With more than 180 years’ worth of research and data at its disposal, the ODNR Division of Geological Survey is an excellent source for information on Ohio geology. The Pauline Smyth Geologic Records Center (GRC) is the gateway to the Geological Survey’s library and archives, which are open to the public and hold hard-to-find historical documents, theses and dissertations, journals, field trip guides and more.

The GRC assists industry representatives, scientists, policymakers, educators, students and citizens-at-large in their efforts to access the Geological Survey’s extensive archive. Located at the ODNR main campus in Columbus, the GRC houses and distributes thousands of documents, including:

• Technical reports and publications.
• Popular publications and educational materials.
• Geologic and topographic maps.
• Natural resources maps (e.g., coal, industrial minerals, oil, gas).
• Various records and data about specific sites throughout Ohio.

The GRC staff also fields questions from the public about Ohio geology. Visitors can access a suite of interactive mapping services. 

How to Obtain Publications

Search our Publications Catalog

Many of our maps and publications are available free as downloads. Use our publications catalog to search for your map or document of interest. Then contact the GRC to place an order.

Click here to search the catalog.

Contact the Geologic Records Center

ODNR Division of Geological Survey
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. B-1
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
Telephone: (614) 265-6576
E-mail: geo.survey@dnr.state.oh.us

Orders can be charged to VISA or MasterCard. Tax and shipping will be added to all purchases.

Out-of-print publications are no longer available for purchase, but they may be consulted in the offices of the Geological Survey and in many public and technical libraries (see below).

Newly released reports and maps are announced in several ways, including ODNR press releases, social media and the Division News section of our website.

Bulk Orders

As a benefit to educational institutions, clubs, bookstores and other organizations, the GRC offers a discount on bulk purchases of maps and publications. Tax and shipping will be added to all bulk orders.

Free publications, such as educational leaflets and GeoFacts, also are available in bulk quantities. Shipping will be added to all bulk orders.

Contact the GRC for more information about bulk orders and discounts.

Partners & Online Sources

Several organizations have partnered with the GRC to make numerous maps and publications available for free as downloads. Explore the links below for access to these publications. If you are unable to locate your document of interest, contact the GRC for assistance. Geological Survey publications also are available at local libraries throughout Ohio.

• AGI Geological Surveys Database
• Ohio Geology Digital Library (OSU)
• OSU Knowledge Bank
• State Library of Ohio Digital Collection
• USGS National Geologic Map Database

About Pauline Smyth, 1917–2008

A true public servant, Pauline Smith spent her career at the ODNR Division of Geological Survey assisting and educating the public. She joined the Survey in 1951 as a geologist in the Public Service Section, answering questions about rocks and fossils, selling maps and publications, and conducting research on fossils.

Smyth authored several publications during her time at the Survey. They include Geology along Route 40 in Ohio, several volumes of the Bibliography of Ohio Geology, and many journal articles on fusulinids (extinct single-celled marine invertebrates). Smyth attended several International Geological Congress meetings and was a well-known expert on fusulinids. She retired in 1977 after a long and productive career as a geologist and public educator.

Smyth was the first woman to serve as an officer of the Ohio Geological Society (Secretary, 1969–1970; Treasurer, 1970–1971). As a result of her work with the public during the Morrow County oil boom, her monumental and comprehensive work on the Bibliography of Ohio Geology, and the volunteer work she did for the Society, she was awarded honorary membership in 1974. A trailblazer for women in the natural sciences, Pauline Smyth is an inspiration for future generations of female geologists.