Tips of the Week

EPSL Services

• EPSL has Librarian Subject Specialists for more than 15 subject areas.


• EPSL provides subject guides for many subjects including Math, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and more.


• Have a question? Try Instant Messaging an EPSL librarian at screen name libepsl.


• Hungry? There is a food court in the basement of the Math Building.


• Is your group looking for a place to study? Try the basement and third floor of EPSL.


• Looking for new books? Search the library catalog or take a look at EPSL's "New Books" shelf located near the circulation desk.


• Looking for a quiet place to study? The second floor of EPSL and portions of the first floor are reserved for quiet study.


• Need a calculator? Just ask at the EPSL Circulation Desk.


• Searching for patents and trademarks? EPSL is one of 85 libraries in the United States designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).


• Searching for technical reports? EPSL's Technical Reports Center contains over two million scientific and technical reports.


• For quicker printing of long PDF files (20 pages or more), send ten pages at a time.


• EPSL is on Facebook! Check it out for chat, exhibit information, our blog feed, and useful links.


• EPSL is now on Twitter! Check it out for updates and news.


• You can now text a librarian! Send a brief question to 265010. You must include the screen name libepsl in your message. See Contact EPSL for more information.


• Looking for e-books in science and engineering? Try Safari Tech Books Online and Net Library available through Research Port.


• Help deter the theft of your computer by using STOP TAGS and/or Cable Locks. For more information call 301-405-7130.



• MATLAB is available on ALL of the workstations for current students, faculty and staff.


• Want to know what's going on in the Engineering School? Check out the events.


• The laptop lounge on the 2nd floor has plenty of new seating and plenty of outlets for those who need a quiet spot to work.


• Need to use a scanner? EPSL has a public scanner located on the first floor at the information desk.


• Working on a group project or presentation? EPSL has two collaborative workstations located in the basement.


• Present like a professional - Use the EPSL projector in the basement for practicing presentations, please ask for the remote control at the circulation desk.


• Need to return a book but the EPSL library is closed? Drop it in our book drop located one floor down outside of the Math building, in close proximity to the elevator.


• Journal articles and Technical Reports can be accessed using the Microfiche/Microfilm reader and scanner at the workstation near to the EPSL information desk. You can print, scan or email the information.


• Need to recycle your batteries? Drop them in the brown battery recycling bins next to the scanning station.


• Find ASTM Standards online at researchport.umd.edu, type ASTM into the database field and sign the licensing agreement.


• Access publicly available NASA and NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) reports, conference papers, journal articles, and more at NASA Technical Reports Server


• Springer eBooks (2005-2011) has over 30,000 Springer print book publications with search capabilities and bookmarks.


• Need a laptop? UMD students can borrow a MacBook Air from the EPSL circulation desk for up to four hours

Library and University Services

• At the Library late? Get home safely with NITE Ride.


• Consult the guide Academic Integrity and Plagiarism for information on citations, links to style guides, and a clear explanation of plagiarism.


• Did you know the library's collection includes electronic books?


• Did you know you can print from your computer to a library printer?


• Download references from Research Port and the library catalog into EndNote, Procite, Reference Manager, or Zotero.


• Looking for Theses or Dissertations? Search the Digital Dissertations database or try DRUM if you are looking for UM research.


• Need a book that's not in the catalog? Use Interlibrary Loan.


• Need to print or make a photocopy? Use Terrapin Express or purchase a photocopy card.


• Students can now access their course reserves via ELMS.


• Reference Shelf contains links to online dictionaries, biographical information, maps, career information, statistics, and much more.


• Renew your books online using 'my account.'


• Research Port helps you find scholarly sources from home--Just Log In


• Search library collections worldwide with WorldCat.


• Terrapin Express: one card that can print, copy, and buy coffee. Terrapin Express is accepted at 50 locations on campus.


• To help determine the accuracy and quality of information found on the internet, consult the guide Evaluating Web Sites.


• Connecting to Google Scholar off-campus via Research Port lets you access library subscriptions through Find It. Consult Making Google Scholar Work for You for tips on searching and getting material.


• Have a purchase suggestion for the Libraries? Please remember to follow the Libraries' recommended steps, like checking the catalog and contacting a subject librarian, before submitting your request!

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