Request a purchase for the library collection

Virtual Study Room Available
Learn more

Curbside returns available for locker keys & materials
Learn more

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

Schedule an online research appointment with a subject librarian


Library Hours

Spring Hours

January 30 to May 26, 2023
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

Extended spring hours
May 12 – May 23
Friday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12 Noon – 02:00 AM
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM – 02:00 AM

Summer Hours

May 27 to August 29, 2023
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

Summer Exceptions
Monday, May 29th CLOSED
Monday, June 19th CLOSED
Tuesday, July 4th CLOSED
Sunday, August 20th CLOSED
Monday, August 21st - Friday, August 25th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 27th CLOSED
Monday, August 28th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 29th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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:




Virtual Study Room

Virtual Study Space

With AOK Library's Virtual Study Room (VSR), you can work alongside your fellow Retrievers for a focused study environment.

The VSR is a Discord server that is available 24/7. Join here: https://discord.gg/urNPbqdgXp.
Find more information about getting started on Discord.
For more information, including hours when student support is available: https://lib.guides.umbc.edu/virtualstudyroom

Virtual Study Space, Conversation Allowed, Group Study, Reservable

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.

Sorry, no upcoming events


Library News

  • 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…


  • Accounting & Receiving Clerk
    Job no: 494091
    Work type: Staff Full-time
    Location: UMBC Campus
    Categories: Administrative/Clerical Support, Library

    The Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery commits to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion for our users, staff, collections, environment and services. We strive to create and maintain a community that acknowledges, encourages, appreciates and celebrates differences. For more information: Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

    Under direct supervision, the Accounting & Receiving Clerk routinely receives, stores and distributes supplies; submits purchase requisition in PAW; and uses a university purchase card for materials and equipment for both the Library and the Gallery. The position reports to the Business Services Specialist.

    UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $33,997 and has 11 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 2022 Great College to Work for…. In every category.

    A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

    The Accounting & Receiving Clerk/Storekeeper II position verifies and records incoming and outgoing shipments and prepares items for shipment by performing the following duties:

    Receiving Clerk Duties:

    • Receives and inspects shipments for compliance with delivery documents and purchase order specifications, rejecting damaged items, recording shortages, and corresponding with shippers to rectify damages and shortages.
    • Reports defective materials or questionable conditions to the department supervisor.
    • Determines the method of shipment, utilizing knowledge of shipping procedures, routes and rates. Affixes shipping labels on packed cartons or boxes. Posts weights and shipping charges and affixes postage.

    Purchasing/Accounting:


    • Supports and assists with preparing purchase requisitions.
    • Authorizes release of shipments and submits invoices for payment.
    • Will assist with cash receipt documentation for daily deposits.
    • Will process invoices in UMBC PAW for Library and Gallery.
    • Amongst other duties, will process requisitions, contracts and payment requests for all Library Departments. Process payments using the UMBC purchasing card while maintaining backup documentation. Process all Library supply orders using the purchasing card or PAW system.
    Required Minimum Qualifications:

    • High School Diploma or GED
    • Two years of related experience

    Position requires extensive standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and lifting to transport and stock assigned supplies and materials. This position must frequently lift and move items over 50 to 60 pounds.

    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: 

    • Knowledge of issuing and storing supplies, materials and equipment 
    • The ability to perform basic math and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
    • The ability to operate a pallet jack to move equipment.
    • Knowledge of computers and other standard office equipment 
    A background check will be required. 

    Upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. The position will be open until filled. 

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

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

    • 11 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 06 (starting at $33,997) based on the University System of Maryland Pay Program.


    For more information and to apply, please visit the UMBC jobs site.

    Read more…


  • Associate Director, Library Technology & Digital Strategies
    Job no: 494057
    Work type: Faculty- Librarian
    Location: UMBC Campus

    The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery promotes intellectual growth and creativity by developing high quality collections, facilitating access to information resources, and furthering innovative teaching and learning. In support of the University's mission, our Library is dedicated to diversity, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.

    For more information visit: https://library.umbc.edu/

    Responsibilities: The Associate Director and Head of Library Technology & Digital Strategies will envision a new library technology and digital strategies model for the UMBC faculty, staff, and students.  As a member of the Library Executive Team, the Associate Director and Head of Library Technology & Digital Strategies is expected to have knowledge of trends in research and learning in the academic library setting.  The Associate Director and Head of Library Technology & Digital Strategies collaborates with university colleagues to determine how the library can best support emerging research initiatives.  The position does not include budgetary responsibility. While working with the UMBC Division of Information Technology (DoIT), the Associate Director advises library leadership on current, new and emerging library applications and knowledge systems that will advance the library’s vision, mission and strategic plan (https://library.umbc.edu/admin/StrategicPlan2018.pdf).

    The Associate Director and Head of Library Technology & Digital Strategies is expected to be strategic and innovative to move the Albin O. Kuhn Library and its technology and digital strategies forward in a rapidly changing environment of research and education. Specific duties include:

    • Leads the library’s investigation and implementation of emerging technology to better serve the library’s clientele.

    • Develops a technology plan that builds on the University and Library strategic plans to address new opportunities and pursue possibilities of adapting and applying technology solutions.

    • Develops a plan for scheduled updating of hardware and software.

    • In collaboration with the Director and Associate Directors, participates in library planning; serves on library-wide, university and university system committees and task forces including the Library Executive Council.

    • Represents the UMBC Library on appropriate state, regional and national committees.

    • Represents the UMBC Library in the adoption and technical integration of new University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) technology projects.

    • Works in partnership with the campus DoIT for discovery, planning and implementation of new technology and insures that library systems and computing are robust and operational.

    • Keeps current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and costs.

    • Provides leadership in coordinating and defining technology requirements for library-wide projects and initiatives.

    • Oversees Library Information Technology Services composed of library faculty and staff and student employees and works with other areas of the library and university that are affiliated with technology.

    • Manage a full time staff of five and student workers.

    Required Minimum Qualifications: 
    • ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent advanced degree.

    • Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT-related project management in an academic library setting.

    • Demonstrated experience and scholarship to be eligible for appointment at the rank of Librarian II and to meet the university requirements for reappointment, promotion, and permanent status as outlined in part 6.6 of the Faculty Handbook https://provost.umbc.edu/faculty-handbook

    • Experience with library technologies and technology planning and demonstrated knowledge of current technology trends.

    • Demonstrated experience in implementing new technologies or services, e.g. virtual servers, immersive technologies, and maker spaces.

    • Strong analytical and decision making skills.

    • Minimum 3 years of experience managing and developing staff.

    • Proven leadership and management skills.

    • Proven experience working in a collaborative team environment.

    • Ability to work collaboratively across the University to advance the technology needs of the library and library users.

    • Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to communicate clearly, knowledgeably and personably both verbally and in writing.

    Preferred Qualifications:  
    • Knowledge and understanding of significant trends and issues in the application of information technology to libraries and higher education, including research support and information management services and solutions.

    • Experience working with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, client side computing and cloud technology.

    • Experience developing IT policies for workflows and software support.

    • Experience working with assistive technology for accommodation and accessibility.

    • Demonstrated record of participation in relevant professional associations and ongoing professional development.

    • Experience working with a larger campus information and computing group.

    • Experience working in a consortia of libraries.

    Special Instructions to Applicants:
    Application materials must include a CV/resume; a cover letter which addresses your 5 year vision of the University Library of the Future; statement on diversity and inclusion; three references including names, addresses and phone numbers.

    Questions: For questions about submitting application materials, contact Teresa Reese at reeset@umbc.edu

    For questions about the position, contact Lynda Aldana at laldana@umbc.edu

    Screening of Applications Begins: 

    Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but full consideration will be given to complete applications received by March 1, 2023.  

    Salary & Benefits: This position is a full time (40 hours/week), 12-month library faculty appointment at anticipated rank of Librarian II. Salary commensurate with experience—minimum salary $85,000. Comprehensive benefits.

    The successful candidate will be expected to meet library and university requirements for reappointment, promotion, and permanent status, as outlined in part 6.6 of the Faculty Handbook - http://provost.umbc.edu/faculty-handbook/.

    Hours: Full-time

    About UMBC: UMBC, an honors university serving more than 11,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, is one of two public universities in Maryland to achieve the “doctoral/research university-extensive” Carnegie classification. Located just outside Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, the campus is growing rapidly under dynamic leadership.

    Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts (https://diversity.umbc.edu/).

    To read the complete job listing and to apply, please view this position on the UMBC jobs site.

    Read more…


  • Visit the Digital Media Lab
    We've got DSLR cameras, camcorders, microphones, tripods, a green screen, and more! Bring your UMBC card to the 2nd floor* of the library and borrow equipment for seven days for FREE.

    *Located in room 216H next to Honors College

    Find info about our policies, equipment availability, and recording spaces at tinyurl.com/aok-dml.

    Here's a complete list of equipment you could take home:

    Photo/Video
    • Canon Rebel T3i DSLR Cameras
    • Canon Rebel T5i DSLR Camera
    • Canon Rebel T7i DSLR Cameras
    • Canon Rebel T7 DSLR Cameras
    • Nikon D3000 DSLR Cameras
    • Canon VIXIA R800 Camcorders
    • GoPro HERO4 Silver Cameras

    Mounts
    • Manfrotto MKC3-H01 Tripods
    • Joby Phone Mounts
    • Vello ActionPan Stabilizing Grips
    • Joby GorillaPods
    • Revo SR-1000 Shoulder Mounts

    Audio
    • Zoom H4n Recorders
    • Sony ECM-44B Lavalier Microphones
    • Movo PM10 Lavalier Microphones
    • Rode VideoMic GO Shotgun Microphones
    • Tascam DR-10L Recorders with Lavalier Microphone

    Accessories
    • Bescor LED144 Studio Light Kit
    • Additional 32GB SD Cards

    Other
    • Aaxa P300 Mini Projectors
    • Portable USB Conference Microphones
    • Transcription Foot Pedals
    • Portable DVD Player/Writers
    • Digital Voice Recorders

    Coming soon: T8i cameras, new lights, and new microphones

    Read more…