The Royal Scottish Academy library contains an eclectic mix of books and catalogues on the fine arts and architecture. Its particular strength is in Scottish material of the 19th and 20th centuries, and it contains a complete set of RSA Annual Reports and Annual Exhibition catalogues.

The Royal Scottish Academy archive contains documents pertaining to the RSA as an organisation such as the Minute Books of Council and Assemblies, the Registers of the RSA Life School and photographs of many of its members. The archive also includes an extensive letter collection, dating from 1826 onwards. In addition the archive holds documents relating to other Edinburgh based art organisations, such as the Academy of St. Luke and the Society of Artists, and also an extensive collection of letters, documents, photographs and memorabilia relating to the painter, William Gillies.

The Royal Scottish Academy does not provide a valuation service.

The Royal Scottish Academy library, archive and art collections may be consulted by researchers on weekdays, 10.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 16.30. Space is extremely limited and it is essential to make an appointment in advance by writing to the RSA, The Dean Gallery, 73 Belford Road, Edinburgh EH4 3DS.