About EPSL

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Library (EPSL) contains materials in physics, engineering, mathematics, and geology. The library also maintains other significant collections in computer science, environmental sciences, water resources, and aerospace science. EPSL is also a U.S. Patent and Trademark Resource Center [Patents Guide], and its large Technical Reports Center [Technical Reports Guide] contains collections from NASA, ERDA, Rand Corporation, and other agencies and organizations.

EPSL's collection consists of 400,000 items, not including the more than two million technical reports located in the Technical Reports Center. About 300,000 general collection materials are located in EPSL, and the rest are located in Hornbake and at UM's Off-site Shelving facility.

The Reference Collection includes handbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, indexes and abstracts, mathematical tables, atlases, directories, an extensive collection of ANSI & ASTM standards and numerous electronic resources.

Associated Departments

EPSL History

EPSL Virtual Tour: 2009 | 2006

2012

Finding Your Way

EPSL has designated locations for individual and group studying, and is equipped with wireless internet throughout the building.

PDF of the EPSL FLoorplan with a tutorial on how to read call numbers

Printing and Photocopying

Value can be added to photocopy cards via the photocopy card ATM located on the first floor of EPSL. Using a credit card you can add value to your Terrapin Express Account at testudo.umd.edu or with cash at the McKeldin Photocopy Center.

Printing (from a computer)

• A public printer is located on the first floor of EPSL
• Cost is 10 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents for color.
• Use a photocopy card or a university ID with a Terrapin Express account

Photocopying

• Self-service photocopy machines are located on the first and third floors near the elevator
• Cost is 10 cents per page for black and white, 50 cents for color (color on first floor only).
• More information on photocopying is available at the McKeldin Photocopy Center

Unified Desktop/Authentication

In order to use the public work stations, users need to log in using their university ID and password or a guest account number. The unified desktop allows users to access the internet and Library pages, along with all software available through OIT, such as MATLAB, minitab, etc. without needing to find a computer lab. Guest accounts can be requested from the Circulation/Information desk by showing a photo ID. Guest accounts allow access for 30 consecutive days, at which point a new guest account will need to be created. USMAI affiliates (UMUC, UMBC students, etc.) will receive 180 consecutive days of access before needing to reapply for a new account number.

Group Study Rooms

There are three group study rooms on the third floor in EPSL. They are equipped with blackboards, and are available on a first-come first-served basis. Groups may ask individuals studying alone in these rooms to study elsewhere. If additional chalk is needed for the blackboards, please see a staff member at the Information Desk. The entire third floor is designated as a group study area, and is equipped with tables. The ground floor of EPSL is also group study and also has a blackboard available.

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