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 | Renting Rooms
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, however there are no regularly scheduled tours of these buildings. If your group is working on a specific assignment that requires research assistance, contact User Education Services at 301-405-9070 or at libues@umd.edu.
Virtual Tours. Both McKeldin Library and the Performing Arts Library provide virtual tours. In addition, pick up a printed Self-Guided Tour of McKeldin Library at its first floor Information and Reference Desk; it teaches visitors how to: use the Libraries’ Catalog, navigate the books stacks, and more.
Borrowing Library Materials. The libraries have a variety of borrowing statuses depending on your affiliation with UM. Review Circulation: Borrowing from UM Libraries.
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. Alumni who are Friends of the Libraries borrowers may register for gain remote access to: Academic Search Alumni Edition and Business Source Alumni Edition. See Information for Alumni for more information.
Archives, Manuscripts, Rare books. 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 Government Documents & Maps unit is located on the 4th floor of McKeldin Library.
Research Questions? Ask us!
Photocopying, Printing, and Computing
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 the library’s service desks for prices and information on obtaining a card.
Library computers. Library computers are available to users on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 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.
Renting Rooms in the Libraries
Learn about Rooms for Reservation and Rent in the Libraries.
Information Especially for…
Alumni. See more Information for Alumni.
Independent Scholars. UM Libraries welcome all scholars. We invite you to drop by any library Information Desk to receive an overview of UM Libraries’ services and resources.
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. Plan a successful visit to the Libraries by reviewing the information for Summer Programs. Instructors, if you plan to bring a group of 15 students or more to the Libraries, please notify us in advance by calling 301-314-7224. Note: From June to August, the Libraries have reduced staff and a limited number of public computers. There are no filters on library computers.
High School Library Media Specialists and Teachers. Do you want to bring your students to campus to conduct research? Review the Policy on High School Visits to McKeldin Library.
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 (see map); from HH1 it’s a short walk to the campus Libraries (see College Park Metro Shuttle schedule/map [PDF]).
- 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 & Rail Maps
Getting Around Campus
Conference & Visitors Services. The Visitor Center is staffed by welcomers available to give directions and answer questions. Call 301-314-7884
Map & Parking Information. Note: Sporting events (e.g., football, basketball games) disrupt parking and the regular flow of traffic. Check the University’s home page under What’s Happening to verify if a game is scheduled.
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 to see when Footnotes is open. Note: With the exception of Footnotes, campus libraries are no food no drink zones. Water in clear, spill-proof bottles is permitted.
Where to Eat on campus outlines your dining options.
