Information for Visitors
The University of Maryland is a public research university, and is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland. The UM Libraries are open to the public.
Libraries: General information | Research | Copying and Computing | Special Events Room
People: Information especially for… alumni, scholars, etc.
Campus: Getting to campus | Getting around Campus | Eating on campus
General Library Information
Libraries' Hours. Note: Hours vary for the fall, spring, summer sessions and intersession (January, May, August) periods. Weather: During periods of inclement weather, verify that the campus & Libraries are open by visiting the University’s home page or call 301-405-SNOW.
Phone numbers. For general information call 301-405-0800.
Code of Conduct Policy for Library Users is applicable to visitors, UM faculty, students and staff.
Tours of the Libraries and its collections. All libraries are open to the public, but there are no tours of the buildings offered.
Virtual Tours. The Performing Arts Library provides a virtual tour of its facility.
Borrowing Materials from UM Libraries. The libraries have a variety of borrowing statuses depending on your affiliation with UM.
Safety and Security. It only takes a minute for a thief to strike. Take responsibility for your personal property by not leaving items unattended not even briefly.
Photography. Photographers should comply with the guidelines below.
1) Minimize disruption. Lights, equipment, or loud noise may compromise users’ ability to accomplish their work. Be courteous.
2) Respect privacy. Libraries have long protected the confidentiality of their users, who expect to study in an environment that safeguards their anonymity if so desired. Do not photograph over student’s shoulder, for example, if it shows the content of his or her work. As a courtesy it's always best to get permission before taking somebody's photograph.
Note that audio recording of private conversations without the permission of those being recorded, even when it takes place in a public space, violates Maryland law.
3) Be safe. Do not block exits, stairways or otherwise obstruct the flow of traffic. Thousands of users enter libraries on campus every day, and their safety is paramount.
Filming. Approval to film on university property for commercial or non-news purposes must be obtained prior to the onset of filming. A minimum of 10 business days is required to properly consider any request. Approval is granted through the Office of University Communications, by submitting a film request application. An application and explanation of the procedures and process may be found on the University of Maryland Communications website. News related interviews with University of Maryland faculty or staff do not require a Film Agreement, and no filming fee will be charged. However, interviews must be coordinated with a Media Relations Associate in the Office of University Communications. Please call (301) 405-4621 for more information.
Research
Accessing the Catalog and databases (via Research Port):
- Catalog: You can search the Libraries’ Catalog, from on or off campus, no matter your affiliation with UM.
- Databases: On campus, anyone can access the Libraries’ databases through Research Port without restriction. From off campus, only currently registered UM students and currently employed faculty and staff can access the Libraries’ site-licensed databases.
Archives & Manuscripts, Digital, Media, & Rare Book Collections. The libraries have a variety of Special Collections.
U.S. Government Documents. The University of Maryland has been a Federal Depository Library since 1925, and the Regional Depository for Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia since 1965. The U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services unit is located on the 4th floor of McKeldin Library.
Research Questions? Ask us!
Photocopying, Printing, and Computing
Access to the Internet Using Laptops. Only UM College Park students, faculty, and staff are permitted to access the Internet using their laptops on campus. Visitors may not use their laptops to get Internet access. Visitors are invited to use public library computers, but first you must obtain a guest account to access online library resources. Apply at any campus library Circulation Desk; photo I.D. is required. UM alumni, UMUC and USMAI students and faculty are considered visitors.
Photocopying and Printing in the Libraries. The Libraries charge all users for photocopying and printing. There are no coin-operated photocopiers or printers in the Libraries, so visitors will need to purchase a Photocopy Card in order to copy/print. Ask at any library Information & Reference Service Desks for prices and information on obtaining a card, or contact the McKeldin Library Copy Shop.
Library computers. Library computers are available to users on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are invited to use public library computers, but first you must obtain a guest account to access online library resources. Apply at any campus library Circulation Desk; photo I.D. is required. UM alumni, UMUC and USMAI students and faculty are considered visitors. Users conducting research are given first priority, so personal e-mail and other non-academic online activities must be kept to a minimum. Users are expected to abide by the University´s Acceptable Use Policy for information technology resources.
Productivity Software. Library computers provide access to the Web, as well as provide access to the standard Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 suite of software (i.e., Access, Excel, InfoPath, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word). Users are advised to carry a flash drive, memory stick, or some other portable device, upon which to save their documents. Users cannot save or store their work onto library computers.
Filters on Library computers? There are no filters on University Library computers, so controversial materials are not screened out.
Information Especially for…
Alumni. See Information for Alumni.
Independent Scholars.UM Libraries welcome all scholars. Drop by any library Information Desk to receive an overview of services and resources. You must obtain a guest account to use public computers and access online library resources. Apply at any campus library Circulation Desk; photo I.D. is required.
Libraries’ Supporters. Learn about Giving to the Libraries.
Parents and Prospective Students. The University of Maryland Libraries are situated in the most library-rich metropolitan area in the world. Learning how to effectively use the Libraries’ resources and services will lead to academic success, high GPAs, and better jobs. Visit and see for yourself! Learn more about how to Apply to Maryland and about Visiting Maryland.
Summer Programs: Instructors and Students. Determine if you and your group are eligible to access public computers and access online library resources by contacting the Libraries in advance: askmckcirc@umd.edu. University issued photo I.D. cards for each students are required in order to apply for a guest account and access to online library resources.
High School Library Media Specialists and Teachers. Determine if you and your students are eligible to access public computers and access online library resources by contacting the Libraries in advance: askmckcirc@umd.edu. County and/or school issued photo I.D. cards for each student are required in order to apply for a guest account and access to online library resources.
Getting to Campus
Directions to the University of Maryland, College Park
Public Transportation
- Campus Shuttle Bus: The University of Maryland operates a free Shuttle Bus from the Green Line College Park Metro Station to campus (no University I. D. is required). This campus bus terminates on campus at parking Lot HH1. From HH1 it’s a short walk to the campus Libraries (see College Park Metro Shuttle schedule/map). More information on the Metro Rail is available at WMATA’s Rail Maps.
- Public buses: WMATA (Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority) operates public buses to and from campus. These include:
- C2 - Greenbelt-Twinbrook Line [PDF] (Board at: Greenbelt Metro Station)
- C8 - White Flint-College Park Line [PDF] (Board at: College Park Metro Station)
- F6 - Prince George's-Silver Spring Line [PDF] (Board at: College Park Metro Station)
- J4 - College Park-Bethesda Line [PDF] (Board at: College Park Metro Station)
- WMATA's Bus Maps
- Shady Grove-College Park Shuttle Bus: The University of Maryland operates a free Shuttle Bus, Route 124 from the Shady Grove campus, Rockville, MD to the College Park campus. University ID is required.
Getting Around Campus
Conference & Visitors Services. The Visitor Center is staffed by welcomers available to give directions and answer questions. Call 301-314-7777.
Visitor Parking. Note: Sporting events (e.g., football, basketball games) can disrupt parking and the regular flow of traffic on campus. Check the University's home page (Under Athletics) to verify if a game is scheduled. Check out important announcements about transportation and parking at the Department of Transportation Services.
Library locations. (map of library locations on campus)
Eating on Campus
Footnotes Café is located on the 1st floor of McKeldin Library just outside the security gates. Check Dining @ Maryland: Location & Hours to see when Footnotes is open, or call them at 310-314-0371. Check out the Libraries' new Food & Drink Policy, which is embedded within the Code of Conduct for Library Users.
Dining @ Maryland outlines your on campus dining options.
