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Books

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About Books

UMGC students, faculty, and staff can borrow available physical books and other items from any University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institution library. Books can be picked up locally or delivered to any student, faculty, or staff member in the continental US, and to overseas faculty at APO and FPO addresses. See our Circulation Policy for more details.

Due to the length of time it can take to get a physical book delivered, the library suggests using ebooks in your research whenever possible. 

Delivery Options

  • Local Pick Up
    The quickest way to get your book is to select the USMAI library that is closest to you. You will be notified when the book is available, and then you should pick it up within a week. Bring your UMGC Library Card to that library's circulation desk. Be sure and check the hours of operation. NOTE THAT UMGC IS NO LONGER A PICK-UP LOCATION.  
    This generally takes 3 - 5 business days.
  • Delivery  
    If you are not local to a USMAI library, you can select University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and we will deliver the book to you. We will contact you and give you the following choices:
    • Home delivery inside the continental US 
      We will deliver the book, via UPS, to your home address as entered in your Profile in MyUMGC. Books cannot be delivered to P.O. Box numbers.
      This generally takes 2 - 3 weeks.
    • Delivery to APO/FPO addresses outside the continental US (faculty only)
      We will deliver the book, via USPS, to your APO or FPO address as entered in your Profile in MyUMGC.
  • Delays for recalls
    If you request a book that is currently checked out, it will be recalled from the current borrower. This may delay its arrival.

Renewing a Book

Books borrowed from USMAI can be renewed in OneSearch.

  1. Go to OneSearch and click Sign in in the upper right corner.
  2. Next click on your name in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Library Card from the dropdown menu.
  4. Once in your Library Card Overview you will be able to see the status of your loans, requests, any fines or fees or blocks that exist in your account.
    • To renew all of the items checked out to you, click Renew All in the Loans section of the Overview.
    • To renew individual items, click the Loans link next to OVERVIEW, select the items you want to renew, and then click Renew Selected.

Not all books are renewable. If you do not have the option to renew a book, that book must be returned by the due date.

If you have borrowed non-USMAI books listed in your Library Card Overview and you will need to contact the document management team to request assistance.

Questions?
Contact the Document Management Team

Returning a Book

  • Drop it off at a Maryland location.
    A number of drop off locations are available throughout the state, including the following. Be sure and check the hours of operation.
  • Return it by mail.
    If you received the book by mail, at least 1 week before a book is due (2 weeks if you are overseas faculty), repack it and use the free return label provided. If you have an older UPS label addressed to 1616 McCormick Drive in Largo, Maryland, please DO NOT USE it but contact the Library and request a new one.  
  • Return it by campus mail.
    If you are at a UMGC location in Maryland, you may return the book to the UMGC Library by campus mail. Please send it back at least 2 business days before the due date.

Loan Periods

Loan periods are determined by individual USMAI libraries and vary. The check-out period will be at least 28 days. Note: Books may be recalled by another borrower, shortening the due date.

Fines

You may be fined for overdue or lost books. You will receive a notice with information on how to make payment. NOTE: Fines must be paid to the institution that owns the book. Do not send the payment to the UMGC Library.

Questions?
Contact the Document Management Team