Skip to Main Content
University of Maryland Libraries Logo
RESEARCH GUIDES

How to Request Special Collections Materials at UMD

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

Important Links

Contact Special Collections

  • Special Collections librarians are here to help and can provide research assistance in-person and remotely.

 

Visit Special Collections

  • Reading room locations, what to expect, and more.

 

Duplication Services

  • Fees, citations, and other guidelines for requesting copies of special collections materials.

Request Copies

Copies of special collections material and be requested and delivered electronically to your Special Collections Account.

Review our duplication services before requesting copies of special collections materials.

How to Request Copies of Special Collections Material

How to Request Copies 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 not of specific folders you want to have copied 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 want to submit a duplication order from.
     
  • Select "Request Copy."
     
  • Complete duplication order details.
    • Be specific as possible about the materials within the box you would like to have copied, including folder names/numbers.
      ​​​
  • Select "Submit Request."

How to Submit a Duplication Order from the Online Catalog (WorldCat & Classic Catalog)

  • Locate items you would like to view in WorldCat or the Classic Catalog.
     
  • Click on "Request from Special Collections."
     
  • Select "Request Duplication" at the top.
     
  • Complete duplication order details.
    • Be specific as possible about the materials you would like to have copied.
       
  • Select "Submit Request."

How to Submit a Duplication Order from Digital Collections
 

To save copies directly from digital collections (non-a/v collections):

  • Locate the item in Digital Collections.
     
  • Select the clipping tool on the left side of the image.
     
  • Place the clipping box around the portion of the image you want to copy.
    • Adjust the size of the box as needed.
       
  • Select the checkmark icon to save the image.
     

To request high resolution copies:

  • Locate the item in Digital Collections.
     
  • Select "Request from Special Collections." 
  • Complete duplication order details.
    • If you are requesting high resolution TIFF files, these requests take addition time to complete.
    • Contact us before requesting TIFF files so we can provide the delivery timeframe.
       
  • Select "Submit Request."

Contact Us before submitting a manual request.

How to Submit a Manual Duplication Order

  • Log into your Special Collections Account.
     
  • Select “New Manual Duplication Order” under "New Requests" in the menu.
    • If you want to consult the material in the reading room on-person, select "New Manual Reading Room Request."
       
  • 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/or box number.
      • 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.
         
    • Inclusive Pages
      • Identify the pages/folders you want copied.
         
    • Page Count
      • If you do not know the total page count for your order leave this blank. Special Collections staff will determine the page count as they process the order.
      • Order with a large page require staff approval. 
      • Contact us if you would like to know the order page count before submitting your request for copies.
         
    • Format
       
    • Service Level
      • Standard delivery timeframe is 3 weeks.
      • Rush orders can be requested, but are not guaranteed. Contact us before requesting a rush duplication order.
        ​​​​​​​
    • Shipping
       
    • Click “Submit Request.”
       
  • Start a new "New Manual Duplication Order" to request copies of additional boxes/items.