Photo of Building 41, which houses the USGS Denver Library and is located on the Denver Federal Center Campus in Lakewood, CO.
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Does the USGS have science libraries?
The USGS has the largest earth science library in the world. The Libraries Program includes central libraries in Reston, Virginia and Denver, Colorado along with small, topic-specific libraries in science centers scattered around the country. For assistance with library resources, send an email to library@usgs.gov or call 703-648-4301.
Holdings and services at science center libraries tend to reflect the center’s research specialties. Specialized collections include the Historic Topographic Maps Collection, Rare Books Collection, and Antarctic Research Center (Reston); and the Photographic Library and Geologic Field Records (Denver).
The public is welcome to visit USGS libraries and use their resources during working hours. Books cannot be checked out by the public, but they can be borrowed through interlibrary loan. USGS publications can also be accessed through the online USGS Publications Warehouse.
Learn more:
- Search the USGS Library Catalog
- Search the USGS Photographic Library (archived photos)
- Search the USGS Multimedia Gallery (newer photos and multimedia)
Related Content
How can I find publications of the USGS?
The USGS Publications Warehouse is an online catalog for searching all USGS publications and downloading free digital versions. USGS Libraries contain sets of all USGS publications plus many state geological survey publications. The public go in person to any USGS library to do research, but USGS library materials can only be borrowed by placing a request with your local library for Interlibrary...
Are there geologic maps or publications for where I live?
Detailed geologic mapping has not been completed for the entire United States, but maps are available for most locations. Geologic maps at many scales and from many sources are listed in the National Geologic Map Database . Some geologic maps can be purchased in hard copy through the USGS Store . Download digital geologic maps for entire states from the USGS Mineral Resources Online Geospatial...
Where are USGS offices located?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offices in every state . Our headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. For assistance finding or contacting a specific USGS office, contact USGS Science Information Services by phone, email, or Web chat .
How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, call 1-888-392-8545. You can also use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a USGS Science Information Specialist. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in...
How can I find out-of-print USGS publications?
Out-of-print USGS publications and maps, depending on series and date, can be obtained in various ways: Check the USGS Publications Warehouse for online availability. If the publication is listed but does not have a link to a digital version, contact the Publications Warehouse Team to request a digital copy. Borrow from your local public, academic, or corporate library through a request for...
How can I find U.S. Bureau of Mines publications?
After 85 years of service, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) closed in 1996. Certain functions, such as the collection, analysis, and dissemination of minerals information, have been returned to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). For information on former USBM programs or publications, please see the following sources: The National Technical Reports Library (part of the National Technical...
Can I visit a USGS office?
Very few USGS offices are set up to accommodate visitors. Before stopping by a USGS office, you should check their website or call ahead to make sure that visitors are welcome. There are USGS offices in each state. Members of the public are welcome to use libraries that are located at some USGS offices , but materials can only be checked out through Interlibrary Loan. Please note that most of our...
USGS Denver Library
Photo of Building 41, which houses the USGS Denver Library and is located on the Denver Federal Center Campus in Lakewood, CO.
By
Vertically Shelved Maps at USGS Library in Menlo Park
USGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
USGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
Maps in USGS Library in Menlo Park
USGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
USGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
USGS Bulletins in USGS Library in Menlo Park
USGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
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USGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
By
USGS Bulletins at USGS Library in Reston
USGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
By
USGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
By
Collections in USGS Library in Reston
USGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
USGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
Folio-sized Materials in USGS Library in Denver
USGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
USGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
Bookshelves and Reading Areas at USGS Library in Denver
USGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
By
USGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
By
Reading Areas and Public Computers at USGS Library in Denver
USGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
By
USGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
By
Treasures of the USGS Library
Since its creation in 1882, the USGS Library has grown to become the world's largest library dedicated to earth and natural sciences, holding more than 1.5 million volumes and 800,000 maps. Richard Huffine, Director of the USGS Libraries Program, will highlight some of the rarest, most valuable, and significant materials held by the USGS.
Since its creation in 1882, the USGS Library has grown to become the world's largest library dedicated to earth and natural sciences, holding more than 1.5 million volumes and 800,000 maps. Richard Huffine, Director of the USGS Libraries Program, will highlight some of the rarest, most valuable, and significant materials held by the USGS.
Treasures of the USGS Library: Rare Book Room
The USGS Library contains a collection of rare books including those featured in this gallery. The collections housed in Reston, Virginia are closed and are available for use by appointment only.
The USGS Library contains a collection of rare books including those featured in this gallery. The collections housed in Reston, Virginia are closed and are available for use by appointment only.
Central Region Library Field Records Collection
The USGS Denver Library, Field Records Collection is an archive of unpublished field notes, maps, correspondence, manuscripts, analysis reports, and other data created or collected by USGS Geologic Discipline scientists during field studies and other project work.
The USGS Denver Library, Field Records Collection is an archive of unpublished field notes, maps, correspondence, manuscripts, analysis reports, and other data created or collected by USGS Geologic Discipline scientists during field studies and other project work.
Related Content
- FAQ
How can I find publications of the USGS?
The USGS Publications Warehouse is an online catalog for searching all USGS publications and downloading free digital versions. USGS Libraries contain sets of all USGS publications plus many state geological survey publications. The public go in person to any USGS library to do research, but USGS library materials can only be borrowed by placing a request with your local library for Interlibrary...
Are there geologic maps or publications for where I live?
Detailed geologic mapping has not been completed for the entire United States, but maps are available for most locations. Geologic maps at many scales and from many sources are listed in the National Geologic Map Database . Some geologic maps can be purchased in hard copy through the USGS Store . Download digital geologic maps for entire states from the USGS Mineral Resources Online Geospatial...
Where are USGS offices located?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offices in every state . Our headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. For assistance finding or contacting a specific USGS office, contact USGS Science Information Services by phone, email, or Web chat .
How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, call 1-888-392-8545. You can also use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a USGS Science Information Specialist. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in...
How can I find out-of-print USGS publications?
Out-of-print USGS publications and maps, depending on series and date, can be obtained in various ways: Check the USGS Publications Warehouse for online availability. If the publication is listed but does not have a link to a digital version, contact the Publications Warehouse Team to request a digital copy. Borrow from your local public, academic, or corporate library through a request for...
How can I find U.S. Bureau of Mines publications?
After 85 years of service, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) closed in 1996. Certain functions, such as the collection, analysis, and dissemination of minerals information, have been returned to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). For information on former USBM programs or publications, please see the following sources: The National Technical Reports Library (part of the National Technical...
Can I visit a USGS office?
Very few USGS offices are set up to accommodate visitors. Before stopping by a USGS office, you should check their website or call ahead to make sure that visitors are welcome. There are USGS offices in each state. Members of the public are welcome to use libraries that are located at some USGS offices , but materials can only be checked out through Interlibrary Loan. Please note that most of our...
- Multimedia
USGS Denver Library
Photo of Building 41, which houses the USGS Denver Library and is located on the Denver Federal Center Campus in Lakewood, CO.
ByPhoto of Building 41, which houses the USGS Denver Library and is located on the Denver Federal Center Campus in Lakewood, CO.
By
Vertically Shelved Maps at USGS Library in Menlo ParkUSGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
ByUSGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
Maps in USGS Library in Menlo ParkUSGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
ByUSGS Library has an expansive map collection with topographic maps, geologic maps, thematic maps, and more. The collection covers the United States, other countries around the world, and other planets.
By
USGS Bulletins in USGS Library in Menlo ParkUSGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
ByUSGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
By
USGS Bulletins at USGS Library in RestonUSGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
ByUSGS Library has an extensive collection of USGS publications, including the bulletins pictured here.
By
Collections in USGS Library in RestonUSGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
ByUSGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
Folio-sized Materials in USGS Library in DenverUSGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
ByUSGS Library's collections and services are used by USGS staff and other researchers across the world.
By
Bookshelves and Reading Areas at USGS Library in DenverUSGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
ByUSGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
By
Reading Areas and Public Computers at USGS Library in DenverUSGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
ByUSGS Library locations offer collections and services to USGS staff and public researchers.
ByTreasures of the USGS LibrarySince its creation in 1882, the USGS Library has grown to become the world's largest library dedicated to earth and natural sciences, holding more than 1.5 million volumes and 800,000 maps. Richard Huffine, Director of the USGS Libraries Program, will highlight some of the rarest, most valuable, and significant materials held by the USGS.
Since its creation in 1882, the USGS Library has grown to become the world's largest library dedicated to earth and natural sciences, holding more than 1.5 million volumes and 800,000 maps. Richard Huffine, Director of the USGS Libraries Program, will highlight some of the rarest, most valuable, and significant materials held by the USGS.
Treasures of the USGS Library: Rare Book RoomThe USGS Library contains a collection of rare books including those featured in this gallery. The collections housed in Reston, Virginia are closed and are available for use by appointment only.
The USGS Library contains a collection of rare books including those featured in this gallery. The collections housed in Reston, Virginia are closed and are available for use by appointment only.
Central Region Library Field Records CollectionThe USGS Denver Library, Field Records Collection is an archive of unpublished field notes, maps, correspondence, manuscripts, analysis reports, and other data created or collected by USGS Geologic Discipline scientists during field studies and other project work.
The USGS Denver Library, Field Records Collection is an archive of unpublished field notes, maps, correspondence, manuscripts, analysis reports, and other data created or collected by USGS Geologic Discipline scientists during field studies and other project work.
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