The SGU Library
SGU has far and away the largest library in Sweden specializing in geology. It serves as a centre for the retrieval, collection and management of information in the area of geoscience.
The library is open to the public, and we will be glad to assist by answering any questions and helping you find the books, journals or maps you are looking for. In addition to our lending service, we offer a photocopying service, including colour copying of material such as older maps.
Our maps make us unique
The SGU Library was founded back in 1858. Over the years, books, maps and journals have been acquired from around the world, and we are constantly adding new material to our collections. Our large holding of maps sets us apart from other libraries. Naturally, all maps published by SGU are available on loan. The library is also well supplied with topographic and economic maps, both old and new, produced by the National Land Survey of Sweden (Lantmäteriverket).
Foreign geological maps and journals
Since it was established, the library has had exchange relations with around 450 institutions, in Sweden and abroad. As a result, we have Sweden’s largest collection of foreign geological maps. In addition, the library subscribes to almost 200 Swedish and international journals in the geosciences. We currently hold around 100 000 books, including publications from institutions and departments.
Historical treasures
The SGU Library also has a holding of older literature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, it is home to a special collection on the history of mining and metal refining. This includes a unique collection of the laws and ordinances that have governed mining in Sweden from the 16th century on.
Our databases in brief
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Some of the library’s books and journals are catalogued in LIBRIS, a joint database of library holdings in Sweden.
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Our procedures are computerized using the LIBRA library system.
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We can also help you to search for information in Swedish and foreign databases, e.g. Georef and Geobase.
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References relating to the geology of Sweden can in addition be searched for in SGU’s GeoRegister reference database.
