The book received four public nominations for the National Library of Scotland’s Dear Library exhibition, twice the number usually needed to guarantee inclusion in the 200-title display, which opened in June to mark the library’s centenary.

However, the book was removed from the Library’s exhibition after the LGBT Staff Network raised concerns the book was “discriminatory” and “involved a risk of serious harm to staff and visitors”.

The book was re-instated in the exhibition in September but an independent review by a member of the Scottish Bar was conducted.

The results, published on Wednesday, resulted in the complaint being upheld.

National Librarian Amina Shah failed to adequately consult or consider the risks, according to the review.

The legal investigation found removing the book was based on on an “inadequate risk assessment, informed by inadequate evidence and consultation”.

The library’s decision did not uphold the aims set out in the Library’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the advocate’s review found.

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The review recommended the complaint against the Library be upheld.

It noted that library staff were aware that the book “may attract controversy” before it was selected, however it was the “consensus” that it should be included because it “added to the diversity of views” represented in the exhibition.

But after complaints were made by the LGBT Staff Network, management reviewed the book again “over several days”.

In the advocate’s review, it is noted that members of the LGBT Staff Network met with senior managers in May 2025 stating that if the book was included they would “go public” and inform the Library’s partners. They also said they would not represent the Library at planned Pride events in June.

The Librarian also consulted with a “very small number” of public supporters of the Library – but did not attempt to consult the authors of the book or anyone with lived experience or expertise in gender critical views, the review found.

The advocate writes in their report that the Librarian took the decision to not include the book under “significant time pressure” because the exhibition was to open imminently, limiting opportunities for “consultation and consideration”.

However, the advocate did not accept this, adding the Librarian Ms Shah did not undertake an “adequate or appropriate assessment of risk to inform her decision”.

The barrister said: “I found no evidence she systematically identified risks, assessed the likelihood or seriousness of harm arising from each. I found no evidence she considered appropriate means of mitigating the risks she identified.

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“She did not, for example, consult police to identify the likelihood of protests and disruption, or whether there were means of managing those events to mitigate the risk and keep staff and visitors safe. 

“I do not accept the decision was so time pressured as to justify the limited consultation and consideration undertaken. The Librarian was aware of the book’s potential inclusion in the exhibition and the potential for controversy since early February 2025.”

The National Library of Scotland has accepted the review, with Ms Shah stating: “The Library’s collections span centuries, and we can use these to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time.

“We aspire to bring people together, and encourage respectful and constructive conversation. We will always be inclusive, and we will always welcome everyone to the Library.”

Lucy Hunter Blackburn, a co-author of the book, told The Herald: “We have appreciated the library’s decision to take what happened with our book so seriously, including commissioning this investigation.”