The Geology Library houses 120,000 volumes of books and serials relevant to
geochemistry, physical geography, various aspects of geology (economic,
environmental, historical, stratigraphic, and structural), geomorphology,
geophysics, hydrology, meteorology, mineralogy, physical oceanography,
paleontology, paleobotany, paleozoology, petrology, polar studies (glaciology,
etc.), pollution (soil, water, and selected aspects, such as mine drainage,
trace elements, etc.) and soils.
Map Collection
The map collection includes over 200,000 geologic and topographic maps of
the US and other areas of the world.
Serial and Database Collection
Library subscribes to about 400 serial titles, many are electronic only,
in addition we receive approximately another 200 titles as the repository
for the Ohio Geological Survey exchange materials. We are also a depository
for US Geological Survey publications. The reference resources include
access to GeoRef and other databases online; encyclopedias; dictionaries;
and bibliographies in print and online. The OSU Libraries provide access
to over 7000 electronic journals. All the titles are included in OSU
catalog OSCAR.
Click here for a website from the Knowlton
School of Architecture about Orton Hall.
John H. Herrick Archives
History, specifications and some history of Orton Hall
The Geology Library reading room is the site of the University Library from 1893-1918. When Thompson Library was completed and the University Library moved out of Orton Hall, the room was used for classes until 1923 when it was renovated with money from Dr. Orton, Jr., and the geology collection was moved from a location upstairs in Orton Hall into this space and the Edward Orton Memorial Library of Geology was established in memory of Dr. Edward Orton, Sr., geologist and first president of the Ohio State University. The art work in the library was part of the personal collection of Dr. Orton, Jr.
Compiled by Mary W. Scott, Geology Librarian, Orton Memorial Library of Geology
Designed by Michael C. Veres, Student Library Assistant
Last updated: March 1, 2006