diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/access.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/access.rs
index 9bcac4d68..22a6b7f3d 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/access.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/access.rs
@@ -30,12 +30,14 @@ impl Access for ast::Ident<'_> {
     fn access<'a>(self, vm: &'a mut Vm) -> SourceResult<&'a mut Value> {
         let span = self.span();
         if vm.inspected == Some(span) {
-            if let Ok(value) = vm.scopes.get(&self).cloned() {
-                vm.trace(value);
+            if let Ok(binding) = vm.scopes.get(&self) {
+                vm.trace(binding.read().clone());
             }
         }
-        let value = vm.scopes.get_mut(&self).at(span)?;
-        Ok(value)
+        vm.scopes
+            .get_mut(&self)
+            .and_then(|b| b.write().map_err(Into::into))
+            .at(span)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/call.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/call.rs
index 2a2223e15..6f0ec1fc9 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/call.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/call.rs
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@ use typst_library::diag::{
 };
 use typst_library::engine::{Engine, Sink, Traced};
 use typst_library::foundations::{
-    Arg, Args, Capturer, Closure, Content, Context, Func, NativeElement, Scope, Scopes,
-    SymbolElem, Value,
+    Arg, Args, Binding, Capturer, Closure, Content, Context, Func, NativeElement, Scope,
+    Scopes, SymbolElem, Value,
 };
 use typst_library::introspection::Introspector;
 use typst_library::math::LrElem;
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ pub fn eval_closure(
 
     // Provide the closure itself for recursive calls.
     if let Some(name) = name {
-        vm.define(name, Value::Func(func.clone()));
+        vm.define(name, func.clone());
     }
 
     let num_pos_args = args.to_pos().len();
@@ -317,11 +317,11 @@ fn eval_field_call(
 
     if let Some(callee) = target.ty().scope().get(&field) {
         args.insert(0, target_expr.span(), target);
-        Ok(FieldCall::Normal(callee.clone(), args))
+        Ok(FieldCall::Normal(callee.read().clone(), args))
     } else if let Value::Content(content) = &target {
         if let Some(callee) = content.elem().scope().get(&field) {
             args.insert(0, target_expr.span(), target);
-            Ok(FieldCall::Normal(callee.clone(), args))
+            Ok(FieldCall::Normal(callee.read().clone(), args))
         } else {
             bail!(missing_field_call_error(target, field))
         }
@@ -458,11 +458,9 @@ impl<'a> CapturesVisitor<'a> {
             // Identifiers that shouldn't count as captures because they
             // actually bind a new name are handled below (individually through
             // the expressions that contain them).
-            Some(ast::Expr::Ident(ident)) => {
-                self.capture(ident.get(), ident.span(), Scopes::get)
-            }
+            Some(ast::Expr::Ident(ident)) => self.capture(ident.get(), Scopes::get),
             Some(ast::Expr::MathIdent(ident)) => {
-                self.capture(ident.get(), ident.span(), Scopes::get_in_math)
+                self.capture(ident.get(), Scopes::get_in_math)
             }
 
             // Code and content blocks create a scope.
@@ -570,32 +568,34 @@ impl<'a> CapturesVisitor<'a> {
 
     /// Bind a new internal variable.
     fn bind(&mut self, ident: ast::Ident) {
-        self.internal.top.define_ident(ident, Value::None);
+        // The concrete value does not matter as we only use the scoping
+        // mechanism of `Scopes`, not the values themselves.
+        self.internal
+            .top
+            .bind(ident.get().clone(), Binding::detached(Value::None));
     }
 
     /// Capture a variable if it isn't internal.
     fn capture(
         &mut self,
         ident: &EcoString,
-        span: Span,
-        getter: impl FnOnce(&'a Scopes<'a>, &str) -> HintedStrResult<&'a Value>,
+        getter: impl FnOnce(&'a Scopes<'a>, &str) -> HintedStrResult<&'a Binding>,
     ) {
-        if self.internal.get(ident).is_err() {
-            let Some(value) = self
-                .external
-                .map(|external| getter(external, ident).ok())
-                .unwrap_or(Some(&Value::None))
-            else {
-                return;
-            };
-
-            self.captures.define_captured(
-                ident.clone(),
-                value.clone(),
-                self.capturer,
-                span,
-            );
+        if self.internal.get(ident).is_ok() {
+            return;
         }
+
+        let binding = match self.external {
+            Some(external) => match getter(external, ident) {
+                Ok(binding) => binding.capture(self.capturer),
+                Err(_) => return,
+            },
+            // The external scopes are only `None` when we are doing IDE capture
+            // analysis, in which case the concrete value doesn't matter.
+            None => Binding::detached(Value::None),
+        };
+
+        self.captures.bind(ident.clone(), binding);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/code.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/code.rs
index 2baf4ea9e..4ac481865 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/code.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/code.rs
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::Ident<'_> {
     type Output = Value;
 
     fn eval(self, vm: &mut Vm) -> SourceResult<Self::Output> {
-        vm.scopes.get(&self).cloned().at(self.span())
+        Ok(vm.scopes.get(&self).at(self.span())?.read().clone())
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/import.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/import.rs
index 2bbc7e41c..27b06af41 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/import.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/import.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ use typst_library::diag::{
     bail, error, warning, At, FileError, SourceResult, Trace, Tracepoint,
 };
 use typst_library::engine::Engine;
-use typst_library::foundations::{Content, Module, Value};
+use typst_library::foundations::{Binding, Content, Module, Value};
 use typst_library::World;
 use typst_syntax::ast::{self, AstNode, BareImportError};
 use typst_syntax::package::{PackageManifest, PackageSpec};
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
             }
         }
 
-        // Source itself is imported if there is no import list or a rename.
+        // If there is a rename, import the source itself under that name.
         let bare_name = self.bare_name();
         let new_name = self.new_name();
         if let Some(new_name) = new_name {
@@ -57,8 +57,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                 }
             }
 
-            // Define renamed module on the scope.
-            vm.scopes.top.define_ident(new_name, source.clone());
+            vm.define(new_name, source.clone());
         }
 
         let scope = source.scope().unwrap();
@@ -76,7 +75,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                                     "this import has no effect",
                                 ));
                             }
-                            vm.scopes.top.define_spanned(name, source, source_span);
+                            vm.scopes.top.bind(name, Binding::new(source, source_span));
                         }
                         Ok(_) | Err(BareImportError::Dynamic) => bail!(
                             source_span, "dynamic import requires an explicit name";
@@ -92,8 +91,8 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                 }
             }
             Some(ast::Imports::Wildcard) => {
-                for (var, value, span) in scope.iter() {
-                    vm.scopes.top.define_spanned(var.clone(), value.clone(), span);
+                for (var, binding) in scope.iter() {
+                    vm.scopes.top.bind(var.clone(), binding.clone());
                 }
             }
             Some(ast::Imports::Items(items)) => {
@@ -103,7 +102,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                     let mut scope = scope;
 
                     while let Some(component) = &path.next() {
-                        let Some(value) = scope.get(component) else {
+                        let Some(binding) = scope.get(component) else {
                             errors.push(error!(component.span(), "unresolved import"));
                             break;
                         };
@@ -111,6 +110,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                         if path.peek().is_some() {
                             // Nested import, as this is not the last component.
                             // This must be a submodule.
+                            let value = binding.read();
                             let Some(submodule) = value.scope() else {
                                 let error = if matches!(value, Value::Func(function) if function.scope().is_none())
                                 {
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::ModuleImport<'_> {
                                 }
                             }
 
-                            vm.define(item.bound_name(), value.clone());
+                            vm.bind(item.bound_name(), binding.clone());
                         }
                     }
                 }
diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/math.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/math.rs
index bfb54aa87..23b293f26 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/math.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/math.rs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ impl Eval for ast::MathIdent<'_> {
     type Output = Value;
 
     fn eval(self, vm: &mut Vm) -> SourceResult<Self::Output> {
-        vm.scopes.get_in_math(&self).cloned().at(self.span())
+        Ok(vm.scopes.get_in_math(&self).at(self.span())?.read().clone())
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-eval/src/vm.rs b/crates/typst-eval/src/vm.rs
index a5cbb6fa0..52cfb4b5b 100644
--- a/crates/typst-eval/src/vm.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-eval/src/vm.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use comemo::Tracked;
 use typst_library::diag::warning;
 use typst_library::engine::Engine;
-use typst_library::foundations::{Context, IntoValue, Scopes, Value};
+use typst_library::foundations::{Binding, Context, IntoValue, Scopes, Value};
 use typst_library::World;
 use typst_syntax::ast::{self, AstNode};
 use typst_syntax::Span;
@@ -42,13 +42,23 @@ impl<'a> Vm<'a> {
         self.engine.world
     }
 
-    /// Define a variable in the current scope.
+    /// Bind a value to an identifier.
+    ///
+    /// This will create a [`Binding`] with the value and the identifier's span.
     pub fn define(&mut self, var: ast::Ident, value: impl IntoValue) {
-        let value = value.into_value();
+        self.bind(var, Binding::new(value, var.span()));
+    }
+
+    /// Insert a binding into the current scope.
+    ///
+    /// This will insert the value into the top-most scope and make it available
+    /// for dynamic tracing, assisting IDE functionality.
+    pub fn bind(&mut self, var: ast::Ident, binding: Binding) {
         if self.inspected == Some(var.span()) {
-            self.trace(value.clone());
+            self.trace(binding.read().clone());
         }
-        // This will become an error in the parser if 'is' becomes a keyword.
+
+        // This will become an error in the parser if `is` becomes a keyword.
         if var.get() == "is" {
             self.engine.sink.warn(warning!(
                 var.span(),
@@ -58,7 +68,8 @@ impl<'a> Vm<'a> {
                 hint: "try `is_` instead"
             ));
         }
-        self.scopes.top.define_ident(var, value);
+
+        self.scopes.top.bind(var.get().clone(), binding);
     }
 
     /// Trace a value.
diff --git a/crates/typst-ide/src/complete.rs b/crates/typst-ide/src/complete.rs
index 24b76537a..f68c925d4 100644
--- a/crates/typst-ide/src/complete.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-ide/src/complete.rs
@@ -398,13 +398,13 @@ fn field_access_completions(
     value: &Value,
     styles: &Option<Styles>,
 ) {
-    for (name, value, _) in value.ty().scope().iter() {
-        ctx.call_completion(name.clone(), value);
+    for (name, binding) in value.ty().scope().iter() {
+        ctx.call_completion(name.clone(), binding.read());
     }
 
     if let Some(scope) = value.scope() {
-        for (name, value, _) in scope.iter() {
-            ctx.call_completion(name.clone(), value);
+        for (name, binding) in scope.iter() {
+            ctx.call_completion(name.clone(), binding.read());
         }
     }
 
@@ -541,9 +541,9 @@ fn import_item_completions<'a>(
         ctx.snippet_completion("*", "*", "Import everything.");
     }
 
-    for (name, value, _) in scope.iter() {
+    for (name, binding) in scope.iter() {
         if existing.iter().all(|item| item.original_name().as_str() != name) {
-            ctx.value_completion(name.clone(), value);
+            ctx.value_completion(name.clone(), binding.read());
         }
     }
 }
@@ -846,13 +846,11 @@ fn resolve_global_callee<'a>(
 ) -> Option<&'a Func> {
     let globals = globals(ctx.world, ctx.leaf);
     let value = match callee {
-        ast::Expr::Ident(ident) => globals.get(&ident)?,
+        ast::Expr::Ident(ident) => globals.get(&ident)?.read(),
         ast::Expr::FieldAccess(access) => match access.target() {
-            ast::Expr::Ident(target) => match globals.get(&target)? {
-                Value::Module(module) => module.field(&access.field()).ok()?,
-                Value::Func(func) => func.field(&access.field()).ok()?,
-                _ => return None,
-            },
+            ast::Expr::Ident(target) => {
+                globals.get(&target)?.read().scope()?.get(&access.field())?.read()
+            }
             _ => return None,
         },
         _ => return None,
@@ -1464,7 +1462,8 @@ impl<'a> CompletionContext<'a> {
             }
         }
 
-        for (name, value, _) in globals(self.world, self.leaf).iter() {
+        for (name, binding) in globals(self.world, self.leaf).iter() {
+            let value = binding.read();
             if filter(value) && !defined.contains_key(name) {
                 self.value_completion_full(Some(name.clone()), value, parens, None, None);
             }
diff --git a/crates/typst-ide/src/definition.rs b/crates/typst-ide/src/definition.rs
index 31fb9e34e..69d702b3b 100644
--- a/crates/typst-ide/src/definition.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-ide/src/definition.rs
@@ -55,8 +55,8 @@ pub fn definition(
                 }
             }
 
-            if let Some(value) = globals(world, &leaf).get(&name) {
-                return Some(Definition::Std(value.clone()));
+            if let Some(binding) = globals(world, &leaf).get(&name) {
+                return Some(Definition::Std(binding.read().clone()));
             }
         }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-ide/src/matchers.rs b/crates/typst-ide/src/matchers.rs
index ef8288f2a..270d2f43c 100644
--- a/crates/typst-ide/src/matchers.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-ide/src/matchers.rs
@@ -76,8 +76,12 @@ pub fn named_items<T>(
                     // ```
                     Some(ast::Imports::Wildcard) => {
                         if let Some(scope) = source_value.and_then(Value::scope) {
-                            for (name, value, span) in scope.iter() {
-                                let item = NamedItem::Import(name, span, Some(value));
+                            for (name, binding) in scope.iter() {
+                                let item = NamedItem::Import(
+                                    name,
+                                    binding.span(),
+                                    Some(binding.read()),
+                                );
                                 if let Some(res) = recv(item) {
                                     return Some(res);
                                 }
@@ -89,24 +93,26 @@ pub fn named_items<T>(
                     // ```
                     Some(ast::Imports::Items(items)) => {
                         for item in items.iter() {
+                            let mut iter = item.path().iter();
+                            let mut binding = source_value
+                                .and_then(Value::scope)
+                                .zip(iter.next())
+                                .and_then(|(scope, first)| scope.get(&first));
+
+                            for ident in iter {
+                                binding = binding.and_then(|binding| {
+                                    binding.read().scope()?.get(&ident)
+                                });
+                            }
+
                             let bound = item.bound_name();
+                            let (span, value) = match binding {
+                                Some(binding) => (binding.span(), Some(binding.read())),
+                                None => (bound.span(), None),
+                            };
 
-                            let (span, value) = item.path().iter().fold(
-                                (bound.span(), source_value),
-                                |(span, value), path_ident| {
-                                    let scope = value.and_then(|v| v.scope());
-                                    let span = scope
-                                        .and_then(|s| s.get_span(&path_ident))
-                                        .unwrap_or(Span::detached())
-                                        .or(span);
-                                    let value = scope.and_then(|s| s.get(&path_ident));
-                                    (span, value)
-                                },
-                            );
-
-                            if let Some(res) =
-                                recv(NamedItem::Import(bound.get(), span, value))
-                            {
+                            let item = NamedItem::Import(bound.get(), span, value);
+                            if let Some(res) = recv(item) {
                                 return Some(res);
                             }
                         }
diff --git a/crates/typst-ide/src/tooltip.rs b/crates/typst-ide/src/tooltip.rs
index 99ae0620b..cfb977733 100644
--- a/crates/typst-ide/src/tooltip.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-ide/src/tooltip.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ use std::fmt::Write;
 use ecow::{eco_format, EcoString};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use typst::engine::Sink;
-use typst::foundations::{repr, Capturer, CastInfo, Repr, Value};
+use typst::foundations::{repr, Binding, Capturer, CastInfo, Repr, Value};
 use typst::layout::{Length, PagedDocument};
 use typst::syntax::ast::AstNode;
 use typst::syntax::{ast, LinkedNode, Side, Source, SyntaxKind};
@@ -206,7 +206,12 @@ fn named_param_tooltip(world: &dyn IdeWorld, leaf: &LinkedNode) -> Option<Toolti
         };
 
         // Find metadata about the function.
-        if let Some(Value::Func(func)) = world.library().global.scope().get(&callee);
+        if let Some(Value::Func(func)) = world
+            .library()
+            .global
+            .scope()
+            .get(&callee)
+            .map(Binding::read);
         then { (func, named) }
         else { return None; }
     };
@@ -352,6 +357,13 @@ mod tests {
             .must_be_text("This closure captures `f` and `y`");
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_tooltip_import() {
+        let world = TestWorld::new("#import \"other.typ\": a, b")
+            .with_source("other.typ", "#let (a, b, c) = (1, 2, 3)");
+        test(&world, -5, Side::After).must_be_code("1");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_tooltip_star_import() {
         let world = TestWorld::new("#import \"other.typ\": *")
diff --git a/crates/typst-ide/src/utils.rs b/crates/typst-ide/src/utils.rs
index cd66ec8f0..d5d584e2b 100644
--- a/crates/typst-ide/src/utils.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-ide/src/utils.rs
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ where
                 self.find_iter(content.fields().iter().map(|(_, v)| v))?;
             }
             Value::Module(module) => {
-                self.find_iter(module.scope().iter().map(|(_, v, _)| v))?;
+                self.find_iter(module.scope().iter().map(|(_, b)| b.read()))?;
             }
             _ => {}
         }
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/dict.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/dict.rs
index e4ab54e72..c93670c1d 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/dict.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/dict.rs
@@ -261,7 +261,12 @@ pub struct ToDict(Dict);
 
 cast! {
     ToDict,
-    v: Module => Self(v.scope().iter().map(|(k, v, _)| (Str::from(k.clone()), v.clone())).collect()),
+    v: Module => Self(v
+        .scope()
+        .iter()
+        .map(|(k, b)| (Str::from(k.clone()), b.read().clone()))
+        .collect()
+    ),
 }
 
 impl Debug for Dict {
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/func.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/func.rs
index a05deb1f3..741b66331 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/func.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/func.rs
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ impl Func {
         let scope =
             self.scope().ok_or("cannot access fields on user-defined functions")?;
         match scope.get(field) {
-            Some(field) => Ok(field),
+            Some(binding) => Ok(binding.read()),
             None => match self.name() {
                 Some(name) => bail!("function `{name}` does not contain field `{field}`"),
                 None => bail!("function does not contain field `{field}`"),
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/mod.rs
index a790da4f4..c335484fa 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/mod.rs
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ pub static FOUNDATIONS: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `foundations` definitions.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope, inputs: Dict, features: &Features) {
-    global.category(FOUNDATIONS);
+    global.start_category(FOUNDATIONS);
     global.define_type::<bool>();
     global.define_type::<i64>();
     global.define_type::<f64>();
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ pub fn eval(
     let dict = scope;
     let mut scope = Scope::new();
     for (key, value) in dict {
-        scope.define_spanned(key, value, span);
+        scope.bind(key.into(), Binding::new(value, span));
     }
     (engine.routines.eval_string)(engine.routines, engine.world, &text, span, mode, scope)
 }
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/module.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/module.rs
index 3ee59c106..3259c17e6 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/module.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/module.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ use std::sync::Arc;
 use ecow::{eco_format, EcoString};
 use typst_syntax::FileId;
 
-use crate::diag::StrResult;
+use crate::diag::{bail, StrResult};
 use crate::foundations::{repr, ty, Content, Scope, Value};
 
 /// An module of definitions.
@@ -118,11 +118,14 @@ impl Module {
     }
 
     /// Try to access a definition in the module.
-    pub fn field(&self, name: &str) -> StrResult<&Value> {
-        self.scope().get(name).ok_or_else(|| match &self.name {
-            Some(module) => eco_format!("module `{module}` does not contain `{name}`"),
-            None => eco_format!("module does not contain `{name}`"),
-        })
+    pub fn field(&self, field: &str) -> StrResult<&Value> {
+        match self.scope().get(field) {
+            Some(binding) => Ok(binding.read()),
+            None => match &self.name {
+                Some(name) => bail!("module `{name}` does not contain `{field}`"),
+                None => bail!("module does not contain `{field}`"),
+            },
+        }
     }
 
     /// Extract the module's content.
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/plugin.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/plugin.rs
index cbc0f52de..a33f1cb91 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/plugin.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/plugin.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use wasmi::Memory;
 
 use crate::diag::{bail, At, SourceResult, StrResult};
 use crate::engine::Engine;
-use crate::foundations::{cast, func, scope, Bytes, Func, Module, Scope, Value};
+use crate::foundations::{cast, func, scope, Binding, Bytes, Func, Module, Scope, Value};
 use crate::loading::{DataSource, Load};
 
 /// Loads a WebAssembly module.
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ impl Plugin {
             if matches!(export.ty(), wasmi::ExternType::Func(_)) {
                 let name = EcoString::from(export.name());
                 let func = PluginFunc { plugin: shared.clone(), name: name.clone() };
-                scope.define(name, Func::from(func));
+                scope.bind(name, Binding::detached(Func::from(func)));
             }
         }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/scope.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/scope.rs
index b7b4a6d9d..e73afeacd 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/scope.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/scope.rs
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ use std::fmt::{self, Debug, Formatter};
 use std::hash::{Hash, Hasher};
 
 use ecow::{eco_format, EcoString};
+use indexmap::map::Entry;
 use indexmap::IndexMap;
-use typst_syntax::ast::{self, AstNode};
 use typst_syntax::Span;
 use typst_utils::Static;
 
@@ -46,14 +46,14 @@ impl<'a> Scopes<'a> {
         self.top = self.scopes.pop().expect("no pushed scope");
     }
 
-    /// Try to access a variable immutably.
-    pub fn get(&self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&Value> {
+    /// Try to access a binding immutably.
+    pub fn get(&self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&Binding> {
         std::iter::once(&self.top)
             .chain(self.scopes.iter().rev())
             .find_map(|scope| scope.get(var))
             .or_else(|| {
                 self.base.and_then(|base| match base.global.scope().get(var) {
-                    Some(value) => Some(value),
+                    Some(binding) => Some(binding),
                     None if var == "std" => Some(&base.std),
                     None => None,
                 })
@@ -61,14 +61,28 @@ impl<'a> Scopes<'a> {
             .ok_or_else(|| unknown_variable(var))
     }
 
-    /// Try to access a variable immutably in math.
-    pub fn get_in_math(&self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&Value> {
+    /// Try to access a binding mutably.
+    pub fn get_mut(&mut self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&mut Binding> {
+        std::iter::once(&mut self.top)
+            .chain(&mut self.scopes.iter_mut().rev())
+            .find_map(|scope| scope.get_mut(var))
+            .ok_or_else(|| {
+                match self.base.and_then(|base| base.global.scope().get(var)) {
+                    Some(_) => cannot_mutate_constant(var),
+                    _ if var == "std" => cannot_mutate_constant(var),
+                    _ => unknown_variable(var),
+                }
+            })
+    }
+
+    /// Try to access a binding immutably in math.
+    pub fn get_in_math(&self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&Binding> {
         std::iter::once(&self.top)
             .chain(self.scopes.iter().rev())
             .find_map(|scope| scope.get(var))
             .or_else(|| {
                 self.base.and_then(|base| match base.math.scope().get(var) {
-                    Some(value) => Some(value),
+                    Some(binding) => Some(binding),
                     None if var == "std" => Some(&base.std),
                     None => None,
                 })
@@ -81,20 +95,6 @@ impl<'a> Scopes<'a> {
             })
     }
 
-    /// Try to access a variable mutably.
-    pub fn get_mut(&mut self, var: &str) -> HintedStrResult<&mut Value> {
-        std::iter::once(&mut self.top)
-            .chain(&mut self.scopes.iter_mut().rev())
-            .find_map(|scope| scope.get_mut(var))
-            .ok_or_else(|| {
-                match self.base.and_then(|base| base.global.scope().get(var)) {
-                    Some(_) => cannot_mutate_constant(var),
-                    _ if var == "std" => cannot_mutate_constant(var),
-                    _ => unknown_variable(var),
-                }
-            })?
-    }
-
     /// Check if an std variable is shadowed.
     pub fn check_std_shadowed(&self, var: &str) -> bool {
         self.base.is_some_and(|base| base.global.scope().get(var).is_some())
@@ -104,84 +104,28 @@ impl<'a> Scopes<'a> {
     }
 }
 
-#[cold]
-fn cannot_mutate_constant(var: &str) -> HintedString {
-    eco_format!("cannot mutate a constant: {}", var).into()
-}
-
-/// The error message when a variable is not found.
-#[cold]
-fn unknown_variable(var: &str) -> HintedString {
-    let mut res = HintedString::new(eco_format!("unknown variable: {}", var));
-
-    if var.contains('-') {
-        res.hint(eco_format!(
-            "if you meant to use subtraction, try adding spaces around the minus sign{}: `{}`",
-            if var.matches('-').count() > 1 { "s" } else { "" },
-            var.replace('-', " - ")
-        ));
-    }
-
-    res
-}
-
-#[cold]
-fn unknown_variable_math(var: &str, in_global: bool) -> HintedString {
-    let mut res = HintedString::new(eco_format!("unknown variable: {}", var));
-
-    if matches!(var, "none" | "auto" | "false" | "true") {
-        res.hint(eco_format!(
-            "if you meant to use a literal, try adding a hash before it: `#{var}`",
-        ));
-    } else if in_global {
-        res.hint(eco_format!(
-            "`{var}` is not available directly in math, try adding a hash before it: `#{var}`",
-        ));
-    } else {
-        res.hint(eco_format!(
-            "if you meant to display multiple letters as is, try adding spaces between each letter: `{}`",
-            var.chars()
-                .flat_map(|c| [' ', c])
-                .skip(1)
-                .collect::<EcoString>()
-        ));
-        res.hint(eco_format!(
-            "or if you meant to display this as text, try placing it in quotes: `\"{var}\"`"
-        ));
-    }
-
-    res
-}
-
 /// A map from binding names to values.
 #[derive(Default, Clone)]
 pub struct Scope {
-    map: IndexMap<EcoString, Slot>,
+    map: IndexMap<EcoString, Binding>,
     deduplicate: bool,
     category: Option<Category>,
 }
 
+/// Scope construction.
 impl Scope {
     /// Create a new empty scope.
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Default::default()
     }
 
-    /// Create a new scope with the given capacity.
-    pub fn with_capacity(capacity: usize) -> Self {
-        Self {
-            map: IndexMap::with_capacity(capacity),
-            ..Default::default()
-        }
-    }
-
     /// Create a new scope with duplication prevention.
     pub fn deduplicating() -> Self {
         Self { deduplicate: true, ..Default::default() }
     }
 
     /// Enter a new category.
-    pub fn category(&mut self, category: Category) {
+    pub fn start_category(&mut self, category: Category) {
         self.category = Some(category);
     }
 
@@ -190,102 +134,87 @@ impl Scope {
         self.category = None;
     }
 
-    /// Bind a value to a name.
-    #[track_caller]
-    pub fn define(&mut self, name: impl Into<EcoString>, value: impl IntoValue) {
-        self.define_spanned(name, value, Span::detached())
-    }
-
-    /// Bind a value to a name defined by an identifier.
-    #[track_caller]
-    pub fn define_ident(&mut self, ident: ast::Ident, value: impl IntoValue) {
-        self.define_spanned(ident.get().clone(), value, ident.span())
-    }
-
-    /// Bind a value to a name.
-    #[track_caller]
-    pub fn define_spanned(
-        &mut self,
-        name: impl Into<EcoString>,
-        value: impl IntoValue,
-        span: Span,
-    ) {
-        let name = name.into();
-
-        #[cfg(debug_assertions)]
-        if self.deduplicate && self.map.contains_key(&name) {
-            panic!("duplicate definition: {name}");
-        }
-
-        self.map.insert(
-            name,
-            Slot::new(value.into_value(), span, Kind::Normal, self.category),
-        );
-    }
-
-    /// Define a captured, immutable binding.
-    pub fn define_captured(
-        &mut self,
-        name: EcoString,
-        value: Value,
-        capturer: Capturer,
-        span: Span,
-    ) {
-        self.map.insert(
-            name,
-            Slot::new(value.into_value(), span, Kind::Captured(capturer), self.category),
-        );
-    }
-
     /// Define a native function through a Rust type that shadows the function.
-    pub fn define_func<T: NativeFunc>(&mut self) {
+    #[track_caller]
+    pub fn define_func<T: NativeFunc>(&mut self) -> &mut Binding {
         let data = T::data();
-        self.define(data.name, Func::from(data));
+        self.define(data.name, Func::from(data))
     }
 
     /// Define a native function with raw function data.
-    pub fn define_func_with_data(&mut self, data: &'static NativeFuncData) {
-        self.define(data.name, Func::from(data));
+    #[track_caller]
+    pub fn define_func_with_data(
+        &mut self,
+        data: &'static NativeFuncData,
+    ) -> &mut Binding {
+        self.define(data.name, Func::from(data))
     }
 
     /// Define a native type.
-    pub fn define_type<T: NativeType>(&mut self) {
+    #[track_caller]
+    pub fn define_type<T: NativeType>(&mut self) -> &mut Binding {
         let data = T::data();
-        self.define(data.name, Type::from(data));
+        self.define(data.name, Type::from(data))
     }
 
     /// Define a native element.
-    pub fn define_elem<T: NativeElement>(&mut self) {
+    #[track_caller]
+    pub fn define_elem<T: NativeElement>(&mut self) -> &mut Binding {
         let data = T::data();
-        self.define(data.name, Element::from(data));
+        self.define(data.name, Element::from(data))
     }
 
-    /// Try to access a variable immutably.
-    pub fn get(&self, var: &str) -> Option<&Value> {
-        self.map.get(var).map(Slot::read)
+    /// Define a built-in with compile-time known name and returns a mutable
+    /// reference to it.
+    ///
+    /// When the name isn't compile-time known, you should instead use:
+    /// - `Vm::bind` if you already have [`Binding`]
+    /// - `Vm::define`  if you only have a [`Value`]
+    /// - [`Scope::bind`](Self::bind) if you are not operating in the context of
+    ///   a `Vm` or if you are binding to something that is not an AST
+    ///   identifier (e.g. when constructing a dynamic
+    ///   [`Module`](super::Module))
+    #[track_caller]
+    pub fn define(&mut self, name: &'static str, value: impl IntoValue) -> &mut Binding {
+        #[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+        if self.deduplicate && self.map.contains_key(name) {
+            panic!("duplicate definition: {name}");
+        }
+
+        let mut binding = Binding::detached(value);
+        binding.category = self.category;
+        self.bind(name.into(), binding)
+    }
+}
+
+/// Scope manipulation and access.
+impl Scope {
+    /// Inserts a binding into this scope and returns a mutable reference to it.
+    ///
+    /// Prefer `Vm::bind` if you are operating in the context of a `Vm`.
+    pub fn bind(&mut self, name: EcoString, binding: Binding) -> &mut Binding {
+        match self.map.entry(name) {
+            Entry::Occupied(mut entry) => {
+                entry.insert(binding);
+                entry.into_mut()
+            }
+            Entry::Vacant(entry) => entry.insert(binding),
+        }
     }
 
-    /// Try to access a variable mutably.
-    pub fn get_mut(&mut self, var: &str) -> Option<HintedStrResult<&mut Value>> {
-        self.map
-            .get_mut(var)
-            .map(Slot::write)
-            .map(|res| res.map_err(HintedString::from))
+    /// Try to access a binding immutably.
+    pub fn get(&self, var: &str) -> Option<&Binding> {
+        self.map.get(var)
     }
 
-    /// Get the span of a definition.
-    pub fn get_span(&self, var: &str) -> Option<Span> {
-        Some(self.map.get(var)?.span)
-    }
-
-    /// Get the category of a definition.
-    pub fn get_category(&self, var: &str) -> Option<Category> {
-        self.map.get(var)?.category
+    /// Try to access a binding mutably.
+    pub fn get_mut(&mut self, var: &str) -> Option<&mut Binding> {
+        self.map.get_mut(var)
     }
 
     /// Iterate over all definitions.
-    pub fn iter(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = (&EcoString, &Value, Span)> {
-        self.map.iter().map(|(k, v)| (k, v.read(), v.span))
+    pub fn iter(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = (&EcoString, &Binding)> {
+        self.map.iter()
     }
 }
 
@@ -318,28 +247,85 @@ pub trait NativeScope {
     fn scope() -> Scope;
 }
 
-/// A slot where a value is stored.
-#[derive(Clone, Hash)]
-struct Slot {
-    /// The stored value.
+/// A bound value with metadata.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Hash)]
+pub struct Binding {
+    /// The bound value.
     value: Value,
-    /// The kind of slot, determines how the value can be accessed.
-    kind: Kind,
-    /// A span associated with the stored value.
+    /// The kind of binding, determines how the value can be accessed.
+    kind: BindingKind,
+    /// A span associated with the binding.
     span: Span,
-    /// The category of the slot.
+    /// The category of the binding.
     category: Option<Category>,
 }
 
 /// The different kinds of slots.
 #[derive(Debug, Copy, Clone, Eq, PartialEq, Hash)]
-enum Kind {
+enum BindingKind {
     /// A normal, mutable binding.
     Normal,
     /// A captured copy of another variable.
     Captured(Capturer),
 }
 
+impl Binding {
+    /// Create a new binding with a span marking its definition site.
+    pub fn new(value: impl IntoValue, span: Span) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            value: value.into_value(),
+            span,
+            kind: BindingKind::Normal,
+            category: None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Create a binding without a span.
+    pub fn detached(value: impl IntoValue) -> Self {
+        Self::new(value, Span::detached())
+    }
+
+    /// Read the value.
+    pub fn read(&self) -> &Value {
+        &self.value
+    }
+
+    /// Try to write to the value.
+    ///
+    /// This fails if the value is a read-only closure capture.
+    pub fn write(&mut self) -> StrResult<&mut Value> {
+        match self.kind {
+            BindingKind::Normal => Ok(&mut self.value),
+            BindingKind::Captured(capturer) => bail!(
+                "variables from outside the {} are \
+                 read-only and cannot be modified",
+                match capturer {
+                    Capturer::Function => "function",
+                    Capturer::Context => "context expression",
+                }
+            ),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Create a copy of the binding for closure capturing.
+    pub fn capture(&self, capturer: Capturer) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            kind: BindingKind::Captured(capturer),
+            ..self.clone()
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// A span associated with the stored value.
+    pub fn span(&self) -> Span {
+        self.span
+    }
+
+    /// The category of the value, if any.
+    pub fn category(&self) -> Option<Category> {
+        self.category
+    }
+}
+
 /// What the variable was captured by.
 #[derive(Debug, Copy, Clone, Eq, PartialEq, Hash)]
 pub enum Capturer {
@@ -349,35 +335,6 @@ pub enum Capturer {
     Context,
 }
 
-impl Slot {
-    /// Create a new slot.
-    fn new(value: Value, span: Span, kind: Kind, category: Option<Category>) -> Self {
-        Self { value, span, kind, category }
-    }
-
-    /// Read the value.
-    fn read(&self) -> &Value {
-        &self.value
-    }
-
-    /// Try to write to the value.
-    fn write(&mut self) -> StrResult<&mut Value> {
-        match self.kind {
-            Kind::Normal => Ok(&mut self.value),
-            Kind::Captured(capturer) => {
-                bail!(
-                    "variables from outside the {} are \
-                     read-only and cannot be modified",
-                    match capturer {
-                        Capturer::Function => "function",
-                        Capturer::Context => "context expression",
-                    }
-                )
-            }
-        }
-    }
-}
-
 /// A group of related definitions.
 #[derive(Copy, Clone, Eq, PartialEq, Hash)]
 pub struct Category(Static<CategoryData>);
@@ -417,3 +374,57 @@ pub struct CategoryData {
     pub title: &'static str,
     pub docs: &'static str,
 }
+
+/// The error message when trying to mutate a variable from the standard
+/// library.
+#[cold]
+fn cannot_mutate_constant(var: &str) -> HintedString {
+    eco_format!("cannot mutate a constant: {}", var).into()
+}
+
+/// The error message when a variable wasn't found.
+#[cold]
+fn unknown_variable(var: &str) -> HintedString {
+    let mut res = HintedString::new(eco_format!("unknown variable: {}", var));
+
+    if var.contains('-') {
+        res.hint(eco_format!(
+            "if you meant to use subtraction, \
+             try adding spaces around the minus sign{}: `{}`",
+            if var.matches('-').count() > 1 { "s" } else { "" },
+            var.replace('-', " - ")
+        ));
+    }
+
+    res
+}
+
+/// The error message when a variable wasn't found it math.
+#[cold]
+fn unknown_variable_math(var: &str, in_global: bool) -> HintedString {
+    let mut res = HintedString::new(eco_format!("unknown variable: {}", var));
+
+    if matches!(var, "none" | "auto" | "false" | "true") {
+        res.hint(eco_format!(
+            "if you meant to use a literal, \
+             try adding a hash before it: `#{var}`",
+        ));
+    } else if in_global {
+        res.hint(eco_format!(
+            "`{var}` is not available directly in math, \
+             try adding a hash before it: `#{var}`",
+        ));
+    } else {
+        res.hint(eco_format!(
+            "if you meant to display multiple letters as is, \
+             try adding spaces between each letter: `{}`",
+            var.chars().flat_map(|c| [' ', c]).skip(1).collect::<EcoString>()
+        ));
+        res.hint(eco_format!(
+            "or if you meant to display this as text, \
+             try placing it in quotes: `\"{var}\"`"
+        ));
+    }
+
+    res
+}
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/ty.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/ty.rs
index 973c1cb61..09f5efa1e 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/ty.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/foundations/ty.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use std::sync::LazyLock;
 use ecow::{eco_format, EcoString};
 use typst_utils::Static;
 
-use crate::diag::StrResult;
+use crate::diag::{bail, StrResult};
 use crate::foundations::{
     cast, func, AutoValue, Func, NativeFuncData, NoneValue, Repr, Scope, Value,
 };
@@ -95,9 +95,10 @@ impl Type {
 
     /// Get a field from this type's scope, if possible.
     pub fn field(&self, field: &str) -> StrResult<&'static Value> {
-        self.scope()
-            .get(field)
-            .ok_or_else(|| eco_format!("type {self} does not contain field `{field}`"))
+        match self.scope().get(field) {
+            Some(binding) => Ok(binding.read()),
+            None => bail!("type {self} does not contain field `{field}`"),
+        }
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/html/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/html/mod.rs
index ea248172a..c412b4607 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/html/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/html/mod.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ pub static HTML: Category;
 /// Create a module with all HTML definitions.
 pub fn module() -> Module {
     let mut html = Scope::deduplicating();
-    html.category(HTML);
+    html.start_category(HTML);
     html.define_elem::<HtmlElem>();
     html.define_elem::<FrameElem>();
     Module::new("html", html)
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/introspection/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/introspection/mod.rs
index b1ff2e080..d8184330d 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/introspection/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/introspection/mod.rs
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ pub static INTROSPECTION: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `introspection` definitions.
 pub fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(INTROSPECTION);
+    global.start_category(INTROSPECTION);
     global.define_type::<Location>();
     global.define_type::<Counter>();
     global.define_type::<State>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/mod.rs
index 574a2830a..57518fe72 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/layout/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/layout/mod.rs
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ pub static LAYOUT: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `layout` definitions.
 pub fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(LAYOUT);
+    global.start_category(LAYOUT);
     global.define_type::<Length>();
     global.define_type::<Angle>();
     global.define_type::<Ratio>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/lib.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/lib.rs
index 22f3a62a3..460321aa3 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/lib.rs
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ use typst_syntax::{FileId, Source, Span};
 use typst_utils::{LazyHash, SmallBitSet};
 
 use crate::diag::FileResult;
-use crate::foundations::{Array, Bytes, Datetime, Dict, Module, Scope, Styles, Value};
+use crate::foundations::{Array, Binding, Bytes, Datetime, Dict, Module, Scope, Styles};
 use crate::layout::{Alignment, Dir};
 use crate::text::{Font, FontBook};
 use crate::visualize::Color;
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ pub struct Library {
     /// everything else configurable via set and show rules).
     pub styles: Styles,
     /// The standard library as a value. Used to provide the `std` variable.
-    pub std: Value,
+    pub std: Binding,
     /// In-development features that were enabled.
     pub features: Features,
 }
@@ -196,12 +196,11 @@ impl LibraryBuilder {
         let math = math::module();
         let inputs = self.inputs.unwrap_or_default();
         let global = global(math.clone(), inputs, &self.features);
-        let std = Value::Module(global.clone());
         Library {
-            global,
+            global: global.clone(),
             math,
             styles: Styles::new(),
-            std,
+            std: Binding::detached(global),
             features: self.features,
         }
     }
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/loading/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/loading/mod.rs
index 171ae651a..c645b691d 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/loading/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/loading/mod.rs
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ pub static DATA_LOADING: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `data-loading` definitions.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(DATA_LOADING);
+    global.start_category(DATA_LOADING);
     global.define_func::<read>();
     global.define_func::<csv>();
     global.define_func::<json>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/math/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/math/mod.rs
index 3b4b133d9..a97a19b09 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/math/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/math/mod.rs
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ pub const WIDE: Em = Em::new(2.0);
 /// Create a module with all math definitions.
 pub fn module() -> Module {
     let mut math = Scope::deduplicating();
-    math.category(MATH);
+    math.start_category(MATH);
     math.define_elem::<EquationElem>();
     math.define_elem::<TextElem>();
     math.define_elem::<LrElem>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/model/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/model/mod.rs
index 7dad51c39..586e10ec1 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/model/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/model/mod.rs
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ pub static MODEL: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `model` definitions.
 pub fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(MODEL);
+    global.start_category(MODEL);
     global.define_elem::<DocumentElem>();
     global.define_elem::<RefElem>();
     global.define_elem::<LinkElem>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/pdf/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/pdf/mod.rs
index ec0754631..3bd3b0c52 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/pdf/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/pdf/mod.rs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ pub static PDF: Category;
 
 /// Hook up the `pdf` module.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(PDF);
+    global.start_category(PDF);
     global.define("pdf", module());
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/symbols.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/symbols.rs
index 1617d3aa8..aee7fb83e 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/symbols.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/symbols.rs
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ fn extend_scope_from_codex_module(scope: &mut Scope, module: codex::Module) {
 
 /// Hook up all `symbol` definitions.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(SYMBOLS);
+    global.start_category(SYMBOLS);
     extend_scope_from_codex_module(global, codex::ROOT);
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/text/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/text/mod.rs
index edbd24139..f506397e1 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/text/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/text/mod.rs
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ pub static TEXT: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all `text` definitions.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(TEXT);
+    global.start_category(TEXT);
     global.define_elem::<TextElem>();
     global.define_elem::<LinebreakElem>();
     global.define_elem::<SmartQuoteElem>();
diff --git a/crates/typst-library/src/visualize/mod.rs b/crates/typst-library/src/visualize/mod.rs
index 431191491..b0e627af2 100644
--- a/crates/typst-library/src/visualize/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/typst-library/src/visualize/mod.rs
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ pub static VISUALIZE: Category;
 
 /// Hook up all visualize definitions.
 pub(super) fn define(global: &mut Scope) {
-    global.category(VISUALIZE);
+    global.start_category(VISUALIZE);
     global.define_type::<Color>();
     global.define_type::<Gradient>();
     global.define_type::<Tiling>();
diff --git a/docs/src/lib.rs b/docs/src/lib.rs
index 2751500e3..004c237c0 100644
--- a/docs/src/lib.rs
+++ b/docs/src/lib.rs
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ use serde::Deserialize;
 use serde_yaml as yaml;
 use std::sync::LazyLock;
 use typst::diag::{bail, StrResult};
+use typst::foundations::Binding;
 use typst::foundations::{
     AutoValue, Bytes, CastInfo, Category, Func, Module, NoneValue, ParamInfo, Repr,
     Scope, Smart, Type, Value, FOUNDATIONS,
@@ -47,8 +48,8 @@ static GROUPS: LazyLock<Vec<GroupData>> = LazyLock::new(|| {
                 .module()
                 .scope()
                 .iter()
-                .filter(|(_, v, _)| matches!(v, Value::Func(_)))
-                .map(|(k, _, _)| k.clone())
+                .filter(|(_, b)| matches!(b.read(), Value::Func(_)))
+                .map(|(k, _)| k.clone())
                 .collect();
         }
     }
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ static LIBRARY: LazyLock<LazyHash<Library>> = LazyLock::new(|| {
     let scope = lib.global.scope_mut();
 
     // Add those types, so that they show up in the docs.
-    scope.category(FOUNDATIONS);
+    scope.start_category(FOUNDATIONS);
     scope.define_type::<NoneValue>();
     scope.define_type::<AutoValue>();
 
@@ -270,8 +271,8 @@ fn category_page(resolver: &dyn Resolver, category: Category) -> PageModel {
 
     // Add values and types.
     let scope = module.scope();
-    for (name, value, _) in scope.iter() {
-        if scope.get_category(name) != Some(category) {
+    for (name, binding) in scope.iter() {
+        if binding.category() != Some(category) {
             continue;
         }
 
@@ -279,7 +280,7 @@ fn category_page(resolver: &dyn Resolver, category: Category) -> PageModel {
             continue;
         }
 
-        match value {
+        match binding.read() {
             Value::Func(func) => {
                 let name = func.name().unwrap();
 
@@ -476,8 +477,8 @@ fn casts(
 fn scope_models(resolver: &dyn Resolver, name: &str, scope: &Scope) -> Vec<FuncModel> {
     scope
         .iter()
-        .filter_map(|(_, value, _)| {
-            let Value::Func(func) = value else { return None };
+        .filter_map(|(_, binding)| {
+            let Value::Func(func) = binding.read() else { return None };
             Some(func_model(resolver, func, &[name], true))
         })
         .collect()
@@ -554,7 +555,7 @@ fn group_page(
 
     let mut outline_items = vec![];
     for name in &group.filter {
-        let value = group.module().scope().get(name).unwrap();
+        let value = group.module().scope().get(name).unwrap().read();
         let Ok(ref func) = value.clone().cast::<Func>() else { panic!("not a function") };
         let func = func_model(resolver, func, &path, true);
         let id_base = urlify(&eco_format!("functions-{}", func.name));
@@ -662,8 +663,8 @@ fn symbols_page(resolver: &dyn Resolver, parent: &str, group: &GroupData) -> Pag
 /// Produce a symbol list's model.
 fn symbols_model(resolver: &dyn Resolver, group: &GroupData) -> SymbolsModel {
     let mut list = vec![];
-    for (name, value, _) in group.module().scope().iter() {
-        let Value::Symbol(symbol) = value else { continue };
+    for (name, binding) in group.module().scope().iter() {
+        let Value::Symbol(symbol) = binding.read() else { continue };
         let complete = |variant: &str| {
             if variant.is_empty() {
                 name.clone()
@@ -703,7 +704,7 @@ fn symbols_model(resolver: &dyn Resolver, group: &GroupData) -> SymbolsModel {
 /// Extract a module from another module.
 #[track_caller]
 fn get_module<'a>(parent: &'a Module, name: &str) -> StrResult<&'a Module> {
-    match parent.scope().get(name) {
+    match parent.scope().get(name).map(Binding::read) {
         Some(Value::Module(module)) => Ok(module),
         _ => bail!("module doesn't contain module `{name}`"),
     }
diff --git a/docs/src/link.rs b/docs/src/link.rs
index 375cc8c2b..c7222b8e1 100644
--- a/docs/src/link.rs
+++ b/docs/src/link.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 use typst::diag::{bail, StrResult};
-use typst::foundations::Func;
+use typst::foundations::{Binding, Func};
 
 use crate::{get_module, GROUPS, LIBRARY};
 
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ fn resolve_definition(head: &str, base: &str) -> StrResult<String> {
 
     while let Some(name) = parts.peek() {
         if category.is_none() {
-            category = focus.scope().get_category(name);
+            category = focus.scope().get(name).and_then(Binding::category);
         }
         let Ok(module) = get_module(focus, name) else { break };
         focus = module;