The Innovation Lab is OPEN

Meet the new library AOK OneSearch: Primo

Ask a Librarian chat help is available M-F
10AM-5PM

Request a purchase for the library collection

Schedule an online research appointment with a subject librarian


Library Hours

Fall Hours

August 28 to December 20, 2024
Building Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM -12:00 AM

Fall Exceptions
August 28-29 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
September 2 CLOSED
November 26 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
November 27 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
November 28-30 CLOSED


Please make an appointment to use a study space and to visit Special Collections.


Places to Study

Choose one or more to find the right space for you:




Table and whiteboard in a Study Room

Group Study Rooms

These 16 rooms are available to any UMBC faculty, students, or staff. You can reserve one ahead up to five days in advance. Reservations are limited to 3 hours per person or group each day. Book yours today!

Group Study, Conversation Allowed, Whiteboards, Computers, Reservable

Table with seating for one in a Study Room

Individual Study Rooms

These 6 rooms are available to any UMBC faculty, students, or staff. You can reserve one ahead up to five days in advance. Reservations are limited to 3 hours per person each day. Book yours today!

Individual Study, Conversation Allowed, Quiet, Reservable

Booth, computer, and whiteboard in the Retriever Learning Center RLC

Retriever Learning Center (RLC)

The RLC is UMBC's best place for lively group study, scholarly discussion, collaboration, and academic coaching. This room features comfortable, mobile furniture so that students can design their own study spaces. Movable white boards and large monitors allow for collaboration.

Group Study, Conversation Allowed, Whiteboards, 24-hour, Computers, Individual Study

Large conference table in the Retriever Learning Center Seminar Room

Richard Roberts Seminar Room (140)

This room in the RLC is available to UMBC students, faculty, and staff. It contains a small conference table, large-screen monitor, and a projector with cables to connect to your laptop. Reserve the seminar room for your group for periods up to 2 hours.

Group Study, Conversation Allowed, Reservable, 24-hour, Whiteboards, Presentation Space

Door of Lactation Room

Lactation Room (755)

The Library is pleased to offer a Lactation Room for its users who need a private space to express breast milk. The room includes a table, two chairs, an outlet and power strip, and sanitizing wipes. It is located close to the restrooms on the 7th floor. It may be reserved for up to one hour, up to 5 days in advance. A key is also available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Check Out Desk on the Library's first floor. Reserve the Lactation Room for periods up to 1 hour.

Reservable, Quiet, Individual Study, Specialty

Open study room doors

Open Study Rooms

These 12 rooms are left open for students to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Each room has four seats. Room numbers are listed here.

Individual Study, Conversation Allowed

Podium and screen in the Presentation Practice Room

Presentation Practice Room (257)

This room has been set up for students to practice giving presentations, speeches, etc. Bring your flash drive to plug into our one-button recording system - when you're finished, you'll have a recording of your presentation to critique. Reserve the Presentation Practice Room. Reservations are not required but do take precedence over walk-up appointments. You can check out the key at the Check Out desk.

Presentation Space, Conversation Allowed, Group Study, Individual Study, Reservable

Digital Media Lab Mac and scanner

Digital Media Lab (DML)

The Digital Media Lab is open to all UMBC students, faculty, and staff and contains a Whisper Room, an Audio/Video Recording Room, and computer workspaces with editing software. Book time in the Whisper Room or Audio/Video Recording Room here. For information on hours and available equipment, please visit the DML homepage.

Creation Space, Computers, Reservable, Group Study, Individual Study, Conversation Allowed

Rows of chairs and screen in the Screening Room

Screening Room (258)

Our Screening Room is designed for groups to view films. It features a Blu-ray/DVD player, Windows computer, HD Plasma TV, and VHS player. A minimum of 3 people is required to use the room. Reserve the Screening Room. Reservations are not required but do take precedence over walk-up appointments. You can check out the key at the Check Out desk.

Reservable, Conversation Allowed, Presentation Space

Doors and windows of faculty study rooms

Faculty Study Rooms

These 32 rooms are available to UMBC faculty, as well as visiting and Emeritus faculty. They are assigned each semester; to apply for a room, please fill out an application form.

Individual Study, Quiet, Reservable

Workstation in an Assistive Technology Room

Assistive Technology Rooms

Ask at the Check Out desk to access Room 455. It is equipped with Jaws screenreader software, magnifiers, and scanners. Learn more about assistive technology facilities.

Individual Study, Computers

Stairwell from first to second floor

Floors 1, 2, and 7

The first, second, and seventh floors of the AOK Library have 160 computers (both Macs and PCs) for student use, as well as printers, scanners, and photocopiers.

Individual Study, Group Study, Computers, Conversation Allowed

Study tables

Floors 3 and 4

The third and fourth floors of the AOK Library are designated Quiet areas, so please keep volume to a whisper. These floors have 22 (PCs) for student use.

Quiet, Individual Study, Computers

Quiet sign and book stacks on Floor 5

Floors 5 and 6

The fifth and sixth floors of the AOK Library are designated Absolute Quiet areas at all times. These floors have 32 computers (PCs) for student use.

Individual Study, Absolute Quiet, Computers

Group table and large monitor in the 2nd Floor Study Area

2nd Floor Study Area

Head up to the 2nd floor and take a left at the Serials sign - there you'll find a group study space featuring whiteboards, big tables, and large monitors with cables to connect to your laptop.

Group Study, Whiteboards, Conversation Allowed

Chair near the windows in the Library Atrium

Atrium

The entry hall of the library is a vibrant social and conversation space. It is open 24 hours a day.

Individual Study, Group Study, 24-hour, Conversation Allowed

Lockers

Daily Lockers

Daily lockers are available to UMBC students, faculty, and staff for a 24 hour period. Daily locker keys are checked out at the Check Out Desk. For more information, please visit the Locker page.

Lockers

Semester Lockers

Semester lockers are a great place for UMBC students, faculty, and staff to store their study materials. They are assigned each semester; to apply for a locker, please fill out an application form. For more information, please visit the Locker page.

Reservable

Table and screen in the Collaboration Room

Collaboration Room (368)

This room is available to UMBC students, faculty, and staff. It contains a small conference table and a smart TV with Chromecast, which allows a laptop, tablet or smartphone to stream content to the screen. Reserve this room for your group of 3-7 people for periods up to 3 hours. You can find instructions for how to use Chromecast here (Note: the Chromecast device is already connected to the room screen).

Presentation Space, Conversation Allowed, Group Study, Reservable

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Printing in the Library

Where can I print?

  • You can print from any of our computers.
  • You can print from any laptop or mobile device using Pharos MobilePrint.
  • You must release and pick up the print job on the 1st, 2nd, or 7th floor, or in the RLC.

How much does it cost?

  • Black and white: $0.10 per side
  • Color: $0.70 per side

How do I pay?

  • UMBC Campus ID card
    Add more money online using a credit card or add cash at the Campus Information Center (Commons) or Student Business Services (Admin).


Equipment Loan

Did you know that the Library loans laptops and a variety of audio and video equipment? Laptops are available at the Check Out Desk. For everything else, head up to the Digital Media Lab (DML) on the 2nd floor - all equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Full descriptions of the available equipment and instruction manuals are available on the DML homepage. Please take a moment to read the Equipment Loan Policies and Laptop Loan Policies pages for detailed information about the program.


At the Check Out Desk:

Picture of Dell Laptop Dell LATITUDE E6440
Laptop (7 Days)
Available at Check Out Desk;
Click here to see availability.
Picture of MacBook Pro MacBook Pro 13"
Laptop (7 Days)
Available at Check Out Desk;
Click here to see availability.
Picture of HP Chromebook HP Chromebook
(7 Days)
Available at Check Out Desk;
Click here to see availability.
Picture of HP Chromebook HP Chromebook II
(4 Hours)
Available at Check Out Desk;
Click here to see availability.


In the Digital Media Lab:

The Digital Media Lab has a variety of A/V equipment for use and checkout. Click here to see what's available.



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Upcoming Events

 Other events scheduled in the Library can be found on the full Events page.

  • AOK OneSearch Workshop for Students

    Date: Thursday October 17th at 12:00pm

    Summary: UMBC, along with 17 other libraries across the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI), implemented a new OneSearch library discovery system called Primo. OneSearch...


  • AOK OneSearch Workshop for Students

    Date: Wednesday October 30th at 12:00pm

    Summary: UMBC, along with 17 other libraries across the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI), implemented a new OneSearch library discovery system called Primo. OneSearch...


  • Special Collections Open House

    Date: Thursday October 31st at 12:00pm

    Summary: Mark your calendars for a haunting Halloween afternoon of apparitions, psychic phenomenon, thoughtography and cartomancy in Special Collections and the Library Gallery! Special Collections will...


  • The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery presents: An Occult Afternoon at AOK: Tarot in the Library & Gallery

    Date: Thursday October 31st at 12:00pm

    Summary: When:  Halloween, Thursday, October 31st  12-1 PM (Free Hour!) Where: Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery Come and join us on Halloween during Free Hour for an occult afternoon at the AOK Library...


  • AOK OneSearch Workshop

    Date: Tuesday November 12th at 12:00pm

    Summary: AOK OneSearch offers one-stop searching for UMBC’s books, articles, videos, archives, and more.  AOK OneSearch also allows you to discover and request materials available at other libraries in...



Library News

  • Library Services Specialist, Interlibrary Borrowing
    Job no: 494729 (apply here)
    Work type: Staff Full-time
    Location: UMBC Campus
    Categories: Library

    UMBC Library is seeking a customer-focused and detail-oriented individual to provide essential support to our users and partner libraries with high-quality interlibrary loan, document delivery, and course reserves services.

    Under the supervision of the Head of Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves, the Interlibrary Borrowing Specialist processes borrowing requests to satisfy UMBC patrons’ needs.

    UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $48,138 and has 14 days of vacation as well as winter break, spring break, and personal days for regular full time roles.  Tuition remission is also available. 

    What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.  A hybrid telework schedule may be available after completing probation.

    Responsibilities:

    • Queries national and local online databases and library catalogs, as well as Internet and reference sources, to search and verify bibliographic references.
    • Communicates professionally with library users as needed to clarify requests; searches and retrieves books and journals from library collections.
    • Updates ILLiad, Rapid ILL, and OCLC records and requests. Works extensively with ILLiad database records for requests and user accounts.
    • Trains and provides direction to library staff and student assistants and prepares and maintains documentation on tasks related to interlibrary borrowing and document delivery and for other departmental tasks as needed.
    • This position is cross-trained to provide support for Course Reserves services, including requesting copyright permissions, creating and maintaining course reserves records using Ares automated course reserves system, updating item records in Alma, and communicating with faculty regarding requests.
    • Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves staff serve as back-up at the library service desk and ensure library users are served courteously, promptly, and in accordance with the Public Services Division’s values.
    Required Minimum Qualifications:


    • Bachelor’s Degree or related experience at the substitution rate of 30 college credits to one year of experience.
    • One year of experience directly related to the primary duties of the position
    • Demonstrated ability to understand and apply basic principles of quality customer service, teamwork, and conflict resolution
    • Demonstrated ability to learn and operate common computing and productivity applications (e.g., word processing, databases and spreadsheets, web browsers, Google Suite, etc.)

    Note: Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

    Preferred Qualifications: 

    • Experience with an electronic resource sharing management system (e.g., ILLiad)
    • Experience with an Integrated Library System (e.g., Alma)
    • Experience with an electronic course reserves system (e.g., Ares)
    • Experience with a course management system (e.g., Blackboard)
    • Knowledge of copyright guidelines and best practices
    A background check will be required. Upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The closing date is Monday, October 28, 2024.

    Benefits:

    UMBC offers a rich benefits package including the following for nonexempt regular employees.

    Generous Leave which includes accruing the following for full time positions:

    • 14 Days of Annual Leave  (increases with years of service)
    • 15 Days of Sick Leave  
    • 15 Holidays
    • 3 Personal Days

    Tuition Remission:

    • 8 credit hours per semester
    • Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

    Additional Benefits:

    • Life and disability insurance
    • Retirement/Pension plan
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Wellness opportunities
    • & Much more

    Contingent II positions may include benefits

    Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position. 

    Pay Range 10 (minimum: $48,138 maximum: $79,389) based on the University System of Maryland (USM) Pay Program.

    The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding, USM Board of Regent policies, internal equity, budget and qualifications and experience. Most salary offers will be close to the minimum part of the range.

    The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

    Hours:

    • Full-time (40Hrs./wk).
    • The work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday daytime hours.
    • Scheduled hours are subject to change based on changes in library hours and staffing needs, with some telework options available.
    This is a regular, nonexempt position. UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here. If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

    Please visit the UMBC jobs site to apply

    Read more…


  • Library Services Specialist, Equipment Loan & Digital Media Lab
    Job no: 494715
    Work type: Staff Full-time
    Location: UMBC Campus
    Categories: Library

    The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery’s Circulation department is seeking a detail-oriented individual to provide high-quality customer service to Library users and perform thorough maintenance to the circulating equipment collections.

    Under the supervision of the Digital Media Lab (DML) Supervisor, the Library Services Specialist serves as the lead for the Laptop Loan Program and provides daily support and excellent customer service to Library users at the Circulation desk and Digital Media Lab.

    UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $48,138 and has 14 days of vacation as well as winter break, spring break, and personal days for regular full time roles.  Tuition remission is also available. 

    What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed. And read about our recent award, UMBC is a 2023 Great College to Work for…. In every category.

    A telework schedule is not available for this position.

    Responsibilities: This position works collaboratively with the DML Supervisor, Circulation staff, and library student assistants to provide loaner equipment and daily customer service to the UMBC community. Main responsibilities include:

    • Leads the Library’s Laptop Loan Program in partnership with the UMBC Division of Information Technology (DoIT);
    • Maintains and creates guidelines, procedures, statistics, and other documentation of the Laptop Loan Program;
    • Performs inventory, regular maintenance, and troubleshooting of laptops and loaner equipment;
    • Works assigned shifts at the DML and Circulation desk, providing support, excellent customer service, and high-quality circulation and referral services;
    • Assists users with printers, scanners, and basic use of equipment and audio/video editing software;
    • Provides instruction and training, including workshops and tours, on equipment loan and DML services to Library users, staff, and student assistants;
    • Assists with troubleshooting, inventory, documentation, and purchasing of DML cameras and A/V equipment;
    • Opens and closes the DML and assists with opening/closing the Library as needed;
    • Participates in cross-departmental and consortial projects, committee, and task groups as appropriate, and regularly participates in professional development activities.
    Required Minimum Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’s Degree.
    • One year of experience directly related to the primary duties of the position.
    • Ability to work independently and exercise initiative in applying rules, procedures, and instructions.
    • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to understand and apply basic principles of quality customer service, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
    • Demonstrated skill in analytical and problem solving.
    • Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with users and staff, internal and external stakeholders, and to provide guidance and instruction to student assistants.
    • Demonstrated ability to learn and operate common computing and productivity applications (e.g., word processing, databases and spreadsheets, web browsers, email and electronic calendars).
    • Demonstrated familiarity with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and maintain laptops and media equipment, including still and video cameras, audio recorders, microphones, tripods, and lighting kits.

    Note: Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

    Preferred Qualifications: 

    • Academic library experience.
    • Experience creating and maintaining training materials or other technical documentation.
    • One year of experience troubleshooting and/or maintaining laptops and/or media equipment, including still and video cameras, audio recorders, microphones, tripods, and lighting kits.
    • One year of experience using and/or instructing others on the use of audio and video editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, etc.).
    Upload a cover letter, resume, and a supporting document with contact information for three professional references. A background check will be required. 

    Closing date: Wednesday, October 17, 2024

    UMBC offers a rich benefits package including the following for nonexempt regular employees.

    Generous Leave which includes accruing the following for full time positions:

    • 14 Days of Annual Leave  (increases with years of service)
    • 15 Days of Sick Leave  
    • 15 Holidays
    • 3 Personal Days

    Tuition Remission:

    • 8 credit hours per semester
    • Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

    Additional Benefits:

    • Life and disability insurance
    • Retirement/Pension plan
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Wellness opportunities
    • & Much more

    Contingent II positions may include benefits

    Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position. 

    Salary: Pay Range 10 (minimum: $48,138 maximum: 79,389) based on the University System of Maryland (USM) Pay Program.

    The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding, USM Board of Regent policies, internal equity, budget and qualifications and experience. Most salary offers will be close to the minimum part of the range.

    The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

    Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week).

    The work schedule for this position is Tuesday–Thursday 11:00am to 7:30pm and Friday–Saturday 10:00am to 6:30pm. Scheduled hours are subject to change based on changes in Library hours and staffing needs. 

    This is a regular type position. 

    FLSA Status:Nonexempt

    If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

    As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

    To apply, visit the UMBC jobs website


    Read more…


  • New Equipment at the Digital Media Lab
    The Digital Media Lab is excited to offer three new equipment models to our users: the Nikon D7500, the Canon T7 webcam kit, and the Magnus tripod.

    Bring your UMBC card and visit the DML on the library's 2nd floor to borrow equipment for one week at a time. All of our items are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved or renewed.

    More info, including other available equipment and our loan policies, can be found at AOK Digital Media Lab.

    Picture of Nikon D7500

    Nikon D7500 with 18-140mm Lens
    • 20.9 MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor
    • 100-51,200 ISO that can be expanded to 1,640,000
    • 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160 at 30/25/23p) and time-lapse recording
    • Comes with 32GB SD card, USB cable, and battery charger

    Picture of RT7 web kit

    Canon EOS Rebel T7 with 18-55mm Lens and Webcam Kit
    • 24.1 MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor
    • ISO 100-6400 and Full HD 1080/30p video recording
    • Includes a power adapter for continuous recording; good for streaming or video calls
    • To use as a webcam, you'll need to download EOS Webcam Utility software

    Picture of Magnus tripod

    Magnus PV-3330G Photo/Video Tripod
    • Maximum height of 66.7" / 1.7m and folds to 24.4" / 62cm
    • Center-locking brace and counterweight hook
    • Quick-release plate supports up to 11lb
    • Circulates in convenient carry bag

    Read more…


  • Farewell to the Virtual Study Room
    The Library's Virtual Study Room is graduating! We have been proud to offer this online study and support space as a resource for students, especially during and in the years following COVID. As we move forward, the VSR will be closing down on December 21 to allow us to prioritize other library services. 

    It has been a pleasure to watch the VSR grow over the past years and we know it has been a special place for many of you! We look forward to seeing you in the Library and hope you will continue to take advantage of all that we have to offer.
     
    A huge thank you to our student staff who developed, supported, and maintained the space in Discord: noshsplice1, wingsofmorning, and theclowncorp. You're the best!

    Read more…


  • ICPSR Short Workshops
    Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Summer Program short workshops feature instruction in a specific statistical technique or research method over the period of a week or two. They offer short workshops in a range of topics, including machine learning, mixed methods, causal inference, quantitative methods to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more.

    For online short workshops, you can participate synchronously via Zoom or watch lecture recordings asynchronously at your convenience. ICPSR also offers several in-person short workshops for those topics that rely on in-person learning and collaboration. In ICPSR short workshops, you’ll have direct access to  exceptional faculty, as well as extended access to lecture recordings and workshop materials until December 31, 2023.

    UMBC is a member of ICPSR so anyone affiliated with UMBC attend at the member price. 

    For more information on ICPSR short workshops and other summer programs, visit the program overview.

    Read more…