UMBC
Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

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

Winter Hours

January 2 to January 26, 2025
Building Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Exceptions
January 20 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).

Still have questions about printing?


UMBC Campus ID card

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.

Sorry, no upcoming events


Library News

  • Repository Technician (General Assistant)
    Work type: Temporary (Hourly)
    Location: UMBC Campus
    Categories: Administrative/Clerical Support, Library

    Specific duties include:

    • Using established procedures to process submissions for the institutional repository, ScholarWorks@UMBC by using specified methods and workflows to identify, acquire, and prepare the submissions.
    • Determining if works are scope for the repository, if works are published, which versions can be added, and if a version that can be added is available, adding the work to Zotero along with any elements that the publisher requires be included with the submission.
    • Moving sets of works from Zotero to spreadsheets using a set procedure.
    • Finding information to complete load spreadsheets and copying and pasting it into the spreadsheets, running python programs to complete some elements, and determining the format, version, and publisher of works.
    • Checking loaded works for characters that didn’t load correctly and fixing them.
    • Checking student assistant’s work.

    High School Diploma or GED is required.

    Preferred Qualifications: 
    • Two years of experience directly related to the primary duties of the position such as data entry.
    • Proficient with Excel and Google Sheets
    • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; to work independently and exercise initiative in applying rules, procedures and instructions; ability to learn and apply procedures; attention to detail.

    A background check will be required.  Please include a cover letter and your resume along with your application. Screening will begin immediately and continue and applications are submitted. Priority will be given to applications received by January 21, 2025. 

    Hourly Salary Range: Minimum: $18.22 to Maximum: $21.40 commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

    The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This is a Full-Time position (40 hrs./wk.) Monday-Friday. A Hybrid telework agreement might be available after completing training. This is a temporary, non-exempt Contingent I position.  Initial contract is for 6 months with the possibility of renewal.

    To read the full posting and apply, please visit the UMBC jobs site.

    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…

  • ORCID Workshop for Researchers
    When: Thurs. May 11, 2023 at 2-3pm Eastern/ 1-2pm Central/ 12-1pm Mountain/11am-12pm Pacific

    Getting and using your free ORCID iD and ORCID record can help you save time and get credit for your work in funding, publishing, and research reporting workflows. Funding organizations, publishers, and research institutions are increasingly requiring or asking for ORCID iDs from researchers, so this workshop will help you make sure you are ahead of the game.

    In this workshop, we will cover:
    ● An overview of the benefits of ORCID for researchers
    ● How ORCID can help you save time throughout the research landscape
    ● Tips and tricks for keeping your ORCID record up-to-date

    No prior experience with ORCID necessary. The session recording will be sent to all who register. See you there!

    Read more…