The Whittaker Library contains one of the most comprehensive collections of performance materials for music, dance, drama, production and film in the UK and internationally. The Whittaker Library is named after Dr William Gillies Whittaker, the first principal of the Scottish National Academy of Music (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).

Our collections offer a mix of print and electronic content and it’s all searchable via our Library Discovery Service.

We offer access to thousands of e-resources via our Catalogue for E-Books, and thousands of additional e-resources via Catalogue Plus. You can also check out our E-resource database listing and our E-journal titles.

If you have any Library-related questions, please email library@rcs.ac.uk.

Opening hours

During term time (from Saturday 6th January – Friday 29th March), the library will be open:

Monday-Thursday: 845am-830pm
Friday: 845am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 4pm

Stay in touch with the library

Ask a LibrarianRCS staff and students can make an appointment to speak to one of our librarians

Whittaker Library Support Guide

We know that sometimes library users can encounter barriers to access, often due to a disability, learning difference, neurodiversity or health condition.  We have a range of helpful services available for anyone needing some extra support. Read our Library Support Guide to find out more about library accessibility and the extra help and support that’s available.

Diversifying the Library Collections

The Library is committed to counter contemporary and historic racism and inequality in our collections. We will endeavour to build inclusive collections, reflective of the global performing artist talent pool, and the RCS stance on anti-racism and injustice. We welcome your comments and contributions to this work.

Library Policies

Library Collection Management Policy

RCS Library Rules & Regulations