UMUC Summer schedule

Name Change to "UMUC Library"

The Library's official name has changed from "Information & Library Services (ILS)" to "UMUC Library" in order to streamline the name and reflect the typical convention of academic library names. In the 1990s and early 2000s as online libraries were developed, effort was made to differentiate these new online or virtual libraries from their physical counterparts. The term "information" was added at that time to indicate the Library's expanded role beyond the traditional physical library. In today's world, though, the concept of online libraries and online library services is now better understood. The new UMUC Library name reflects current understanding that a library is not simply a physical place for storing books and journals, but instead an active, 24/7 provider of online information resources, services, and research assistance.

Library Space Closing

The UMUC Library has closed its physical location in Suite 1500 of the UMUC Academic Building at Largo as of 5pm on May 31. Online and other Library services, including Ask a Librarian e-mail, chat, IM, and phone reference, database access, Interlibrary Loan, circulation of physical books, and library instruction are not affected. This change allows the Library to focus on better serving the vast majority of UMUC students, faculty, and staff in our global community online and be more fully involved in the new learning environment and similar academic enhancement programs. Suite 1500 has now become the location of Career Services.

The Largo computer lab meets the needs of students for computer and study space, and students, faculty, and staff can still meet with a librarian for individualized research assistance in person at Largo, by phone, and online. The change also allows us to expand our use of synchronous online conferencing via WebEx for consultations. Reference assistance also continues to be available via e-mail and chat 24/7 as well as by instant messaging and phone during regularly-scheduled hours (see the Ask a Librarian page).

For physical materials, the UMUC Admin Building (Faculty and Staff only) and UMUC Largo designations are still valid as “pick up” locations in the library catalog, but requested materials will be mailed to the recipient via UPS or U.S. Postal Service, or delivered via campus mail for those faculty and staff located at in the Academic Center at Largo, Largo II, Administration, and University Center. The materials can then be returned to the Library via mail (a postage-paid return envelope is included in the original mailing), campus mail, or dropped off in the drop-off box located at the student entrance in Largo.

By becoming more of a fully virtual, online library, the Library is able to more flexibly meet the needs of our mostly online and remote student population in new ways, more fully participate in university academic initiatives, and be a model of the 21st century academic library for adult and distance education.