How to make a document supply request

Libraries can make document supply requests and enquiries to the National Library of Scotland by asking a question online. 

See our document supply price list for details of all charges.

Please note: We do not offer a location search service.

Please give as much information as possible, including the National Library shelfmark, source of reference and full contact details. You can find shelfmark and holding information on our main catalogue.

UK and Irish libraries must quote their British Library Customer Account code (e.g. 87-xxxx) and give a unique reference number on each request.

Overseas libraries should state how they would like to pay. The National Library accepts IFLA vouchers as payment.

We respond to requests as soon as possible, and normally within five working days. Complex requests may take a little longer.

In the Library's main catalogue, material specifically bought for lending has an 'L' at the end of the shelfmark describing a 'Lending' copy — for example: N3.205.1425L.

You should also note that:

• Legal deposit material is not available for loan
• We may consider lending material we have bought or which has been donated which isn't marked specifically for lending
• Items with a foreign imprint are likely to have been bought, and therefore may be available for loan. Libraries interested in borrowing these items should make a speculative request.

See our lending policy for more information.

UK and Ireland

Libraries in the UK and Ireland can usually borrow items for one month. Unless there is a waiting list, items are normally renewable up to a maximum loan period of six months.

Outside the UK and Ireland

Libraries outside the UK and Ireland can usually borrow items for a period of three months. Renewals can be made for one period of three months. This renewal may not be possible if there is a waiting list for the item. Occasionally you may be able to apply for a special loan period.

We will recall overdue items.

We can provide copies of individual articles from most printed journals. Under copyright legislation, we are typically only able to provide a single article from an individual issue.

We may also be able to provide a copy of some pages or a chapter from a monograph, as long as it is within copyright limits.

See our document supply price list for details of all charges.

The British Library inter-lending code for the National Library of Scotland is ED/N-1. Some resources may also still list the code ED/N-2 which is no longer in use. We deal with requests using either code.

If we cannot identify the item you have requested, we will spend no more than 10 minutes checking the bibliographical details to see if they are correct before returning the request to you.

We have a licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency to provide 'copyright cleared' or 'copyright fee paid' photocopies. Copyright cleared photocopying is charged at the standard UK copy price, plus the copyright fee and VAT where appropriate.

Document supply main page