What we do 

Library Services support the research and learning needs of Museum staff, visitors and the wider external research community. 

The team is responsible for maintaining three libraries across the Museum’s sites, with a collection of 300,000 printed items, and over 4,000 e-journals. 

The library also holds and provides access to archive material associated with the history and object collections of National Museums Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and the papers of notable archaeologists, antiquarians, and natural historians.

The team consists of:

Jill Dye: Library Services Manager 

Ines Castellano-Colmenero: Assistant Librarian 

Jennifer Higgins: Assistant Librarian

Georgia Rogers: Archivist 

Ross Anderson: Library and Information Assistant 

Morven Donald: Library and Information Assistant 

Andrew McDougall: Library and Information Assistant

What we do  

The Collections Data and Digitisation team is responsible for a host of processes, activities and expert services including developing and delivering programmes to improve and generate collections data, maintaining and evolving data standards and quality assurance processes, managing and developing the Museum’s Collections Information and Digital Asset Management Systems, creating digital photography and producing a range of specialist imaging of the Museum's collection, as well as sharing collections online.

Externally the team supports the wider sector by providing advice and support through documentation and photography training and skills sharing.

The team consists of:

Pam Babes: Collections Data and Digitisation Manager

Angus Kneale: Collections Systems Manager

Gilly Conabeer: Collections Systems Manager

Jo Thomson: Collections Data Manager

Hannah Norfolk: Collections Data Specialist

Katherine Mercer: Assistant Collections Data Specialist

Neil McLean: Photography Manager

Amy Campbell: Lead Photographer

What we do  

Comprising Preventive Conservation and Collections Technicians, this team develops and implements programmes to ensure the holistic, long-term care of collections as well as the coordination and delivery of collection moves.

The Preventive Conservators advise and train teams across the Museum on Integrated Pest Management and run a collection quarantine facility at the National Museums Collection Centre. They also support the exhibition, display, and lending of collections through environmental monitoring, Oddy testing and advising on display protocols and standards. 

The Collections Technicians plan, pack and move collections and provide advice and training to collections teams in object handling, packing and labelling. 

The Preventive Conservators and Collections Technicians work together to carry out collections cleaning across all National Museum Scotland sites. 

Externally this team supports the wider sector through training and skills sharing programmes and published collections care guidance and resources.    

The team consists of:

Anna Starkey: Collections Care Manager 

Katie Haworth: Preventive Conservator  

Joseph Jackson: Assistant Preventive Conservator   

Kelly Rennie: Collections Technician  

Vesna Podrzaj: Collections Technician

Jane Sampson: Collections Technician 

What we do   

The registrar team provides advice and expertise to enable collection acquisitions, reviews, disposals, and lending in line with best practice sector standards as well as legislative requirements. 

This team provides support and training for curators and other collections teams in a range of areas including due diligence (provenance) training as well as courier training. 

The team is proficient in assessing and advising on facilities, security, transport, logistics, customs, couriers, insurance, documentation, and contracts required to manage and care for a diverse range of collections. 

The team consists of:

Yvonne Brownlee: Senior Registrar  

Lyn Stevens: Registrar  

Rebecca Drummond: Assistant Registrar  

Lucy Gorringe: Assistant Registrar 

Becky Smith: Assistant Registrar

What we do 

The Paper and Textile conservators provide expert conservation for a diverse range of objects from fashion to tapestry, embroideries to flags, prints to photographs and works of art to papyrus. 

The team undertakes practical conservation treatments for exhibitions, loans and tours and work with colleagues in the curatorial teams, as well as preventive conservation and analytical science to care for and research the collections. 

The team consists of:

Lynn McClean: Principal Conservator, Paper & Textiles 

Lisa Cumming ACR: Paper Conservator 

Victoria Hanley: Paper Conservator 

Miriam McLeod: Textile Conservator 

Danielle Connolly: Textile Conservator

Rosie Nuttall: Assistant Textile Conservator

What we do   

The artefact conservation team works with objects from across the collections including archaeological, historical, ethnographic, and contemporary collections. Detailed object examination and investigation allows the team to contribute to the understanding of the object, including its manufacture and degradation, as well as previous conservation treatments. 

The team works collaboratively, often finding innovative solutions to complex problems, and developing techniques to ensure the long-term stabilisation and preservation of the collections.  

The team consists of: 

Jane Clark: Principal Artefact Conservator   

Charles Stable: Artefact Conservator   

Diana de Bellaigue: Artefact Conservator  

Lydia Messerschmidt: Artefact Conservator  

Mary Davis: Artefact Conservator, Galloway hoard project   

Bethan Bryan: Assistant Artefact Conservator  

Holly Daws: Assistant Artefact Conservator 

What we do  

The engineering conservation team works across a wide range of collections including industrial, transport, agricultural, aviation, scientific, horological, and furniture, and is responsible for the care and maintenance of working objects and heritage models. 

Based at conservation facilities at the National Museums Collection Centre and at National Museum of Flight, this team applies expert skills to conserve and care for objects as diverse as large aircraft to fine scientific instruments. 

The team holds particular expertise in managing hazardous materials in collections and provides advice and knowledge about practical engineering work particularly as it relates to collections. 

The team engages volunteers, interns, and students to work on discreet projects, sharing skills, expertise, and experience in engineering conservation.  

The team consists of:

Stuart McDonald: Principal Engineering Conservator 

Alex Walton: Conservator

Gemma Frew: Furniture & Technology Conservator

Daniela Corda: Aircraft & Technology Conservator

Thilo Bürgel: Aircraft & Technology Conservator

What we do 

This team develops and implements programmes of analytical research across the collections and manages a suite of scientific laboratories at the National Museums Collections Centre. 

The team consists of:

Dr Lore Troalen: Analytical Scientist 

Edith Sandstroem: PhD student in Heritage Science, joint collaboration between the University of Edinburgh (chemistry) and National Museums Scotland funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme.