The Library currently holds over 40,000 printed volumes (including monographs, catalogues raisonnés, sale and exhibition catalogues, and catalogues of public and private collections).

The emphasis of the subject coverage is mainly on biographical material relating to people, events and artists whose work is represented in the collection. Other material is acquired if it relates to the history of art, Scottish art and history.

The Library has a significant collection of early sale catalogues, particularly late nineteenth and early twentieth century, many of which are unique because of their annotations.

The Library is also responsible for the cataloguing of secondary source material for the National Photography Collection of Scotland and the National Collection of Miniatures, both of which are centres of excellence in their respective fields.

The Library is open by appointment, Monday to Friday from 10am-1pm and 2-4.30pm. Appointments must be made at least one week in advance (two weeks for group visits). Contact us to make an appointment.