Digital primary source and archive collections
The University has unique cultural and heritage collections that you can utilise in your research or teaching. Use this guide to find out more about what is available and how to access it. And find out more about other local libraries, archives, museums, etc., that could provide you with access to relevant primary source material.
Centre for Research Collections (CRC)
The Centre for Research Collections (CRC) is the main space for anyone using the University of Edinburgh's historic, cultural and heritage collections, including rare books and manuscripts, University of Edinburgh archives, personal and institutional archives, Lothian Health Services Archives (LHSA), University of Edinburgh PhD theses, art collection, musical instrument collection and a wide range of other museum objects from geological specimens to anatomical models.
- 400,000 rare books
- Over 6km of manuscripts and archives
- Around 200,000 artefacts, works of art, potted material, models, specimens, musical instruments and scientific apparatus
- Over 40,000 digital images
- Around 25,000 PhD theses available digitally.
The CRC are based on the 6th floor, Main Library.
Research resources
A selection of resources relevant for research into the CRC's collections.
Though these resources provide useful guidance on specific areas of the collections, we always recommend that you use them alongside the collection catalogues to make sure the information you have is up to date - for example, many of geographic guides have not been updated since publication and do not, therefore, include more recent acquisitions.
Local libraries, archives, collections, museums
Here are just a selection of other libraries, archives, museums, collections that are available in Edinburgh. Do check with the individual organisation regarding access.
- National Library of ScotlandThe National Library of Scotland is Scotland's largest library and the world centre for the study of Scotland and the Scots. One of five legal deposit libraries in the UK it is also one of the major research libraries in Europe and their collections range from rare historical documents to online journals, covering every subject.
- National Museums ScotlandNational Musuems Scotland care for collections of national and international importance, preserving them, interpreting them and making them accessible to as many people as possible. Their substantial collection of objects objects represent everything from Scottish and classical archaeology to applied arts and design; from world cultures and social history to science, technology and the natural world.
- National Museums Scotland librariesNational Museums Scotland has the largest museum library collection in Scotland. Their library services support the research and learning needs of Museum staff, visitors and the wider external research community.
- Edinburgh LibrariesPublic library service in Edinburgh. With the Central Library on George IV Bridge, 27 community libraries, mobile library and digital library.
- National Records of ScotlandNational Records of Scotland (NRS) is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government. Their purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.
- Museums & Galleries EdinburghMuseums & Galleries Edinburgh is a collection of 13 venues and over 200 monuments across Edinburgh. Their vision is to inspire, enthuse and provoke through a shared passion for Edinburgh, Art and History.
- Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh HeritageRCPE holds one of the largest medical history collections in the world and they work to share this heritage worldwide.
- Surgeons' Hall MuseumsSurgeons' Hall Museums (SHM) are owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection.
- National Galleries ScotlandThe National Galleries of Scotland cares for, develops, researches and displays the national collection of Scottish and international art. There are 4 sites open to the public: Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One and Modern Two) and Scottish National Portrait Gallery.