The Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) is the foremost independent body in Scotland promoting an understanding of the inter-relationships between people, places and the environment through geographical research, education, debate, travel and exploration.
The Society also has an important role to play in representing the broader interests of geography education in Scotland and in providing appropriate links between schools, higher education institutions, commerce and industry and the general public.
About the RSGS collection
This long-established collection comprises over 15,000 books and around 120 serial titles currently received by the RSGS.
Of particular significance in the collection are:
- a set of Hakluyt publications
- sizeable collections of travel guides
- geographical journals
- monographs on geography
- local history and topography, and
- works on polar exploration and mountaineering.
The RSGS regularly adds to the collection.
As well as items held in the Library, the RSGS has additional collections of maps, photographs, archives and reference material at its headquarters.
Access to the collection
Access to the RSGS collection is available freely to members of the RSGS as well as Strathclyde staff and students during the normal opening hours of the University Library.
Others who wish to use the Collection should apply in writing to the University Library using the details on our contact us page.
Some rare and valuable items in the collection are only available for viewing in the Archives & Special Collections reading room. This room is generally open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00. Please contact us before your visit to arrange access.
Finding items
Library staff can help you find the information you need. Please visit the main enquiry desk on Level 3 during staffed opening hours, or contact us.
All items held in the RSGS collection at the University of Strathclyde are listed on the Library catalogue. You can search for titles using SUPrimo Library Search.
- List of all titles in the RSGS Lending Collection (Level 1)
- List of all titles in the RSGS Serials Collection (Level 1)
- List of all titles in the RSGS Reference Collection (Archives and Special Collections, Level 5)
More information
Contact us for information about the items we hold.
Contact the Royal Scottish Geographical Society by email, enquiries@rsgs.org, about items held at its headquarters.