
Please browse our
catalogue to find out more about the range of collections we
have on offer. National Museums Scotland participates in the
SCURL Scottish Collections
Policy.
Click on the images below to see some of our special collections
in more detail.
Opening hours
The Library is open to visitors Monday – Friday during Museum
opening times, 10:00-17:00.
Finding the Library
The Research Library is on Level 3 of the National Museum of
Scotland, behind the Communicate! gallery. You can find the library
on the Museum map here.
The Library, National War Museum of Scotland
The Library is based in our Museum within the walls of Edinburgh
Castle. Its collections include monographs and journals on all
aspects of Scottish military history since the 1600s.
Opening hours
Please contact us in advance to make an arrangement to visit and
we will do our best to help.
The National War Museum Library is currently open to the public
on a Tuesday morning 10am – 1pm.
Contact details
National Museum of
ScotlandLibrary Services Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1
1JF Tel: 0131 247 4137Fax: 0131 247 4311Email: library@nms.ac.uk