State Geological Survey Libraries: An Analysis of Their Strengths and Challenges

State geological survey libraries are important repositories of geologic information. Their holdings include survey bulletins, reports, circulars, open-file reports, maps, aerial photos, monographs, journals, theses, and dissertations about the geology of the fifty states.

This study examined the status of these unique and special libraries that serve state geological surveys. Telephone interviews with librarians and supervisors of these libraries produced useful information about their collections, services, and users.

Results from the survey acknowledged that these libraries continue to maintain their unique print collections while at the same time strive to provide digital and online access to their resources. These collections serve a varied clientele of state government employees, university faculty and students, professional consultants, and the general public.

Participants in the survey were asked about administrative and fiscal responsibility for the library, services to users, staffing for the library, and size of collections. Participation in exchange programs, a long-established program in which state and international geological surveys share publications, was also examined in the study.