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, but there are no tours of the buildings offered.
Virtual Tours. Both McKeldin Library and the Performing Arts Library provide virtual tours.
Borrowing Materials from UM Libraries. The libraries have a variety of borrowing statuses depending on your affiliation with UM.
Safety and Security. It only takes a minute for a thief to strike. Take responsibility for your personal property by not leaving items unattended not even briefly.
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.
Archives & Manuscripts, Digital, Media, & Rare Book Collections. 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 U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services unit is located on the 4th floor of McKeldin Library.
Research Questions? Ask us!
Photocopying, Printing, and Computing
Access to the Internet Using Laptops. Visitors may use their laptops in the libraries, however you will not be able to get access to the Internet. Visitors are invited to use any of the libraries' public computers to access the Web. Only UM College Park students, faculty, and staff are permitted to access the Internet using their laptops on campus. UMUC students and faculty are considered visitors.
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 any library Information & Reference Service Desks for prices and information on obtaining a card, or contact the McKeldin Library Copy Shop.
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 and 2007 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.
Filters on Library computers? There are no filters on University Library computers, so controversial materials are not screened out.
Renting Rooms in McKeldin Library
Learn about reserving and renting rooms in McKeldin Library.
Information Especially for…
Alumni. See 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, since library resources are limited and in high demand, it would be helpful for us to know in advance if you are bringing a group of students (i.e. 15 or more) so that service staff may plan accordingly. Call 301-314-7224 or 301-405-9070.
High School Library Media Specialists and Teachers. Find out about the Libraries' Policy on High School Visits to McKeldin Library. If your group is small (i.e. 10-15 people), consider arranging your own visit. Since library resources are limited and in high demand, it would be helpful for us to know in advance that you're coming so that service staff may plan accordingly. Call 301-314-7224 or 301-405-9070.
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]). More information on the Metro Rail is available at WMATA’s Rail Maps.
- 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 Maps
- Shady Grove-College Park Shuttle Bus: The University of Maryland operates a free Shuttle Bus, Route 124 from the Shady Grove campus, Rockville, MD to the College Park campus. University ID is required.
Getting Around Campus
Conference & Visitors Services. The Visitor Center is staffed by welcomers available to give directions and answer questions. Call 301-314-7777.
Visitor Parking. Note: Sporting events (e.g., football, basketball games) can disrupt parking and the regular flow of traffic on campus. Check the University's home page (Under Athletics) to verify if a game is scheduled. Check out important announcements about transportation and parking at the Department of Transportation Services.
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: Location & Hours to see when Footnotes is open, or call them at 310-314-0371 Note: With the exception of Footnotes, campus libraries are no food no drink zones. Water in clear, spill-proof bottles is permitted except near computers, printers, scanners, self-check out machines, sound equipments, and all other electronic devises in the Libraries.
Dining @ Maryland outlines your on campus dining options.
