High School Visits to the University of Maryland Libraries

The primary mission of the University of Maryland (UMD) Libraries is to support the research and academic growth of the UMD Community. We make every effort to accommodate requests for library visits from our local high school educational community. Visits must be approved in advance, scheduled during an available and approved time, and adhere to the following guidelines.

Note: We appreciate the positive impact that visiting the campus can have on future Terps and so we leave the tours to the professionals! If you would like to schedule a campus tour, you can work with the Division of Student Affairs to schedule a visit. There are also several self-led tours and scavenger hunts available. The Iconic Landmarks Tour and Student Experience Tour both feature McKeldin Library!

Expectations

  • If you would like to set up a visit to McKeldin Library, we ask that the visit is in support of a research assignment that specifically requires the use of UMD Library Collections.
  • We love school librarians! Before scheduling a visit to McKeldin Library, we ask that you please work with your school library media specialist or librarian to develop a research assignment, strategize on how UMD Library Collections might be used to supplement or extend your local library resources and plan for any introductory information literacy instruction that might be helpful ahead of the visit.
  • Our K-12 partners often visit McKeldin to use our extensive book collection. But, did you know that our online library catalog is available publicly? Before requesting a visit, please search WorldCat to see if there are books that fit your students’ research needs. Keep in mind that in addition to McKeldin Library, UMD Libraries has 5 branch libraries, a high-density storage facility, high circulation statistics, and a large ebook collection (which requires login with a UMD Directory ID and password, even when accessing them on campus). Before requesting a visit, check to make sure that the books you would want to use are physical books located in McKeldin Library.
  • The UMD campus is growing! Due to several construction projects, transportation to and around the College Park campus (particularly for large vehicles such as vans and buses) can be difficult. We cannot guarantee that visitors will be able to be dropped off near McKeldin Library nor access to parking during the visit.
  • Many questions that you might have about the Libraries have been answered by UMD Library Staff. Check out our list of library-related questions and answers to see if your question has been covered! (For example, “I am a student from Maryland but do not attend the university. Can I get a researcher's or a guest account?” or “Can the general public check out books?”)

Requirements

  • Arrangements must be made at least one month before the visit.
  • Guest passes are required to use library computers. A picture ID is required to obtain a guest pass. Guest passes cannot be generated in advance, nor can we guarantee guest passes or computers for all student visitors, particularly for large groups. Guest passes are non-transferable and cannot be shared between students. Please note that even with a guest pass, there are a few resources available only to UMD faculty, staff, and students. We are unable to accommodate community visits during the first 8 weeks of each academic term, or exam weeks. See the University's academic calendar for these dates.
  • Library visits must be scheduled between 9 AM - 5 PM and cannot be scheduled on federal holidays or over weekends. See the library calendar for availability details.
  • At least 2 adults must accompany each student group. For groups larger than 30 students, the ratio of students to teachers/parents must be 15 to 1. Adults who accompany groups are required to remain with their students. Groups larger than 60 students cannot be accommodated.
  • If students plan to use books, in advance of the visit we ask that visitors please: (1) search our online library catalog (2) prepare a list of books that might be helpful for their research, and (3) locate the specific floor of McKeldin where their books will be found. Note that the UMD Libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System and students may need assistance locating the appropriate call range.
  • Library visits for external groups (including high schools) may be limited by the availability of our library staff, space, and resources. University requests will take priority over community requests.

Requesting a visit

  • To request a visit to McKeldin Library, please complete this online form.
  • Upon receipt of the form, the UMD libraries will determine the appropriateness of the visit and the availability of librarians and will contact you to discuss the next steps.
  • Please note that the online request form is the first step in the request process and does not confirm a visit.
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