Library Services and Resources

Faculty with a current USM identity card may borrow books and other library materials that are shelved in unrestricted areas. However, certain types of materials (journals, reference materials, reserve items, nonprint media items, special collections items, and items stamped with a "Do Not Circulate" designation) either do not circulate, or require special permission from the head (or designee) of the unit, department or branch library where the material is located.

In general, the borrowing term for faculty is roughly a year, to a specified date in the same semester of the next year. There is no limit on the number of items that can be borrowed at any time.

Additional information about requesting items from a storage location, fines, extending the loan period, and returning items borrowed are available at Borrowing From University of Maryland Libraries.

The Librarians welcome suggestions and recommendations for new library materials. Additional information about how to make recommendations is available at Building the General Collection and Suggestions of a Title for Purchase . Please also feel free to contact the appropriate subject specialist or fill out a recommendation form at the Reference/Information Desk in any of the Libraries.

Reserve materials are those that faculty members have designated as required reading for particular courses being taught at the University. Materials can include books, short readings such as periodical articles or items from an instructor's personal library.

Faculty who wish to place items on reserve may do so by visiting the Library's Reserves Room, or they may submit their requests online. For additional information and to access the on-line request form, visit the Library's Placing Materials on Reserve webpage.

In-depth Consultation Services offers assistance to track down hard-to-find information, formulate extensive search strategies, evaluate information resources, or provide guidance in using specific library collections, programs or services. These services are for faculty who wish to go beyond services and resources offered through walk-in reference/information desk service. In-depth consultation is available only by appointment with one of the librarian subject specialists.

Reference assistance is also available via e-mail, telephone, and live, real-time interactive web chats. Additional information can be found at Ask Us!