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RESEARCH GUIDES

Access Special Collections at UMD

A guide to help researchers request material from our Archival Collections database, WorldCatUM, and our Classic Catalog.

How to Submit a Request Onsite Access to Special Collections Materials

How to Request Material from the Archival Collections Database

  • Locate items in the Archival Collections Database. 
     
  • Click "Request Box”, located at the top of the record.
    • If the "Request Box" option is not available, the collection may be unprocessed.
    • Material from unprocessed collections will require staff assistance request.
    • Contact us to request material from an unprocessed collection.
       
  • Click “Request Box” on the following page, which will display the entire contents of the box to confirm your selection.
    • Most archival collections are requested at the box level.
    • Make note of specific folders you want to view from each box.
       
  • You will be prompted to sign in to your Special Collections Account.
     
  • A list of your requests will appear. Selecting the request(s) you would like to view in the reading room.
     
  • Choose a date for your visit.
    • Selecting a date for a request does not schedule a reading room appointment.
  • Click “Submit Information”.
    • You can also choose to keep your request as an "Unsubmitted Request" in your account and save it to submit at a later date.
    • This is helpful if you have already reached your limit of 12 active requests or if you do not have a firm date for your visit.

If you are unable to visit in-person and would like to request copies remotely, select "Request Copy" and complete the order information.

How to Request Material from UMD Discover

  • Locate items in UMD Discover 
     
  • Material located in Special Collections and University Archives will have one of the following locations:
    • UMCP HBK Maryland Room
    • UMCP Severn Library Special Collections
    • UMCP Severn Library University Archives
       
  • Select "Request from Special Collections."
  • The request information will appear on screen.
    • Include any additional helpful information for special collections staff in the "Special Requests/Questions" field of the form.
       
  • Choose a date for your visit.
    • Selecting a date for a request does not schedule a reading room appointment.
  • Click “Submit Request”.

If you are unable to visit in-person and would like to request copies remotely, select "Request Duplication" at the top of the request form and complete the order information.

How to Submit a Manual Request

Manual requests are only for unprocessed collections. If you are unsure whether to submit a manual request, contact us.
 

  • Log into your Special Collections Account.
     
  • Select “New Manual Reading Room Request” under "New Requests" in the menu.
    • If you are unable to visit the reading room in-person and want to request copies, select "New Manual Duplication Order."
       
  • Complete the following fields:
    • Title
       
    • Is This An Unprocessed Collection?
      • Unprocessed collections do not have a full finding aid published online, and you may have been reviewing preliminary inventories for list of boxes in the collection.
      • Unprocessed collections may take additional time to make available in the reading room. 
         
    • Library
      • Choose “Maryland Room” for materials from Special Collections and University Archives in Hornbake Library.
      • Choose "Special Collections in the Performing Arts" for materials from the Special Collections in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library.
         
    • Call Number/Accession Number
      • If you are requesting archival material, put “n/a”, unless otherwise instructed by special collections staff.
         
    • Volume/Box
      • If you are requesting archival material, please list the series and box number.
        • Most archival collections are pulled at the box level for most collections.
        • If you request a folder, the entire box will be retrieved.
      • If you are requesting a publication, indicate the volume number.
      • Request one box/volume per request.
         
    • Location
      • Add "cposs" for collections located offsite at Severn Library.
         
    • Special Requests/Questions?
      • Include additional information about this order for special collections staff.
         
    • Schedule your visit by selecting a date for your visit.
    • Click “Submit Request.”
       
  • Start a new "New Manual Reading Room Request" to request onsite use of additional boxes/items.