Dial Access

 What is Dial Access?

Dial Access is our remote playback system. Video programs which are assigned to a large number of individuals can be placed on this electronic distribution system and transmitted simultaneously to carrels in Nonprint Media Services for viewing at scheduled intervals, Monday through Sunday.

The Dial Access Schedules are posted in the Nonprint Media Services Library and on the Nonprint Media Services Blog. Accessing the schedule from the blog may require several clicks and will open the file as a Word document.

Also available on Dial Access are News, Information and Foreign Language Channels.

  How do I watch a Dial Access program?

Dial Access programs MUST be viewed in Nonprint Media Services Library, except for those titles available through Films @UM. That information will be noted on the schedule, when applicable.

Consult the Dial Access Schedule in Nonprint or online. Dial Access programs are listed by course number and instructor.
Note the Play Schedule letter, the assigned Channel and the running time for the program(s) you want to watch. The Play Schedule starting times can be found at the top of each Dial Access schedule. Be sure to consider Nonprint's hours of operation and the length of the program when determining your preferred viewing times.

When programs are playing on Dial Access, they cannot be checked out by students to view individually. When not playing on Dial Access, programs can usually be borrowed by using the call number indicated on the schedule and presenting your UM ID card.

 What materials can be played on it?

Generally speaking, most documentaries can run on Dial Access while most feature films cannot. However, there are certain exceptions. For further information, please contact Nonprint Media Services by phone (301) 405-9236 or email at nonprint[at]umd.edu.

  How do I make a request for items to be played on Dial Access?