To order publications, please contact us using the form below.

We cannot accept payments online now. We will call you and finalize payment details via phone, typically within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to contact the KGS Publications Office?

• Email: KGS-PUB@lsv.uky.edu
• Phone: 859-257-5500

Please make an appointment to ensure the best service and availability if you wish to visit us at the University of Kentucky.

2. How are payments processed?

We process credit or debit card payments over the phone. If you make an appointment for item pickup, we accept cards in person. We do not save, share or store any personal payment information. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or personal checks made out to "KGS" or "Kentucky Geological Survey." We cannot accept cash payments. Kentucky State 6% sales tax is added to the total order cost (including shipping). If you are tax-exempt, please provide that information and certificate when you order.

3. Can I order a hard copy of a digital publication?

Yes. We offer print-on-demand services, including printing large-format maps and full-color double sided pages. We recommend using the USGS TopoViewer for topographic maps; this database contains all archival and current maps, and is searchable by physical address, county/quad name, and latitude/longitude coordinates. We have our own digital database of Geologic Maps.

4. How are orders shipped?

Most orders are shipped USPS, but if preferred (or if the volume of material requested is greater than what can be packed into a standard envelope), we will ship via UPS or FedEx. Standard shipping of oversized materials (charts, maps, etc) is folded in flat envelopes, but items may be requested to be shipped in tubes which cost more and will be delivered via FedEx.

5. Are walk-in visitors welcome?

Appointments are strongly preferred to ensure customer service availability. Walk-in visitors cannot be guaranteed service anytime. Due to the time-consuming nature of filling orders for certain materials (such as print on demand maps), we highly recommend pre-ordering materials and scheduling pickup to make it as efficient and easy as possible. Shipping is also an easy option.

6. The publication I'm seeking says "Out of Print." What do I do about this?

If an item is marked as "Out of Print," that means original copies are not available for purchase. However, if KGS has a copy of the publication, we are happy to print the item on demand for you from a PDF, and we offer comb binding service upon request. Oversize publications may be reduced to 8.5x11, and maps will be printed at original dimensions up to 36x80 inches.