You have free access to an extensive range of eResources when you join the National Library of Scotland. If your main address is in Scotland you can also use many of these resources without having to visit our Edinburgh or Glasgow premises.
About the eResources
The eResources are around 100 online resources containing millions of individual items. Provided by UK and other publishers, they feature:
- Hundreds of thousands of digitised books, periodicals and manuscripts spanning over five centuries
- Millions of records and abstracts via online services and databases
- Thousands of full-text newspapers, journals and reports
- Hundreds of full-text reference works.
Resources include business, science, government, art, literature, history, biography, Americana, and music. See all categories.
Watch this short video to find out more:
Read the transcript of this video.
Who can use the eResources
- Anyone who has joined the Library and whose main address is in Scotland
- Anyone who visits the Library in Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Anyone affiliated with a further or higher education institution who joins the Library, although access to some resources may be restricted. HE / FE access restrictions
Where you can use them
The full range of eResources is available:
- In our Edinburgh reading rooms, if you have a library card.
- In the National Library at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow.
You can also use most of them on your own computer or device if you are a Library member and a resident of Scotland. Please note that a download limit may apply.
Some resources are only available on our premises. Where there is onsite access only, we will say so in the description for that service.
My resources
When you are logged in you can create a list of services you want to access quickly on a future visit.
Restricted access for users living outside Scotland
We have to apply access conditions as part of the terms and conditions agreed between us and the resource publishers.
That is why we are unable to extend access outwith our premises to people who do not have their main address in Scotland, even if they have joined the Library.
Getting back to the Library site from a resource
By following a link to any of the eResources, you are leaving the Library website. If you did not open the link in a new tab or window, when you have used resources on one of those non-Library sites you will have to use the browser 'back' option to return to the eResources site.
Need help or more information?
You can ask a question using Chat or our online enquiry form. One of our librarians will be happy to help.
Chat is available Monday to Friday, 10.00-16.00.