Library and Information Services

Anniversary Dinner menu (detail), 16 February 1894. (LDGSL/20)

Introduction

The Geological Society Library houses a rich collection of historical maps, archive material and rare books. Many of its images are unique or rare and are of interest to Fellows, researchers and the media. 

Library staff provide an enquiry service and will answer general reference questions about the Society’s Archive and Special Collections. Enquiries involving extensive research will be treated as a literature search request or require payment of a visitor’s fee.

Before using the material from the Library’s Archive and Special Collections, users may wish to familiarise themselves with its Reproduction Policy.

Supply of the Library’s images

• The Library normally charges for the reproduction of its images (please see below for exceptions)
• Out of copyright books may be photographed for private use only (i.e. not for publication, exhibition or broadcast) and for a fee. Flash photography is not permitted.

Permission to publish, exhibit or broadcast

• Permissions to publish, exhibit or broadcast must be requested and granted in writing. 
• Charges will vary and be dependent on use, duration of use, media and location.
• The Library reserves the right to refuse permission.
• Reproduction costs may be charged as well as permission fees. 
• Additional use or re-use requires prior written agreement from the Library.
• The Library requires a free copy of any publication that arises from the use of material from its Special Collections and Archives.
• Any display of the Library’s material must be acknowledged with ‘Reproduced by permission of the Geological Society of London’

• Images required for GSL publications, news media requests and education projects will be supplied free of charge and credited with ‘Reproduced courtesy of the Geological Society of London’

Who to contact