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 must be picked up and returned locally to a USM lending library. See our Circulation Policy for more details.

You may also want to check a local public, academic, corporate, or military library directly to locate any physical books you need. (Use WorldCat to help locate a library near you.)

The library suggests using ebooks in your research whenever possible.

Faculty living within the continental U.S. and unable to pick up locally may make special requests for items related to teaching by contacting the Document Management Team. 

• Local Pick Up
  You may get your book by selecting 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.
• 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.

Questions?
Contact the Document Management Team

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, you will need to contact the Document Management Team to request assistance.

Questions?
Contact the Document Management Team

• 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.
  • Any USMAI library
  • Priddy Library at Shady Grove
  • NOTE THAT UMGC IS NO LONGER A DROP-OFF LOCATION.  
• Return it by mail (for books received prior to December 2025).
  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 contact the Document Management Team and request a new one. 

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.

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