It is noteworthy that, in terms of internationalisation, in 1977 the SGL corresponded with 43 counterpart societies and 272 other scientific institutions spread across five continents. By the early 21st century, the SGL had engaged in research on colonial ethno-history and coordinated several other scientific projects focused on inventorying and the curative conservation of its museological, photographic, and cartographic collections. This effort included the gradual integration of the institution's ethnographic holdings into exhibition circuits, a development that supported its internationalisation and, due to the scope and specificity of its bibliographic and cartographic collections, attracted the interest of both national and international researchers. The Library, established almost concurrently with the founding of the SGL, was first reported in issues 2 and 3 of the inaugural series (1876–1878) of the Bulletin , which listed its initial catalogue of maps and books. Much of its collection was acquired through purchases and donations, including: in 1880, the transfer of the library and collections from the defunct CCPG; books purchased at the auction of the library of the Marquis of Lavradio; the donation of the personal library of the Viscount of São Januário, the first president of the SGL; and in 1887, the archival documents of the long-inactive Maritime and Colonial Association. By the 1960s, the library's holdings exceeded 65,000 volumes and 6,000 maps and atlases. The SGL's map collection, housed within its Library, holds significant scientific value, containing an important archive of ancient and modern cartography. This collection includes both manuscript and printed cartographic documents, many related to Portugal, its former colonial territories, and records of Portuguese presence in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Rare examples can be found in both categories.

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