The Research Library is our main reading room on level 3 of the National Museum of Scotland.

The library has 5 study spaces, public Wifi access, 30,000 books on open shelves which visitors can browse (around 10% of the total collection), plus a display of 80 of our most regularly used periodical titles.

The books on display cover a range of topics including archaeology and Scottish history, museology and decorative arts and have been selected to support research and learning and assist visitors to further understand the Museum’s object collections and related activities. 

The remainder of the collection is in storage within the building and can be retrieved on request. Collection of items from storage areas is carried out prior to appointment. 

The Research Library now holds the finding facility for the Scottish Life Archive. There is an index and guide available which lists the subjects covered in the Archive.

We offer reference only access to the collections in our libraries. Please contact us in advance to make an arrangement to visit or to enquire about our collections and we will do our best to help.

Library staff can offer advice and support in locating items and using the collections. If you wish to consult a particular item, you may wish to contact us in advance, so that we can have the material ready for consultation on your arrival.

You will be asked to complete a registration form if you wish to consult items from our special collections. We will require you to observe special instructions when handling items from our special collections. Library staff will advise on the appropriate procedures.

You are free to use your own laptop and there is free public wifi access in the Research Library.

Ask library staff if you wish to photocopy or photograph items.

Contact us

Research Library
Level 3
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh EH1 1JF

Opening Hours

Access to the Research Library is by appointment during the following days and times:

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

It is essential that you book in advance. Requests should ideally be made at least five working days in advance of your planned visit so that material can be made available.

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. Our Library Services staff will be in touch to arrange and confirm your visit. 

For any enquiries or to make an appointment please contact the Library Services.