Visit Special Collections and University Archives

Information about how to find us, how to prepare and what to expect during your visit.

Locations

Maryland Room in Hornbake Library

Special Collections and University Archives

The Maryland Room
Hornbake Library, Room 1202
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

301-405-9212
askhornbake@umd.edu

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Appointments are required.

Lowens Room in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library

Special Collections in Performing Arts

The Lowens Room
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, Room 1517
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

301-405-9220
scpa@umd.edu

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Appointments are encouraged.

Piano keys

International Piano Archives at Maryland

IPAM Reading Room
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, Room 2517D
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742 

301-405-9224
godowsky@umd.edu

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Appointments are encouraged.

Hours Schedule an appointment
Our collections Contact us Find Material Request Onsite Use

Get Help

Librarians are available to provide research assistance in person and remotely. Contact us with questions or for help with your research.

Although we try to answer questions to the best of our ability, library staff can provide up to one hour of in-depth research time. We are continuously striving to make our collections more easily discoverable and are glad to help patrons navigate these systems and develop search strategies.

Before your visit

We encourage visitors to request material in advance of their visit and to speak directly to a librarian. Some material is stored offsite, may be part of an unprocessed collection, or might be part of a restricted file. Each of these situations would lead to an inability to view material immediately upon request. 

Following these steps ensures your visit will be as productive as possible.

    Contact a librarian Schedule an appointment Register for an account Request material

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, consult the most up to date Campus Requirements for Visitors prior to arriving on campus.

    During your visit

    Check in

    Before you enter the reading room, you will store your belongings in a locker. 

    • Permitted in the reading room
      • Pencils, papers, books, and other research materials
    • Not permitted in the reading room
      • Items that could cause permanent damage the material, including pens, highlighters, markers, as well as food and drink (including candy and water)

    For your first visit, you will be asked to present bring a government or university-issued photo ID

    Speak to a librarian

    Visitors should request material in advance of their visit. The librarian on duty will locate items you previously requested and can help you identify material and place requests for future research.

    Handling material

    Archival Material

    Researcher using archival material in the Maryland Room in Hornbake Library
    • Maintain the existing order and arrangement of folders in the box, as well as items in the folders
      • Use an out card to keep track of the folder you remove from the box to ensure folders stay in order
      • Place one box on the research table at a time
      • Remove one folder at a time
    • Leave material flat on the table, turning pages gently one at a time
    • Use gloves when handling photographs

    Books, Publications, and Microfilm/Microfiche

    • View up to 3 items on the research table at a time
    • Use care when turning pages
    • Keep all other objects clear of the items
      • Do not take notes on top of material, lean or press down on material
    • Do not fold pages, force binding open, or prop bound items open
      • Foam book cradles and book weights can be provided for oversize or fragile items
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