Geologic field trip guidebooks provide unique kinds of data not readily available from other sources. They often feature detailed coverage on the geology of a specific locale or region. In addition to including geologic maps and stratigraphic columns that convey the scientific details, other geographic information such as road maps and a distance log is generally included to facilitate locating key outcrops or other geologic features of interest. Photographs and supplementary notes are also used to highlight key details for the reader. Because of such attributes, guidebooks can be a useful resource for anyone from an amateur enthusiast to a professional geologist. 

In many cases field trip guidebooks may be issued in conjunction with a geologic conference, university-sponsored excursion, or other special event. Print runs are often small, with limited distribution. All of this can make finding guidebooks and the valuable information they contain difficult. 

The Geologic Guidebooks of North America Database helps address these concerns and provides a way to readily identify geologic guidebooks issued for any region in North America. As noted on the website, the database builds on entries originally compiled and edited by the Geologic Information Society Guidebooks Committee for the print publication The Union List of Geologic Field Trip Guidebooks of North America, last published in 1996. New information is added to the database monthly and over 10,000 guidebooks are now included. 

The database is freely accessible and hosted by the American Geosciences Institute. Users have the option to create a personal account, but it is not needed for most features. The site also provides instructions for individuals wishing to submit information on new geologic guidebooks that meet the criteria for inclusion. 

Both simple and advanced searching options are offered, along with a selection of search filters. The geographic search functionality is particularly useful in finding guidebooks for an area. Users may progressively zoom in on a location of interest from a map view or they may search the database by latitude and longitude.   

Details for each record in the database vary but typically include full title, authors, source, publication date, and geographic coordinates. Subject headings use a controlled vocabulary, based on the GeoRef Thesaurus. Given the ephemeral of many field trip guidebooks it is especially helpful that links to freely accessible full-text versions are also included when available. 

The database is well-designed and easy to navigate. It serves an important function by making geologic field trip guidebooks and the important information they contain more accessible to STEM educators and others with an interest in the earth sciences.

Edward Lener, Director of Collections and Technical Services, University Libraries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

We welcome your comments and suggestions. If you have a resource that you would like to see highlighted please leave us a comment.