Maps at Causewayside

Consult material in the Maps Reading Room.

You can view over 2 million items from the map collection. This includes:

• Printed and manuscript maps,
• atlases,
• gazetteers,
• and cartographic reference books.

View modern digital mapping, and thousands of full-text online research resources and abstracts, received via legal deposit which is only available to consult onsite (e.g. Legal Deposit Library Map Portal).

We also offer training in the use of the Maps website.

• Get advice on how to order copies of maps.
• Collect map orders.

See our page on Map copying services for more information about this.

You can take photos of our material for private study or research.

However, there are some rules on what you can and cannot photograph. See our self-service photography page for more information.

Bus

The number 5 bus stops on Salisbury place. Several buses stop at nearby Newington Road. Visit the Lothian Buses website for further information.

Train

The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley and the Maps Reading Room is a half hour walk away uphill. Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland

Tram

The nearest tram stop is on Princes Street and the Library is a half hour walk away uphill.

Bike

There are cycle racks outside the building on Causewayside.

Car

Blue badge holders can park on Salisbury Place, Upper Gray St, or Causewayside.

There is a unisex accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Bags that are larger than A4 size need to be placed in the locker. The lockers have a key, and no coins are needed.

If you need to take a bag or other equipment with you during your visit, please speak to a member of staff.

The lockers have a bag shelf and a coat or jacket area. The coat area is 14cm wide by 110cm tall and 48cm deep. There is a separate bag shelf that is 32.5cm wide by 31cm tall.

WiFi

WiFi is available in the Maps Reading Room.

eduroam

If you are visiting from another organisation that uses eduroam, you will be able to use it at the National Library of Scotland too. More information about eduroam

There is a baby changing facility in the accessible toilet.

We are happy to arrange group visits to the Maps Reading Room. These can either provide a general introduction to the Map Collection or can focus on a place or subject that is of interest to the group. The visit can include an introductory talk from staff, and a chance to view a selection of collection items.

Group visits can take place Monday to Friday, between 10am and 1pm, or 2pm and 5pm. Visits would usually last between one and one and a half hours.

We can accommodate groups of up to 14 in the Maps Reading Room. It may be possible to host larger groups by special arrangement.

Please give us as much notice as possible of the planned visit. A minimum of three weeks' notice is required. 

To arrange a group visit, please contact the Library and let us know the details of the group, their interests and any preferred dates or times for the visit.

There is a unisex accessible toilet on the ground floor, outside the Maps Reading Room. 

For specific dimensions, see our Accessible toilets page.

The main entrance is on street level. There are two entrances – a revolving door and an accessible door. 

You can use either the ramp or stairs to access our entry gate. 

There are no lifts in this area.

For information about specific dimensions and photos, see our page about entrances, stairs and ramps.

There are portable audio induction loops available from the Service Desk in the Maps Reading Room.  

In the event of a fire alarm, our fire alarms have flashing lights as well as sound to alert visitors with hearing impairments. 

We can adjust the lighting in our Maps Reading Room. 

Magnifying glasses are available from the Service Desk in the Maps Reading Room. 

There are coloured overlays, a large print keyboard, and computers have Microsoft Accessibility Software enabled.

Please contact a member of staff if you have visual impairment and would like help to leave the building during an emergency evacuation.  

The Library at Causewayside is fully accessible for wheelchair users and can cater for other access requirements.   

We also have a foldable wheelchair. 

We have several adjustable chairs, tables, a portable hearing loop, and other assistive technology available for readers to use in our reading room. For a full list see our assistive technology page.

Please check about the suitability of using your own specialist equipment with us before coming to the Maps Reading Room.

You can bring assistance dogs into the building. 

Blue-badge holders can park on Salisbury Place, Upper Gray Street or Causewayside.

Drivers should always check on-street signage for any temporary closures, changes or updates.

Fire alarm: In the event of a fire, the fire alarm will activate. Our fire alarms have flashing lights as well as sound to alert visitors with hearing impairments. 

Emergency evacuation: In the case of an evacuation, all customers inside the Library will be led to safety by Library staff or by a member of the fire brigade. 

The main evacuation route from our Maps Reading Room on the ground floor is the main entrance onto Salisbury Place. 

If you have a medical condition or a disability which would make it difficult to evacuate the building, when you first visit us, please ask to complete a short Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) questionnaire.

Please contact a member of staff if you have visual impairment and would like help to leave the building during an emergency evacuation.