Q. As an alumnus of UMD, can I access the Libraries' holdings?

Hello,

The UMD Libraries provide access to hundreds of databases, most of which can be accessed by visitors on library computers.  Just bring a current photo ID to a service desk at any of the six College Park campus libraries to obtain a guest account, which will allow you to log in to our Dell public computers and use these resources.  

Access to e-resources off campus is only available to current UMD students, faculty, staff, and research affiliates and retired faculty/staff.

Note: there are a few resources that can only be accessed by UMD students, faculty, staff, and research affiliates, as they require authentication with a Directory ID and password even when on campus.  These are:

• Chem BioDraw Ultra
• EBL (EBooks)
• Factiva
• SciFinder Scholar

Anyone may use UMD Libraries books within the libraries for free. There are two programs that allow community members who are not current UMD students, faculty, staff, and research affiliates and retired faculty/staff to borrow library materials, though: the Community Borrowers and Community Researchers programs. 

Community Borrower costs $50 per year for Maryland residents ($25 per year for UMD Alumni Association Members and $100 per year for non-Maryland residents). With a Community Borrower card you may borrow up to 25 books at a time. The loan period is 30 days and books may be renewed one time.

Community Researcher costs $100 per year for Maryland residents (it is not available to non-Maryland residents). With a Community Researcher card, you may borrow up to 100 books at a time. The loan period is 56 days and books may be renewed twice.

More information about both programs can be found on our Community Borrowers page.

Note: Community Borrower Card picking up and processing ends 30 minutes prior to closing.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and thank you for using AskUs!