HQ Function

The George IV Bridge building serves as the primary public interface, housing principal reading rooms, exhibition galleries, event spaces, extensive collections, and key administrative and curatorial offices.

Notable Features:

Iconic neo-classical facade, impressive General Reading Room, Special Collections Reading Room, state-of-the-art exhibition spaces (e.g., 'Treasures of the National Library of Scotland'), cafe, and shop. It offers panoramic views of the city from certain areas.

Work Culture:

A scholarly, collaborative, and public-service-oriented environment. Staff are dedicated to preserving and providing access to Scotland's documentary heritage, fostering research, and engaging with a diverse range of users and communities. Emphasis on expertise, innovation in digital access, and cultural stewardship.

HQ Significance:

It is the central repository for Scotland's published and written heritage, a vital resource for researchers globally, and a significant cultural institution contributing to Scotland's intellectual and cultural life. Its location makes it a landmark in Edinburgh.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects values of knowledge preservation, accessibility for all, scholarly pursuit, national identity, and continuous learning. Its architecture aims to be both grand and welcoming, signifying its importance and public role.

Location:

While its physical sites are in Scotland, the National Library of Scotland has a significant global presence through its extensive digital resources, online exhibitions, and digitized collections accessible worldwide via its website. It supports international researchers, collaborates with libraries and cultural organizations globally, and participates in international projects related to heritage preservation and access. Its role as a legal deposit library also means its collections represent publishing from across the UK and Ireland, attracting global scholarly interest.

Street Address:

George IV Bridge

City:

Edinburgh

State/Province:

Scotland

Country:

United Kingdom