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 Spring 2026

Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Retriever Learning Center (RLC) is open 24 hours


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

The Library loans laptops and a variety of audio/video equipment. You can request a laptop using the links below and pick it up from the Circulation desk. The Digital Media Lab (DML) has a variety of audio/video equipment available on a first-come, first-served basis and you can reserve select models through the Equipment Holds Program. Please take a moment to read the Equipment Loan Policies and Laptop Loan Policies pages for detailed information.


At the Circulation Desk:

Picture of Dell Laptop Dell Latitude
Laptop (7 Days)
Available at Circulation Desk;
Click here to see availability and place a hold.
Picture of MacBook Pro MacBook Pro
Laptop (7 Days)
Available at Circulation Desk;
Click here to see availability and place a hold.
Picture of HP Chromebook HP Chromebook
(7 Days)
Available at Circulation Desk;
Click here to see availability and place a hold.
Picture of HP Chromebook HP Chromebook
(7 Hours)
Available at Circulation Desk


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 Use Zotero for Citation Management

    Date: Monday February 9th at 12:00pm

    Summary: Have you ever wondered if there is a better way to organize your citations? Have you used citation software in the past but have some lingering questions? This workshop provides an overview of...


  • Library Services for Graduate Student Success

    Date: Monday February 9th at 3:00pm

    Summary: Co-sponsored by the Division of Professional Studies and the Office of Professional Programs. Lunch will be provided to in-person attendees! Explore resources and services the library has to...


  • Navigating the UMBC Library: Resources and Support for International Students

    Date: Wednesday February 11th at 12:00pm

    Summary: Explore the resources and services the Albin O. Kuhn (AOK) Library offers to support international students, including online databases, research help, and finding academic sources on the library...


  • How to Prepare a Social Science/Humanities Literature Review

    Date: Tuesday February 17th at 3:00pm

    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...


  • Listening Session on AI & Higher Education

    Date: Wednesday February 18th at 11:30am

    Summary: Have you been seeing more announcements or emails related to AItools or usage on campus? Do you have questions regarding therecent guidelines that were shared on the use of artificial intelligence...


  • How to Write a STEM Literature Review (Introduction)

    Date: Wednesday February 18th at 1:00pm

    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...


  • Skills for Graduate Students: Technical & Professional Writing

    Date: Thursday February 19th at 4:00pm

    Summary: This workshop introduces the fundamentals of technical writing for graduate students across disciplines. Participants will learn what qualifies as technical writing, when to use it, and how it...


  • Accessing Newspaper Sources at UMBC

    Date: Monday February 23rd at 12:00pm

    Summary: The Library provides access to a wide variety of newspaper sources through online databases, in print, and even microfilm. This microworkshop will quickly review all the methods for accessing...


  • How to Write a STEM Literature Review (Advanced)

    Date: Tuesday February 24th at 12:00pm

    Summary: Is writing the literature review a stumbling block? This workshop will help you to learn how to begin and advance your literature review, and how to connect your ideas to the literature in the field.


  • Listening Session on AI & Higher Education

    Date: Wednesday February 25th at 12:00pm

    Summary: Have you been seeing more announcements or emails related to AI tools or usage on campus? Do you have questions regarding the recent guidelines that were shared on the use of artificial...



Library News

  • AOK Spring Semester Hours
    The library will be open the following schedule during spring semester:

    Monday–Thursday        8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

    Friday                            8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Saturday                       10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Sunday                          12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    The RLC and atrium are open 24/7 with Retriever Card swipe.

    Please note: the library follows all campus closures and will be closed on Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, due to inclement weather. You will still be able to swipe in to the atrium and RLC. Stay warm and safe this weekend!


    Read more…


  • Winter at Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery

    January Building Hours

    Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM
    Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    Saturday: CLOSED
    Sunday: 12 PM - 7 PM
    We are closed on all campus holidays.

    The Circulation Desk is open during all building hours.

    January Research Help Hours

    Chat: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM
    Research Help Desk: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 3 PM

    Visit this link to chat with a librarian and this link to make a research appointment!

    January Spaces and Services

    Study Rooms: All study rooms are available in January. Visit this link to reserve a space. We also have open rooms on floors 2 and 4-7.

    Lockers: Lockers are available for daily or semester-long checkout. Applications are no longer required! Visit the Circulation Desk to check out the key for a locker.

    Chargers and equipment: Laptops, calculators, headphones, chargers, and A/V equipment are all available to be checked out from the Circulation Desk in January. 

    Digital Media Lab: Equipment can be retrieved from the Circulation Desk. You can also place a request for select models. Recording spaces are available by appointment.

    Special Collections Reading Room: The Reading Room is open by appointment during Winter Session.

    Gallery: The Library Gallery is closed during Winter Session while the spring exhibit is installed.

    Spring semester hours will begin on January 26, 2026.

    Read more…


  • Chargers Available at the Library
    Chargers for mobile devices are now available to check out at the library.


    What chargers can I borrow?
    • USB-C Universal Laptop Chargers
    • MacBook T-pin Chargers
    • Dell Large Barrel Charger
    • USB-C to Small HP Barrel Adapter
    • USB-C to Large HP Barrel Adapter
    • USB-C Phone and Tablet Chargers
    • Micro-USB Phone and Tablet Chargers
    • Apple Lightning Phone and Tablet Chargers

    What are the borrowing rules?
    • Current students, faculty, and staff can borrow
    • Loan period is 7 hours
    • Available on a first-come, first-served basis

    I don't see the type of charger I need. Where can I suggest other types?

    So, I don't have to check out a whole Chromebook bag for a charger?
    Nope! These are new chargers that check out on their own. 




    Read more…


  • Visit the Digital Media Lab
    The DML offers free equipment loans, two recording spaces, and Mac editing stations. 


    What kind of equipment do you have?
    Quite a few models of DSLRs plus tripods, audio recorders, camcorders, mini-projectors, and DVD drives (among others). Find a full list and details on our website under "Equipment that can be checked out."

    Unless you request an item, everything is available on a first-come, first-served basis.


    How do I request an item for pickup at the Circulation desk?
    It's pretty easy! Visit this website and click on what you want, then sign in with your myUMBC credentials and click "Request from UMBC."

    Note: when you request an item, you enter a queue for the next available one. 


    What new equipment have you added?
    Glad you asked. We've now got:
    • Aaxa P6 projectors with built-in streaming apps
    • Two-person Rode podcast kits with USB connection and optional crane arms
    • Four-person Rode podcast kit with USB connection and optional crane arms
    Note: the podcast kit bags are bulky


    How do I book time in the Whisper Room or A/V Room?
    On our website under Spaces, choose the room and click "Reserve this Space." You need to book the room at least 24 hours in advance (walk-ups are fine if no one reserved it).

    FYI, the Whisper Room only fits one person!


    Do I need a reservation to use a Mac?
    Nope, no reservation needed. You must use headphones and we may restrict conversations if someone is recording. The Macs have Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro, Audacity, Garage Band, and other standard software. One has a flatbed scanner that can process slide negatives.


    How do I find you?
    It can be tricky! We're in room 216H on the second floor, next to the Honors College. 

    From the elevators: turn left and go until you see a bunch of double doors on your right. Pass through those doors and continue straight. We've got a digital sign outside our door.


    Can I bring my class or student org to tour the DML?
    Absolutely! Please reach out to circlib-group@umbc.edu and staff will coordinate your visit.

    Read more…


  • Build Your Research Toolkit: New Grad Student Workshops from AOK Library!

    Skills for Graduate Students is a new series of practical library workshops designed to support your research, writing, and organization.

    This fall, we're offering four sessions: technical writing, systematic reviews, advanced literature searching, and managing your research process. Each workshop is hands-on, interdisciplinary, and open to all graduate students.

    Interested in a session but can’t attend live? Register on myUMBC to receive the recording and slides after the event.

    Find full details and sign up at the individual event pages linked below!

    Technical Writing: Tools for clear and effective technical writing | Tues. 09/23, 3–4 PM

    Read more…