Founded over 240 years ago with its roots in the collections of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the National Museums Scotland library collection now consists of over 300,000 volumes, embracing both modern research material and items up to 500 years old. The periodicals collection comprises over 400 titles, including e-journals.

History

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Library was founded in 1781 when the first book – Robert Sibbald’s “Scotia Illustrata” – was added to the Society’s collections. The Society’s collection were transferred to the nation in the mid-nineteenth century, and some library material, including many manuscripts, moved  to the National Library of Scotland and other institutions in the early twentieth century.

Much of the original library – including “Scotia Illustrata” – remains however, and is now integrated in National Museums Scotland Research Library with which the Society maintains close links, providing over 100 titles annually free of charge as part of the Proceedings exchange programme.

The National Museums Scotland Research Library also maintains the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland archive, including series of papers and manuscripts.

Paradise Lost by John Milton (© National Museums Scotland)

Research Today

In recognition of the Society’s role in founding and enriching the national collections, Fellows have borrowing privileges of print resources at the National Museums Scotland Research Library which are not extended to the general public.

Fellows can register with the library to loan up to five print books for one month. This enables books to be taken out of the library and consulted in private by registered library members. A completed Library Registration Form is all that is required to access this service.

How to Access the Library

From March 2025, the National Museums Scotland Library Service became accessible by pre-booked appointments only.

The Library and Archives Team provides a bespoke service for research visitors with a focussed and personal experience.

The Team will be able to prepare material in advance and advise on additional material which may be available.

The Research Library is on Level 3 of the National Museum of Scotland, accessible via the ‘Enquire’ gallery. It is open by appointment as follows:

• Tuesday, 10:00 – 12:00
• Wednesday, 14:00 – 16:00
• Thursday, 10:00 – 12:00

Appointments are generally for up to two hours with some flexibility where this can be accommodated.

To make an appointment please contact the Library and Archives Team by email at library@nms.ac.uk. You can also leave a message by phoning 0131 247 4137. Please provide your name and contact information, details of your enquiry, any material you would like to access and your preferred date and time of visit. The Library and Archives Team will be in touch to arrange and confirm your visit.

A maximum of five visitors can be accommodated at any one time. Requests should ideally be made at least five working days in advance of your planned visit so that material can be made available. During this period they are unable to facilitate walk-in visitors.

NMS Research Library

If you are not a Fellow and would like to support our work as a charity while enjoying the many benefits of Fellowship, find out how to join or subscribe to our public e-newsletter.