How to order material online

To request something online:

• You must be a member of the National Library of Scotland. You can register online. When you visit for the first time, you can complete the process and get your card to use the reading rooms.
  • You need a library card to access the reading rooms.

  • If you have not yet registered as a reader, or do not have a valid library card, you may request up to six books by post or email, or two books by telephone. You need to do this at least two dates before your planned visit. See our enquiries page for contact details.

• Your library card needs to be up-to-date and valid.
• To order items, you must have an email address.

There are three steps to pre-ordering material through the main catalogue:

• Step 1 — Log in to the online system:
  • Go to the main catalogue and log in using your email address and password.
  • If you don't have an email address and password, please speak to a member of staff or phone us on 0131 623 3820
• Step 2 — Search for your item:
  • Enter the details of your item in the search box
  • On the results page, follow the link to the record for the item
• Step 3 — Request the item:
  • Go to the 'Request this item' link
  • Submit your request.

Please remember that we only keep material on reserve for six days. Do not order material earlier than that.

The main catalogue will tell you where the item you want is stored and which reading room you can consult it in.

You can order online:

• Books and monographs, including rare book collections
• Journals, newspapers, serial publications (e.g. annual directories)
• Microfilm, microfiches, CD-ROMs
• Legal material held by the Advocates Library.

To request these items, you must use only the online system. You will be able to request up to a maximum of 12 items.

You cannot order on the main catalogue:

• Maps (this has a separate request form)
• Moving image collections
• Material in the process of being catalogued
• Material on the open shelves in the General Reading Room

You must pre-order these by contacting us through our Ask a question service.

In the main catalogue, go to your name at the top of the screen, then to 'My account' to  view your requests.

For material ordered on the Alternative Request form, ask staff at the Collection and Return Desk in the General Reading Room or phone 0131 623 3822. For items ordered through the online manuscript order form, ask staff at the Collection and Return Desk in the Special Collections Reading Room or phone 0131 623 3899.

Please note: We only process requests during our normal opening hours. If you submit your request remotely outwith these hours, we cannot process it immediately.

You will be sent an email confirmation once your material is available for consultation in the George IV Bridge building. Collect General Collection items from the Collections and Return Desk outside the General Reading Room

Items are stored in two separate buildings, so delivery times will vary. You must return all books to the Collections and Returns Desk no later than 10 minutes before closure.

Because we are a reference-only library, you must consult all items in our reading rooms. You cannot borrow material for external use.

If you have not completed your research by the end of your visit, you may normally reserve up to 12 items for later use.

We will keep them on reserve for six working days, and return them to the shelves if they are not consulted during that period.

To reserve items, you must fill in a reservation slip when returning material to the Issue Desk.