Information for Visitors
As part of a state institution, the University Libraries proudly serve Maryland residents and others. Know which services extend to visitors. For maps and parking information, select the library you wish to visit.
Research
Accessing the catalog and databases
Catalog
Visitors can search the University Libraries catalog from on or off campus, regardless of one's affiliation with the university. Visitors can check out books by joining the Community Borrowers Program.
Databases
Visitors can use public computers in the Libraries by getting a guest ID and password at the Services Desk. Off-campus, only currently registered UMD students and currently employed faculty and staff can access the site-licensed databases.
U.S. Government Information
The University of Maryland Libraries is a Congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government information is guarenteed by public law. Our government information collection contains legislative hearings, Congressional reports, federal regulations, census records, statistical reports, court decisions, agency publications, posters, pamphlets and more. Learn more about accessing government information.
Photocopying, Printing, and Computing
Access to the Internet Using Laptops
The umd-guest wireless network is available for visitors to the University of Maryland, College Park. For more information, please visit: go.umd.edu/guest-wifi
UMD alumni, UMUC and USMAI students and faculty are considered visitors.
Photocopying and Printing in the Libraries
Photocopying and printing are available for a fee. There are no coin-operated photocopiers or printers in the University 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.
Library computers
Visitors are invited to use public library computers, but first must obtain a guest account. Please note that guest accounts are not compatible with Mac computers that boot only into Mac OS. Apply at any campus library Circulation Desk.
Photo ID is required. Acceptable forms of identification include driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, school ID, or other institutional ID with photo and unique identifying number. Library computers are available to users on a first-come, first-served basis.
Software
Library computers provide access to the Web, as well as provide access to the standard Microsoft Office suite of software (i.e., Access, Excel, InfoPath, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word) plus other additional software. Users cannot save or store their work onto library computers and are advised to carry a flash drive upon which to save their documents.
Filters on Library computers? There are no filters on computers in the University Libraries, so controversial materials are not screened out.
High School Visits Get information about planning a high school visit to the University of Maryland Libraries.