National Library of Scotland Act 2012

2 Functions of NLS

(1) NLS has the general function of managing the library established by section 1(1) of the 1925 Act as a national resource for reference, study, research and bibliography, having particular regard to Scotland.

(2) NLS has the particular functions of—

(a) preserving, conserving and developing its collections,

(b) making the collections accessible to the public and to persons wishing to carry out study and research,

(c) exhibiting and interpreting objects in the collections, and

(d) promoting collaboration and the sharing of good practice with and between other persons providing library and information services, and the adoption of good practice by those persons.

(3) NLS is to exercise its functions with a view to—

(a) encouraging education and research,

(b) promoting understanding and enjoyment of the collections,

(c) promoting the diversity of persons accessing the collections, and

(d) contributing to understanding of Scotland’s national culture.

(4) NLS—

(a) must, when required to do so by the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) may, at any other time,

provide the Scottish Ministers with advice, information and assistance on any matter relating to NLS’s functions.

(5) Any advice, information or assistance under subsection (4)(a) must be provided in such manner as the Scottish Ministers may determine.