THE SIBBALD LIBRARY
The Sibbald Library was established in 1682 when the physician, botanist and geographer Sir Robert Sibbald donated ‘three shelfes full of books to the Colledge of Physitians’. The collection has grown hugely during its 330 years of continuous existence and the College now looks after what is both one of Scotland’s oldest libraries as well as one of the world’s most important collections of medical books. The College makes freely available this wonderful collection recording the story of medicine on paper (from a 14th century manuscript on diagnosis using urine to Sir Richard Doll’s groundbreaking journal articles on the dangers of smoking in the 20th century).

FUNDS SUPPORTING VALUABLE WORK
We are extremely grateful for the generosity of individuals, organisations and trusts who responded to our 2008 Appeal. Their help has enabled the Library to open up the collection to new users and to undertake specific projects including
    •    Archive cataloguing and digitisation
    •    A new book catalogue
    •    The preservation of rare items
    •    Additions to the collection including
        King James’ Counterblaste on Tobacco
    •    Talks, events and webcasts

PRESERVING A PHYSICAL COLLECTION INTO THE DIGITAL AGE
The manuscripts, books, journals and letters in the Sibbald Library chart the history of medicine and science.   Careful custodianship over three centuries has ensured that the Collection is generally in good condition but it is extremely important that we continue to preserve and protect this heritage into the digital age.

SIBBALD LIBRARY APPEAL 2012
In 2012 we very much hope you will help us to take the long view and ensure that 22nd century researchers will be able to access the physical record of medicine’s development preserved here in Queen Street. We are particularly seeking funds to upgrade two key library storage areas
    •    Our strongroom
    •    Our annexe
We also want to continue our preservation programme and ensure that individual books and manuscripts can be made available to the researchers of the future.

SPONSOR A SHELF
Those who kindly donated over £1,000 in our 2008 Appeal have had Top Library shelves named after them. We would like to extend this recognition: donate over £1,000 and we would be delighted to acknowledge your generosity by naming a library shelf in your honour.