Information and Research Services
Table of Contents
Information
The goals of the Service Plus Information and Research Services are to respond courteously, thoroughly, and accurately to the information needs of our various constituencies, and to educate our users to become independent and self-reliant information seekers.
Reference/Information Service at the Desks
The Information and Research Services desks throughout the UM Libraries offer a variety of services to users, including directional, reference and information assistance. Staff are trained in a variety of specialties in order to assist users in resolving their information needs and making effective use of the Libraries' many resources. Hours of Service are posted at each site and may be checked via the Libraries' homepage. The McKeldin Information and Research Services Desk is staffed during all regular McKeldin business hours.
In-depth Consultation Service
In-depth Consultation Services offers assistance to track down hard-to-find information, formulate extensive search strategies, evaluate information resources, or provide guidance in using specific library collections, programs or services.
In-depth Consultation is available only by appointment with one of the librarians on the subject teams. University of Maryland faculty, staff, students and administrators who wish to go beyond services and resources offered through walk-in reference/information desk service are eligible to use the extensive services offered by these librarians. Exceptions may be made for non-UM affiliated patrons where the Libraries' collections are unique or of such rarity or comprehensiveness that this institution is considered to be a national or international resource for research.
Chat with a Librarian
Chat with a Librarian is a live, real-time interactive reference service. Give it a try!
Visit the Chat with a Librarian Web page and follow the instructions given there.
Ask a Librarian
Ask a Librarian is an e-mail reference service available to UM faculty, staff and students for brief, factual questions.
Visit the Ask a Librarian Web page and follow the instructions given there.
Telephone Reference
The Telephone Reference Service is intended to assist patrons with questions about UM holdings or with brief and readily attainable inquiries or referrals. Up to three bibliographic references may be checked for telephone patrons. Extensive bibliographic or research assistance is not available by telephone. Call 301-405-9075.
Computer Use Policy
The Electronic Research workstations are intended to support the academic work of UM students, faculty, and staff. When other users are waiting to use these computers to do library research, we may ask patrons to leave their workstations if they are engaged in activities not essential to their academic pursuits, including personal e-mail, participation in chat rooms, and playing games.
Furthermore, the Libraries follow the University's Guidelines for the Acceptable Use of Computing Resources.
For alternate locations of computer services, see the Libraries' Computer Workstations and WAM Labs page.
