Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The MGS Library

MGS publication examples

As a public service, MGS maintains a non-circulating library which is open by appointment.


Due to staffing limitations and other duties, the Maryland Geological Survey Library no longer operates on a full-time (8:30 am to 4:30 pm) basis. Please note the hours of operations are 12:00pm (noon) - 4:30pm, weekdays only.

To ensure that a Survey employee is available to assist you, please contact Dale Shelton (410-554-5505 or dale.shelton@maryland.gov) at least two days before your intended visit to schedule an appointment. In order for us to better serve you, let us know in advance about your interests.

The MGS library is located in the Kenneth N. Weaver Building at 2300 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD.  The building is closed on state holidays.


Maryland Geological Survey's Reference Library:

MGS is a valuable resource

The reference library contains numerous earth science reports and data related primarily to Maryland:  MGS publications (including out-of-print maps and reports),  publications of the U.S. Geological Survey and of the Surveys of states adjacent to Maryland, numerous geologic and hydrologic journals, and much more.  Staff assistance is recommended.


Map and Aerial Photograph Collection:

A separate room of the MGS library is devoted to aerial photographs and maps.  Statewide photographic coverage is fairly extensive, with flight dates going back to 1938.  We urge first-time customers to request assistance from one of the staff.

The map collection includes different vintages of U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle topographic maps, National Wetlands Inventory maps, critical areas maps, and more.  Staff assistance is recommended.

The aerial photo library

Other Resources:

  • The online MGS List of Publications describes MGS materials, which are available in the library.  However, the library collection contains much more material than the List of Publications covers.
  • A list of other libraries in Maryland that are repositories for MGS publications is available.  Not all libraries will contain all MGS publications.