BOSLIT's primary aim is is to maintain and update an online database of translations of Scottish literary works into all the languages of the world. Having begun with the last quarter of the 20th century, its coverage has gradually been extended to cover the whole period back to the earliest published translations, in the 16th century.

An independent body working in association with the National Library of Scotland, BOSLIT was founded in 1994, and has received funding from various agencies including the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Board. Its online database of translations is hosted by the National Library of Scotland, and accessible though the library’s website. Additional aims include the provision of an international information service to authors, translators and readers, the promotion of Scottish literature in translation. Contacts and information are welcomed from all sources, but BOSLIT does not have funds to support new translation projects.