Research Guides: Information Literacy Toolkit: Resource for Teaching Faculty: Finding Books

Focus Area

Books are an important publication venue for many disciplines. Although much of the UMD Libraries collection can be accessed online, there are certain materials that are only available in print. There are a few things to keep in mind as students are searching for books:

Request Materials for Pickup
UMD Libraries includes 6 branches and an off-site storage facility. Students should make sure they are looking for a book in a location where they can access it, or search in advance so they can have time to request the material be sent for pickup.
ILL (Interlibrary Loan)
Need a book, DVD, etc. that isn't available from our library? Interlibrary Loan Services will automatically look for the fastest way to fulfill your requests. Whether it's available through partners like the Big Ten Academic Alliance or held by other libraries worldwide, simply submit your request and we'll help you get what you need.

Top Textbooks
The Libraries have purchased textbooks for the largest courses on campus! They are available at the McKeldin Library Services Desk, and you can borrow them for 4 hours at a time.

Finding a Book in McKeldin Library for Visitors Packet
This packet walks visitors through how to find books and prepare to search in the stacks of McKeldin Library.

UMD Discover
The UMD Libraries have thousands of physical and electronic books. All of these can be accessed using our catalog, UMD Discover.

EBook Reference Guide
The UMD Libraries eBook collections support teaching and research at the UMD. This EBook guide covers how to find and download eBooks from our catalog, via a reader, and tips on dealing with issues that may arise.
Reading an LCC Call Number
The UMD Libraries uses the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) System. This online guide walks students through how to read an LCC call number.

Find a Book in McKeldin (Handout)
This handout includes the McKeldin Library Floor Map on the front and on the back the breakdown of the LCC call system and diagram of an LCC call number.