Suggestions & CommentsFrequently Asked Questions
Tip: Use your browser's Find feature (Ctrl + F) to search the FAQs.Starting Research
How do I find information for my research?
The Research Help Guides provides information on selecting a topic, finding resources, and citing your resources.How can I find articles prior to 1980?
Most article indexes do not go back very far online. To find older articles, you will need to use a print index, such as the Readers' guide to periodical literature. Print indexes are available on the 1st floor of the library.How can I find theses and dissertations?
Use the library's Theses and Dissertations Search form to locate masters theses and PhD dissertations written by UMBC students. Original copies are available in the Special Collections Department. Dissertations only: Second copies are available in the circulating collection at FOLIO LD3231.M6954d -- Search the online catalog by author/title for the status of circulating copies.
Use ProQuest Digital Dissertations to find non-UMBC theses and dissertations.
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Using Databases
What is catalogusmai?
catalogusmai contains information about materials you can access through the Albin O. Kuhn Library and the other 15 libraries in the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI). You will find information about books, journals, DVDs, electronic resources and many other materials. You would search for a journal title (not an article) in catalogusmai to see what issues you can access. To search for a specific article in a journal you should use Research Port or a database.What is Find It?
Find It Tutorial [2:42]
The Find It button provides links to electronic resources and other access options, including Interlibrary Loan. From an article database or Research Port the Find It button can provide a link to the full text of an article (if available), search catalogusmai to see if the library has the journal in print, or provide other options for article access. From a record in catalogusmai the Find It button can link you to full text (if available) or provide other options for access.What is Research Port?
Research Port Tutorial [1:20]
Research Port is a gateway to electronic resources at UMBC, including article databases and electronic journals. Research Port is the preferred means of accessing these resources from off-campus.Why do I get the message 'ID card invalid' when trying to use Research Port?
Make sure you have correctly entered all 14 digits from your UMBC ID card, and that you have selected UMBC as your campus. You can also find your Library ID in MyUMBC by clicking on your name at the top right-hand corner of the page – look for your 'Libraray ID'. If you still receive this error, you will need to contact the Circulation Department (Phone: 410-455-2354) to find out if there is a problem with your library account.Where do I report problems with e-journals and databases?
Please report all problems with e-journals or article databases to the Reference Department.Can I use the databases if I am not a current UMBC student?
Off-campus access to electronic resources is only available to current UMBC students, faculty and staff. All other users must come to the library to use these resources. Visitors must show a photo ID at either the Reference Desk or the Circulation Desk to request a Guest Account in order to use the library computers.
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Journals & Journal Articles
Where are the journals, magazines and newspapers located?
Journals, magazines and newspapers are shelved in alphabetical order by title in the Serials Department on the 2nd floor of the library.How do I find journals (not articles) on a particular topic?
For print journals, use catalogUSMAI to search for your topic, setting the format as 'Journals/Newspapers/Magazines'.How can I find out if UMBC has the journal I want?
If you know the title of a journal, you can usually find it through our Journal Finder (formerly called Serials Search). You can also search for journals in catalogUSMAI; electronic journals can be found using Research Port.How can I get a journal article if UMBC doesn't have the journal?
Current UMBC students, faculty and staff can use Interlibrary Loan to request journal articles. You will need your UMBC ID card to register for Interlibrary Loan. Note: please check availability in Journal Finder (formerly called Serials Search) and catalogUSMAI before submitting an Interlibrary Loan request.
Non-UMBC users must use Interlibrary Loan from their local public or institution library.How do I use a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to find a journal article?
Use the DOI Resolver to locate the article citation.
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Finding Books
How do I use the library catalog?
Library Catalog: catalog usmai Tutorial [1:40]How can I locate books in the library?
Once you find your book in the catalog, you will use the call number to help you locate your book. Folio books are larger than average, and are shelved in the southeast corner of the library on each floor. Ready Reference books are kept at the Reference Desk on the 1st floor. Journals, magazines and newspapers are shelved alphabetically by title. Use the call number to determine which floor your item is on:- Seventh Floor: A - DD
- Sixth Floor: DE - HF
- Fifth Floor: HG - N
- Fourth Floor: P - PZ
- Third Floor: Q - Z
- Second Floor: Serials Stacks &Media Stacks
- First Floor: Reference &Government Documents; Special Collections
see also: Understanding Call Numbers, Locations: Subjects by Floor, & Locations: Floors by Subject
How can I tell if a book is available to check out?
In the catalog record for the book, look at the location, or click on availability and check the collection and status of the book.Items in the following locations (collections) can be checked out:
- Stacks – Books on floors 3 - 7
- Stacks - Folio – Over-sized books on floors 3 - 7 (southeast corner)
- Media Stacks – Videos, DVDs and CDs kept on the 2nd floor
Items in these locations (collections) cannot be checked out:
- Serials Stacks – Journals, magazines and newspapers kept on the 2nd floor
- Reference – Books on the first floor
- Reference - Ready Reference – Books kept at the Reference Desk on the first floor
- Government Documents – Located on the first floor (many government documents are also available online)
- Special Collections – Located in the Special Collections Department on the first floor
Does the library have textbooks for courses?
The library does not purchase textbooks. We may have some older editions of textbooks, which can be found using catalogUSMAI.Does the library have fiction?
The library has a leisure reading collection of current popular fiction and nonfiction in the 1st floor rotunda. We also have some fictional literature on the 4th floor of the library. These items can be found using catalogUSMAI.Where can I find Course Reserves?
Course Reserves Tutorial [1:20]
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Checking Out Books
How many books may I borrow at a time?
There is no limit to the number of books that may be borrowed, but we generally recommend you borrow no more what you can carry.Where do I check out books?
Books can be checked out at either the Circulation Desk or the Self-Serve Checkout station, both located on the 1st floor of the library.Where can I return my books?
Books should be returned to the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor of the library.Can I reserve a book and have it waiting for me when I come in?
Books that are listed as 'on shelf' are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have requested a book from another campus, or one that has been checked out, the book will be held for you at the Circulation Desk.Can I request a book that someone else has checked out?
All books that have been checked out are subject to recall after 2 weeks. You may request a book that is already checked out. The library will send out a recall notice giving the current borrower 2 weeks to return the book. You will be notified by mail when the book is available.How can I get a library card?
Current UMBC students, faculty and staff may use their campus ID card to check out books. Students, Faculty and staff from other University System of Maryland (USMAI) institutions may also use their campus ID card to check out books. UMBC also has reciprocal borrowing agreements with several area colleges. Other patrons may purchase a Special Borrowers card at the Circulation Desk.Can I borrow books if I am not a current UMBC student?
Current USMAI students, faculty and staff may use their campus ID card to check out books. UMBC also has reciprocal borrowing agreements with several area colleges. Other patrons may purchase a Special Borrowers card at the Circulation Desk.Can I check out books from other USMAI campuses?
Your student ID card will allow you to check out books from other campuses. UMBC students can either check books out in person, or request a book from another campus.
UMBC alumni should contact the USMAI library of interest, as lending policies vary.
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Requesting Books From Other USMAI Libraries
How can I get books that aren't at UMBC?
catalogusmai Book Request Tutorial [3:42]How can I get books that aren't owned by any USMAI libraries?
Current UMBC students, faculty and staff can use Interlibrary Loan to request books from non-USMAI libraries. You will need your UMBC ID card to register for Interlibrary Loan. Note: please check availability in catalogUSMAI before submitting an Interlibrary Loan request. Books owned by other USMAI libraries MUST be requested through catalogUSMAI.
Non-UMBC users must use Interlibrary Loan from their local public or institution library.How do I find out if another library (not in USMAI) has the book I want?
Try using WorldCat, a worldwide catalog of over 9,000 libraries. Non-UMBC users can use the free version of WorldCat, http://worldcat.org/
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Interlibrary Loan
What types of materials can I request through Interlibrary Loan?
You can request books, book chapters, journal articles, items on microfilm, and many other types of materials. You MAY NOT request textbooks, entire issues of journals or magazines, reference materials, old or rare materials, record albums, software, CDs, DVDs, audio tapes, leisure or recreational reading (please contact your local public library). Items owned by other USMAI libraries must be requested through the catalog.How long does Interlibrary Loan take?
The average delivery time is 5-10 business days. Journal articles are usually delivered electronically within 3 business days. Rare or hard-to-find materials may take longer, and some may not be available through Interlibrary Loan.How much does Interlibrary Loan cost?
There is no charge to current UMBC faculty, staff and students for this service, however, a cap may be set on the dollar amount requested for payment. Borrowing charges are paid by Kuhn Library. Overdue or lost materials, however, are subject to fines and other fees charged by the lending institution which will be passed on to the requestor.Where do I pick up my Interlibrary Loan items?
Books, microform, and other non-photocopy items must be picked up at the Circulation Desk in the Kuhn Library. Articles are made available to patrons electronically, through their ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan) accounts, where they will reside for 30 days. Patrons are encouraged to save articles to disk to avoid losing them after the 30 day expiration.I am not a current UMBC student - can I use Interlibrary Loan?
All non-UMBC users should contact their local public library, workplace library, or other appropriate institution for Interlibrary Loan service. Registered special borrowers and USMAI alumni may use the ILL service for a fee of $15 per filled request ($5.00 for materials borrowed within the University System of Maryland, USMAI), but will also be required to pay any additional costs that may be charged by the supplying institution.
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Computers – Hardware & Software
How can I get a user name and password to use the computers?
UMBC students should use their MyUMBC user name and password to log onto the library computers. Visitors must show a photo ID at either the Reference Desk or the Circulation Desk to request a Guest Account in order to use the library computers. more informationAre any computers available when the library is closed?
The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) operates a 24-hour computer lab for UMBC students (ENGR building Room 021). Contact the DoIT Help Desk (phone: 410-4555-3838 e-mail: helpdesk@umbc.edu) for more information.How do I report a hardware, software, or access problem?
Please report problems to the Reference Desk, or use one of the problem report forms from Library IT Services.I can't log off! ("you have exceeded your profile space" error)
Please report the problem to the Reference Desk so we can reset the computer. You will need to personally go to the Help Desk (ENGR building Room 020) to clear your profile space in order to avoid possible misstep(s) that could cause more problems. Contact the Help Desk at 410-455-3838 for more information.
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Saving & Printing
How can I save my work?
Most programs will save files to your My Documents folder. Files can also be saved or copied to:- USB Flash Drive
- CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R
- UMBC students can save files to their personal disk space on the S: drive
Detailed instructions are available at http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/faq/save.php
How can I print in the library?
Printing services are available from all computers in the library. Printers are located in the 1st floor Print & Copy room. Computers in the 7th floor computer lab can also print to the 7th floor printer.Does the library have a color printer?
There is a color printer in the 1st floor Print & Copy room. Color printing is available from all library computers - select 'LibraryColor' when starting your print job. Color printing costs $1.00 per page. Color printers are also available at commonvision in the Commons at The Communications Services Comm_Store in University Center.
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Scanning, Copying & Faxing
Does the library have a public fax machine?
The library does not have a fax machine available for public use. Fax services are available for UMBC students at The Communications Services Comm_Store in University Center.
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Library Media – CDs, DVDs & More
Where are the CDs and DVDs?
CDs and DVDs are located in the Media Center on the 2nd floor of the libraryCan I borrow CDs and DVDs?
Only current UMBC students, faculty and staff may check out CDs and DVDs. The loan period for videos, DVDs, laserdiscs, CDs, vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CD-ROMS kept in the Media Center is 7 days.Can I renew CDs and DVDs?
Materials borrowed from UMBC are now renewable online through your Library Account. If you do not wish to renew your items online, you may bring them to the library to be renewed. We do not renew items by telephone. All media items have a one-time renewal limit.Are there fines for returning CDs & DVDs after the due date?
Any items that you are unable to renew must be returned by the due date or fines will accrue. Media fines are $2 a day with a maximum of $50 per item.Can I use the CDs and DVDs in the library?
All materials in the Media Center may be viewed or listened to in-house. You will need to leave a photo ID at the Media Desk.
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Special Collections & the Gallery
What are Special Collections?
The Special Collections Department of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery University of Maryland, Baltimore County includes those materials that due to rarity, condition, form, or source are best handled separately from the General Collection.Where is Special Collections?
Special Collections is located behind the Gallery on the first floor of the library.Can I check out books from Special Collections?
The materials in Special Collections are non-circulating; books cannot be checked out or taken from the reading room.
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Study Areas
Is the 24-hour study lounge open when UMBC is closed?
The library atrium and Study Lounge are open 24 hours per day, year round, regardless of the weather.Where can I find a quiet place to study?
To accommodate users who need a completely quiet study environment, the Library has designated the fifth and sixth floors as "absolutely quiet" floors. The quiet rules for these floors are more stringent and are more stringently enforced. If you cannot abide by these more stringent rules, please avoid these floors.- No talking above a whisper anywhere on the floor, including study rooms.
- No extended conversations, even at a whisper.
- No use of cell phones whatsoever.
- No other noise sources are permitted on the floor.
Where are the group study areas?
Group study rooms are available on a first-come, first served basis and are located on floors 3 through 6. Note: floors 5 and 6 are "absolutely quiet" areas. Doors to study rooms should be kept closed, and conversations should be conducted as quietly as possible. No extended conversations are allowed outside of the study rooms. Cell phone use is also prohibited on these floors.Where is the Math Lab?
The Math Lab is located on the lower level of the library. Make a sharp right after passing the Security Desk - stairs and the elevator to the lower level are located near Government Documents.Where is the Tutorial Center?
The Tutorial Center is located on the lower level of the library. Make a sharp right after passing the Security Desk - stairs and the elevator to the lower level are located near Government Documents.Where is the Writing Center?
The Writing Center is located on the lower level of the library. Make a sharp right after passing the Security Desk - stairs and the elevator to the lower level are located near Government Documents.
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Library Rules
Can I bring food or drinks into the library?
Food and drink are prohibited in all public areas of the library, except for the 24-hour Study Lounge. Water is permitted in public study areas.Can I use my cell phone in the library?
Cell phone use is allowed in the library, except on floors 5 &6 where they must be turned off. We ask that you set your phone to vibrate or silent mode while in the library.How can I suggest a book or video for the library to purchase?
Current UMBC students, faculty and staff can use the Book Request Form to recommend materials for purchase.How do I go about having an event in the library? Where can I have the event?
All room are reserved through "Campus Scheduling and Guest Services" Ext. 5-2788 - Drema WentzI have a posting I would like to put up; where can I post it?
All postings must be University related and must be approved by the Library Administration Office (Room 353).How can I apply to work at the library?
Current UMBC students can apply online for work as Library Student Assistants. Employment opportunities for professional and technical positions are also available online.
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Other Library Questions
Do you have a lost and found?
Lost &Found is available at the Circulation Desk on the first floor.Where are the Admissions and Financial Aid offices?
There is no entrance to either Admissions or Financial Aid through the library. From in front of the library, take the stairs down towards the pond. Turn right before reaching the pond - Admissions and Financial aid are in the building to your right.Where can I get change?
The library does not make change. The Chevy Chase Bank branch in the Commons will make change during regular business hours. Change is also available at The Communications Services Comm_Store in University CenterIs there a pay phone in the library?
There are no pay phones in the library. Campus phones are located next to the elevators on all floors.Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located next to the elevators on all levels in the library. Additional restrooms are located along the back wall of the lower level and 1st floor, and on the 2nd floor in the Honors College hallway and in the middle of the Serials stacks.
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