UMD Libraries Finals Success Guide 2024

Services and resources from the Libraries and campus to help you finish the semester strong.

December 6, 2024

Finals season can be overwhelming for anyone. You’ve got a lot on your plate, and we’re here to help you succeed. We've created this guide with resources and tips from the Libraries and Learning Success at the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC), as well as, events and resources from across campus to help you get through finals. You've got this.

Library Extended Hours for Finals

UMD community members can access McKeldin and Hornbake past closing hours for a safe, reliable place to buckle down. The STEM Library will also offer extended hours. From Monday, December 9 to Monday, December 16, McKeldin Library will be open 24 hours a day to help you prepare for finals. Just make sure you have your campus ID with you between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. Enjoy the quiet and study away! See all library hours.

Find a Study Space

Use our Find a Space tool to help you discover the perfect place to study! Across our libraries, you can find group study rooms, individual spaces, communal areas, a podcasting room, computer rooms and more.

Sort by location, noise level, amenities and more. Find a space that works best for you!

Work Incrementally

The TLTC recommends working incrementally by:

Setting and working toward goals
Chunking study, practice, and review over time
Prioritizing when and how to approach assignments, and
Revising as needed

Database Finder

Use our Database Finder and search by topic, database type and more to help you find the perfect research engine for you!

Citation Tools

We have you covered when it comes to citing your sources for your final projects. Get info on multiple citation styles, citation generators, citation management tools, and get subject-specific assistance from our expert libraries.

Partner Up for Progress

You're not alone! Here are some TLTC tips for partnering up:

Connect with accountability and study partners.
Join collaborative study and practice groups.
Create opportunities to connect and recharge.
Tap into health and wellness resources.

Borrow Equipment

Need technology to assist with your final projects? Come to the TLC Tech Desk on McKeldin’s second floor, where you can borrow cameras, laptops, calculators and much more. Equipment is also available at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, and the STEM Library.

Need to take a break? We also have fitness equipment, including yoga mats, frisbees, foam rollers, available at McKeldin if you want to take advantage of the warm weather!

Explore what’s available.

Self-publishing, Printing, and Scanning

Do you need to print your final paper or a presentation slide deck? Printers and copiers are available in all six UMD libraries. Easily and affordably print from our computers or yours! Free scanners, including overhead scanners, are also available. Learn more.

Easy poster and specialty printing is available on the 2nd floor of McKeldin Library. Get started.

We also offer lamination, softcover, hardcover and spiral binding services in black-and-white and color! Come to McKeldin’s TLC Tech Desk, also on the second floor. If you only have a few things to bind, they can be taken care of while you wait—if you have more, you may need to drop them off and come back later. Check it out.

Seek Clarity

As you prepare and work through finals, TLTC recommends seeking clarity:

Know what is required. Know what is expected.
If you're not sure, ask. If you are sure, confirm.
Learn from mistakes.
Remain curious.

Subject Specialists

We have experts on topics spanning anything from anthropology to women’s studies here to assist you. Whatever your needs may be, our experts are here to guide you through your research process.

Our specialists can help you by:

Providing one-on-one research assistance online, in-person, or over the phone
Answering your questions about publishing, copyright issues, and preserving digital works
Helping identify gaps in the literature when you're planning a research project

Find your subject expert.

Have questions but not sure where to turn?

Ask a library employee through the live chat feature on our website, which is generally available Monday through Thursday from 8am to 9pm, and Friday from 8am to 5pm. We’re happy to help with whatever else you may need.

Library and Campus Events

Tuesday, December 10

Reading Day Finals Fair - 11am-2pm, McKeldin Library Room 2105

Stamp Study Zone Study Space - 7am-11pm, Prince George's Room

TOCSL Open Study Session - 1-3pm, STAMP Pyon Su Room

Do Good Study Break - 10am-4pm, Thurgood Marshall Hall 2300

Labyrinth Lights - 5:15-6:30, Memorial Chapel labyrinth

Free Math Tutoring - 11am-4pm, Memorial Chapel lounge

Wednesday, December 11

Stamp Study Zone Study Space - 7am-11pm, The Atrium

Coffee Social (Dream of Coffee) - 2-3pm, STAMP

De-stress: Games, Reading, & Coloring (University Book Center) - 11am-5pm, University Book Center basement level

Thursday, December 12

Wags for Wellness - 11am-1pm, University Health Center

Data Help Desk - 1-3pm, online

Peaceful Yoga Flow Class - 5:30-6:30pm, STAMP Studio A

Teddy & Candy Canes (UMPD) - 11am-2pm, STAMP Student Involvement Suite

De-stress: Games, Reading, & Coloring (University Book Center) - 11am-5pm, University Book Center basement level

Friday, December 13

Stamp Study Zone Study Space - 7am-11pm, The Atrium

Wind Down for the Weekend Meditation - 12-12:30pm, online

STAMP Donut Day - 11am-1pm, M&T Bank at STAMP

Study Spaces

Stamp Study Zone & Riggs Alumni Center Study Hall - Dec. 11-17, 6am-11pm, Riggs Alumni Center (Specifically: Chaney Library, AAI Conference Room, Crist Executive Boardroom)

Gardenside Studying - Dec. 11, 9am-2pm, Memorial Chapel conference room

Get Cozy with MICA - Dec. 2-17, 9am-5pm, MICA Lounge