About the library

The Geological Society Library is one of the largest geological libraries in the world and collects current post-graduate material in all the main fields of Earth sciences. It holds in Burlington House approximately 300,000 volumes of books and serials going back to the 16th century and subscribes to around 600 printed and electronic journal titles. Its map collection is of national importance and comprises over 40,000 items dating from the beginning of geological mapping through to the present.

The Library also maintains the Society’s archives (from its foundation), modern records and a number of special collections including the William Smith, George Bellas Greenough, Louis Agassiz and Dan McKenzie Collections.

The local library catalogue is available online.

The Geological Society of London also contributes to the Archives Hub. To browse descriptions of their archive materials, visit their Archives Hub information page.

British Library inter-library loan codes

Library code

LO/S17

Policy code

J4

For an explanation of these codes, and for more information on arranging inter-library loans, see the inter-library loans page on the British Library website.

Accessing materials

Can I see live document availability on Library Hub Discover? No.

Can I obtain items via inter-library loan? Yes - subject to the library's local lending policy. See their website for details. You must request an inter-library loan via a library of which you are a member. Talk to your own library staff for advice on ordering an item.

Can I visit the library to view materials? Yes - see the library's website for access details. If you wish to visit it is advisable to contact the library in advance, to ensure that they can accommodate you and that the material you need will be available.

Location

Browse all of The Geological Society of London Library records in Library Hub Discover here.