Lost in the Libraries?

First Things First: Getting To UM Libraries

• Where is the library?
  That is, the libraries (there are seven libraries on the College Park campus and one located in Rockville, MD). Review the map of Library Locations.

• When is the library open?
  The hours change every semester and may be different from library to library. Refer to the UM Libraries' Hours.

• Do you offer Late Night Study at McKeldin Library?
  McKeldin Library offers late night study hours during certain times of the semester, however there is no reference help available during those times.

  Late Night Study is available only on the 1st and 2nd floors of McKeldin Library, from Sunday to Thursday evenings, 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., during designated times. Late Night Study is not available during the summer months. Note: During Late Night Study periods, all library users must leave floors 3 to 7 after 11:00 p.m.

  OIT Computer Lab in McKeldin Library:
  Non-library lab facilities are available on the 1st floor of McKeldin Library when it is open. See the McKeldin Library Hours.

  UM I.D. CARD and LATE NIGHT STUDY: Library users should check the McKeldin Library Hours for details on Late Night Study hours. You must have your UM I.D. card with you in order to enter McKeldin Library between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Sorry, no other I.D. cards are accepted.

• Can I bring food and drink into the library?
  No. Remnants of food and drink encourage nasty things like bugs and vermin that damage the collection. However, you may bring in water in closed, clear containers. Please be careful, even with water when working with library materials and computer equipment. Even water can cause serious damage to these items. In McKeldin Library you may use the 1st floor Eat-In Study Lounge and the adjoining Footnotes Cafe (check cafe hours) to purchase and eat food.

• Can I smoke?
  No, not in the Libraries or any campus building; they are smoke-free environments.

• Can I bring my children with me into the Library?
  Yes, however please supervise them closely and don't let them disturb others. Be aware that all campus libraries are public buildings so anyone may enter. There is no paging system in any of the campus libraries.

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• How do I find where everything is in the libraries?
  Floor plans are available in all the campus libraries. Pick one up at any library Information Desk.

• My professor has put some readings for our class on reserve. Where are Course Reserves held? What are the policies about using reserve materials? What are the fines for overdue reserve materials?
  Most course reserves materials are accessed through ELMS/Blackboard under your course's name. Please visit the Libraries' Course Reserves page for FAQs, tips, policies and more.

• I am working with a class group and we want to study together in the library. How do we arrange for group study place?
  Group Study rooms are available on the 2nd floor of McKeldin Library, on a first-come first-served basis so they cannot be reserved in advance. Some floors in McKeldin Library are designated as group study floors where studying together in small groups is welcome. Consult the McKeldin Library Floor Plan for specific locations. In the foyer or entrance way of McKeldin Library there is a bulletin board where you can post a notice to the rest of your group so they will know where you are.

• Where can I find a quiet place to study in the Library?
  In McKeldin Library there are quiet study areas as well as designated group study rooms on the 2nd floor. Ask a staff member to identify these areas for you on the McKeldin Library Floor Map. All campus libraries have quiet study areas.

• Other than library computers, where is there a computer lab in the libraries?
  McKeldin Library has a non-library or OIT computer lab in its building. This lab is open when the library is open. For the location and hours for other OIT computer labs on campus, visit Where To Go to Find a Computer Lab.

• What if I lose something in the library?
  Please be careful! Thieves are looking for you. Always keep your personal belongings with you as you move around the library. Unattended items may be stolen. The Lost and Found are generally located at a library's Information Desk. Or, contact the Campus Police at: 301-405-3555 (A non-emergency number).

• May I secure my belongings in a locker while using the library?
  Undergraduate students may reserve lockers for short-term (two weeks or less) or long-term use (semester). Go the Public Services Office, 4th floor, McKeldin Library, between 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, or call 301-405-9251. Fill out an application form to obtain a locker and key.

• I am in a wheelchair . . . or visually impaired . . . or have another disability. How will I get around the library and use various services and collections?
  The University offers information for persons with disabilities. Also, contact the Coordinator of Library Services for Persons with Disabilities at McKeldin Library: 301-314-7958.

• Where is the library's catalog to look up books by author, title, and subject?
  There are public computers available throughout each campus library. Access the Libraries' Catalog from your home or dorm room through the Libraries' home page (www.lib.umd.edu). Click on Catalog.

• How are the books and other materials arranged on the shelves?
  Most of the books are arranged by Library of Congress Classification Scheme or call number (i.e. KF4242 .F56 2009). Other materials (e.g., rare books, special collections, government documents, University archives, manuscripts, Marylandia) are kept in separate locations.

• How can I tell my friend where to meet me in the library?
  Since there are no paging systems in the libraries, you'll need to prearrange with your friends where to meet. In the foyer or entrance to McKeldin Library there is a bulletin board on which you can post a message.

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Using Library Materials

• What I.D. do I need to present in order to check out materials? For how long can I check out books or other items? What are the fines?
  Use your UM I.D. card to check out books. Undergraduate Students may check out materials for 56 days. Faculty, staff, and graduate students have extended loan periods. More details about loans, fines, and other policies are listed on the Borrowing From UM Libraries guide.

• What if the book or journal I need is not on the shelf?
  If you are using McKeldin Library, check first to be sure you are looking in the right place -- each floor in McKeldin has a STACKS area and a FOLIO area. Always check the call number of the item to determine whether your item is in STACKS or FOLIO.

  Perhaps someone has been using the item you are looking for and it has not been re-shelved yet. At at the library's Circulation Desk for the location of re-shelving areas. The book may be checked-out to someone else. Using the Catalog, use the Request button to request that a book (that is already checked-out by someone else) be returned and held for you. It's free but the process can take up to 3 weeks.

  It is also possible that the book is lost somewhere in the Library. When all attempts to access the book have failed, patrons are directed to fill out a Search Request Form; ask for it at the library's Circulation Desk.

• What if the book or journal I need is in OFF-SITE SHELVING or in STORAGE?
  When searching the Catalog, if the item you want has an OFF-SITE SHELVING designation, this means that the item is in storage in a non-campus location.

  FOR BOOKS (Off-Site):
  If you are a UM student, faculty or staff member, you may obtain a "general-collection" book (a book that can be checked out of the library) from the UMCP Off-Site Shelving location. From the book's catalog record, click Availability, then click the Request button. Items requested from Off-Site Shelving are usually available within TWO-FOUR days. You can check the status of your request by signing-in (login) to the Libraries' Catalog, then sign in to My Account. See My Account for more information.

  FOR JOURNALS (Off-Site):
  If you need an article from a journal located in UMCP Off-site Shelving, complete the Off-Site Shelving Request Form. In most cases, a request for an article will be filled with a scanned copy delivered by email. You must provide your email address for this free service. This type of request is usually filled within TWO business days.

  If you need a complete volume of a journal or a non-circulating book (a book that must be used within the library), it will usually be delivered to the McKeldin Library and not be delivered to any other campus library. If you enter an e-mail address on the Off-Site Shelving Request Form, you will be notified when the material is received at McKeldin. All non-circulating and fragile materials must be used inside the McKeldin Library. See Off-Site Shelving Request Form.

• What is Pay-for-Print, and how does this system work?
  For complete details, refer to Printing in the Libraries, or contact the McKeldin Library Copy Shop at 301-405-9057.

• How can I make photocopies of articles or newspaper articles?
  There are no coin-operated photocopy machines in any of the Libraries. Visitors must purchase a Copy Card, and students can use a Copy Card or UM I.D. card (that has Terrapin Express on it) in order to make copies or print using library computers. The Pay-for-Print system also applies to photocopying. Photocopy machines are located throughout the Libraries.

  Purchase a library Photocopy Card (or Copy Card) using Copy CARD ATM Machines in any library. Or, instead of purchasing a separate photocopy card, use your UM I.D. card. But, in order to use your UM I.D. card as a Copy Card, you must have Terrapin Express activated on you I.D. card.

• What if the material I need is not in the University of Maryland Libraries?
  There are other libraries in the region. You can submit a request to the Interlibrary Loan office to get the book or article from another library. Allow about 2-3 weeks for this service.

• How can I get the materials I need in a BIG HURRY? My paper is due tomorrow!
  It is too late for this paper, but we will remind you anyway: Don't wait until the last minute to do your research! Consider using the Assignment Calculator to help you plan and manage your research papers. During the semester, the libraries are crowded and many books and journals are checked out or off the shelves. Even though they are re-shelved by library staff as quickly as possible, you probably still will not find what you are looking for in time.

  Check the Guides to Information Resources to find guides on your topic. If you need further help, ask a reference librarian for help in locating other materials on your topic.

• Can I use my laptop in the Libraries?
  Yes, however only UM students, faculty and staff may connect your laptop to the Internet by logging on to the University's server. Others will need to use any of the libraries public computers. Students, refer to the guide on using your laptop in the library.

• Can I send print jobs from my laptop to the Libraries' printers?
  Yes, if you are a UM student, faculty or staff member. You may actually send print jobs from anywhere on campus to the Libraries' printers if you download the print driver. Learn more about this service at Printing from Your Computer .

• How should I take care of the books I borrow?
  You can help to preserve books by properly handling them. Find out about care and handling of library materials to help ensure that books in the University of Maryland Libraries will be available for future students and researchers.

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• What if I forget all this and have to start all over?
  Ask at the 1st floor Information Desk. The staff answer hundreds of questions and help students all day, every day. They will be very happy to help you. Consider using Chat, E-Mail and Telephone help as well; refer to Ask Us!

• What if I need more guidance to do my research?
  If you are a UM student, faculty or staff member, reference librarians are available for consultation and in-depth assistance. They are experts in searching databases and the Web and in finding information on countless topics. If you wish to talk to a Reference Librarian who is an information expert in a particular subject area, refer to the: Directory of Librarian Subject Specialists.

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