Professor Christopher Smith appointed as Chair of the National Library of Scotland

Professor Christopher Smith, from the School of Classics, has been appointed as Chair of the National Library of Scotland, it was announced today (Monday 13^th October) by Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson.

Professor Smith joined the University of St Andrews in 1992 and is currently also serving as the Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Of his appointment, Professor Smith, said; “Libraries are the custodians of our past, places of wonder and discovery for everyone whatever their age, and critical to a future in which knowledge and truth remain prized. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to work with the National Library of Scotland as it fulfils its mission for Scotland and beyond.”

He is also the International Champion for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and a member of the governing bodies of Science Europe and the Global Research Council. Whilst giving an international perspective he is deeply committed to the heritage and future of Scotland.

Angus Robertson MSP, said; “Professor Smith has had an illustrious career both nationally and internationally and I am pleased to appoint him as Chair of the National Library of Scotland. He has a wealth of experience gained at prestigious bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the University of St Andrews and the British School of Rome and I look forward to working with him.”

The National Library of Scotland is the guardian of the printed and recorded memory of Scotland, held on behalf of the nation. It fulfils a statutory role as one of the nation’s most significant cultural and research organisations.

The Library is a major European research library and one of the world’s leading centres for the study of Scotland and the Scots. It is the largest library in Scotland with over 34 million items, its collections include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, music, moving image and official publications.

The appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 January 2026.