Request Onsite Use of Special Collections and University Archives

Special Collections and University Archives material must be used within our Libraries. Our material can be found within the Archival Collections, WorldCatUM and UMD Catalog databases. See detailed descriptions of requesting procedures for each system below. 

Appointments are encouraged and maybe required to view materials in our reading room. Please note that material requested from Severn Library could take up to four business days to arrive at the Library. 

Schedule an appointment Find materials

WorldCatUM and UMD Catalog

For more detailed instructions, consult our Guide to Requesting Onsite Use of Special Collections.

  • Locate items in WorldCatUM or the UMD Catalog
  • Click on "Request from Special Collections" 
  • Verify that the information is correct and include specific volume, issue and/or date information
  • Include additional helpful information in the "Special Requests" field  
  • Choose a date for your visit
  • Click “Submit Request”

Archival Collections 

For more detailed instructions, consult our Guide to Requesting Onsite Use of Special Collections.

  • Locate items in the Archival Collections database
  • Click "Request Box”, located at the top of the record
    • If the "Request Box" option is not available, the collection may be unprocessed
      • Contact us to request material from unprocessed collections
  • Click “Request Box” again to confirm your box selection 
  • Select the item(s) you would like to request from the list
  • Choose a date for your visit
  • Click “Submit Information”

Creating requests for multiple boxes from a single collection

Each archival box must be requested separately. Some users find it easier to copy requests and then change the box number rather than running through the entire process above. To copy a request, follow the instructions below. 

  • Click on the TN number from the list on the main menu of your Special Collections Account
  • Select “Clone Request”
  • Update the new request with the next box number or volume
  • Choose a date for your visit
  • Click "Submit Request" 
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