For more information about accessing our collections in-person or remotely.
To view materials or place duplication orders from the collection.
To view materials in the reading room.
For more information about fees, citations, and other details about placing an order for copies.
This guide provides information on how to:
Request can be made with your Special Collections Account directly from our discovery tools, including the Online Catalog (Classic and Worldcat), Digital Collections, and the Archives Collections Database.
All researchers using materials from Special Collections at UMD must register for a Special Collections Account.
This account allows researchers to manage their research online. Once you register, you will be able to:
Before placing a request to view Special Collections & University Archives materials in the reading room, schedule an appointment to visit the reading room online.
Log in to your Special Collections Account and use the links in the left-hand side menu to locate materials from the online catalog, archival finding aids, digital collections or the Maryland Map collection.
Selecting one of these options will direct you to the catalog or database, where you can search for materials. Use the 'Request from Special Collections' links to initiate your request.
Contact us for assistance searching or requesting materials.
Yes, you can request to view up to 12 items at a time.
You will be able to make additional requests once you have finished viewing your first 12 items. You can also save additional requests in your account to keep for your review until you are ready to submit the request to reading room staff.
The "Library" field identifies the reading room where the items are physically located.
Choose “Maryland Room” if you are requesting an item from Special Collections and University Archives in Hornbake Library.
Choose "Special Collections in the Performing Arts" if you are requesting materials in the Performing Arts Library, including:
Get ready to visit the reading room!
If you have not already done so, schedule an appointment to visit the reading room.
If you placed a request to view materials from Special Collections and University Archives in Hornbake Library, visit the Maryland Room in Hornbake Library.
If you placed a request for materials from Special Collections in Performing Arts and the International Piano Archives at Maryland, visit the reading room in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library.
You can track the status of your request in your Special Collections Account. As your request is being processed by our staff, you notice the status changes in your account.
Here are a few examples:
Log into your Special Collections Research Account and select “My Requests” on the left-hand side menu. You can review the status of your request(s) in “Status” column.
