Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery

Places to Study

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

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

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

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 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 (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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 1^st, 2^nd, or 7^th 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).

Still have questions about printing?

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:

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

Upcoming Events

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

How to Prepare a Social Science/Humanities Literature Review
Date: Monday February 24th at 12:00pm

Summary: What are some of the best strategies and tips for writing a literature review? Whether you are just starting out with your research or have been involved in your project for a while, this workshop...

How to Write a STEM Literature Review (Introduction)
Date: Tuesday February 25th at 12:00pm

Summary: Have you ever wondered what a literature review is? Have you been assigned to write one and you don’t know where to begin? This workshop will discuss what a literature review is, how to begin the...

How to Use EndNote Online for Citation Management
Date: Monday March 3rd at 12:00pm

Summary: Learn how to utilize the full range of features included in the web-accessible citation manager. This hands-on workshop will focus on setting up an account, importing and transferring references,...

Writing Wednesday Workshop: Stepping up your Research Game: Searching Strategically
Date: Wednesday March 5th at 12:00pm

Summary: Have you ever wondered how to maximize your research time? Have you wished that you didn't feel so aimless in your search for relevant sources? You can adapt strategies from this workshop to find...

Creating an Academic Research Poster Using Canva
Date: Monday March 24th at 12:00pm

Summary: An academic research poster is a visual communication tool that allows you to present your research in a clear, concise, graphic format using a free graphic-design tool to create an academic...

Writing Wednesday Workshop: How to Cite Sources for your Research & Writing
Date: Wednesday April 2nd at 12:00pm

Summary: Do you have questions about how to cite and incorporate sources in your writing assignments? Show your skill as an academic writer & researcher and avoid accidental plagiarism by learning how...

Creating an Academic Research Poster Using PowerPoint
Date: Thursday April 3rd at 12:00pm

Summary: An academic research poster is a visual communication tool that allows you to present your research in a clear, concise, graphic format. Learn how to create a poster that stands out. In this...

How to Conduct a Preliminary U.S. Patent Search
Date: Thursday April 17th at 12:00pm

Summary: Patent searching can be a daunting and overwhelming process. Come learn how to conduct preliminary patent searches of U.S. patents and published applications using free online resources of the USPTO.

Writing Wednesday Workshop: Finding Your Flow: Navigating Final Papers
Date: Wednesday April 30th at 12:00pm

Summary: Do you need a supportive space to finish up your spring semester writing projects? Join members of the UMBC Writing Center in a collective writing space where you can ask questions and/or write in...

Library News

Skill Session with the Public Stories Lab

The Digital Media Lab is teaming up with the Public Stories Lab for an immersive skills-based workshop on Wednesday, February 26.

Visitors will learn about our recording spaces and equipment in the context of storytelling projects.

Date: Wednesday, February 26
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Location: Library DML in 216H (2nd floor near Honors College)

This workshop is limited to 25 participants. To register and learn more, visit the PSL event page.

Read more…

Library Services Specialist, Collection Maintenance
Job no: 494845
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 manages work related to inventory, maintenance, and weeding of the Library’s circulating collections.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.

Under the supervision of the evening Library Services Supervisor, the Library Services Specialist-Collection Maintenance Coordinator serves as the lead on Collection Maintenance projects and provides high-quality circulation and referral services to all Library users at the Circulation and Digital Media Lab service desks. A hybrid telework schedule is not available for this position.

Responsibilities: This position works collaboratively with the evening Library Services Supervisor, Circulation staff, and library student assistants to manage and maintain the quality and usability of the circulating collections and provide daily customer service to the UMBC community. Main responsibilities include:
Coordinates Circulation activities related to inventory, maintenance, and weeding of the Library’s circulating collections;
Directs staff and student assistants in collection maintenance, including daily shelving, shelf-reading, weeding, and shifting assignments;
Identifies problem areas to address overcrowding, coordinating collection shifts in collaboration with relevant Library departments and supervisory staff;
Works assigned shifts at the Digital Media Lab and Circulation desk, providing support, excellent customer service, and high-quality circulation and referral services;
Provides direction to UMBC and community patrons on accessing and using Library & gallery resources/services, including the library catalog, printers, scanners, and other electronic devices;
Helps develop and maintain documentation related to department operations and building security, and those related to collection maintenance tasks and projects;
Trains and provides direction to library student assistants;
Opens and closes the Library & Gallery, including the Digital Media Lab
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 related work experience
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.
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 ability to troubleshoot and provide basic technical assistance to patrons regarding printing, laptops, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
Academic library experience
Experience creating and maintaining training materials or other technical documentation
One year of experience directing or supervising student assistants or junior staff
One year of library collection maintenance experience
A background check will be required. Upload a cover letter, resume, and a supporting document with contact information for three professional references.
Closing date:February 21, 2025

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.

Full-time (40 hours/week).

The work schedule for this position is Sunday through Thursday 4pm to 12:30am. Scheduled hours are subject to change based on changes in Library hours and staffing needs. This is a regular, nonexempt position.

To learn more and apply for this job, please visit the UMBC jobs posting.
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.

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
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
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…

AOK OneSearch

Library Hours

Places to Study

Printing in the Library

Where can I print?

How much does it cost?

How do I pay?

Still have questions about printing?

Equipment Loan

At the Check Out Desk:

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

Upcoming Events

Library News

Search & Find

Using the Library

Research Help

About AOK

Special Collections & Gallery