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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LIBRARIES

Serving the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University Libraries are your libraries.

Students walk past a turtle statue, which has the name "Testudo" written on it, with the words "McKeldin Library" on the door of the building in the background.

Why Maryland Libraries

The University of Maryland is home to one of the largest library networks in the Washington metropolitan area, supporting every student and faculty member while also providing key resources and educational programs to our surrounding communities. We make interdisciplinary connections possible by offering access to cutting-edge tools and technologies. Every year, 1.4 million visitors come through our doors. We house 6.7 million print and electronic volumes, steward 72,552 linear feet of archives and manuscripts and manage $500+ million invested in library materials. 

But, at UMD, the Libraries have always been more than buildings filled with books and materials. They are vibrant hubs where students and researchers from every discipline come together—to explore, to create, to collaborate. Places where knowledge sparks curiosity, and curiosity leads to creation, collaboration and community. We are where knowledge, imagination and ambition intersect and where every student, faculty member and community visitor can find a home for ideas and a foundation for growth.

Your Libraries

1.44M

library visits annually

6.7M

print and electronic volumes

72,552 linear feet of archives and manuscripts

14k+

students taught by librarian 

We teach essential research and information literacy skills

Why now

The University Libraries are more than repositories of knowledge—we are catalysts for discovery, creativity and connection. From nurturing student innovation to preserving Maryland’s cultural heritage to advancing open scholarship and more, the Libraries embody UMD’s broader vision for a fearless future where we aim to do good above all else.

A strong library system makes a strong university—and a fearless university needs a fearless library system. With this in mind, we are focused on supporting faculty and student programs and facilities upgrades ensuring that UMD Libraries remain a center for learning, innovation and community for decades to come.

Stacks at a University of Maryland library facility.

The University of Maryland’s commitment to scholarly excellence and innovation serves as a reminder of what universities can and should be: places to engage, explore, create and share.

Holly Mercer

Dean, University Libraries

Your Support Powers What's Next

The Libraries are the campus hub connecting curiosity and community, linking students, faculty, alumni and the broader community through programs that spark curiosity, ignite learning and advance equity.

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Academic libraries power open scholarship, serving all disciplines with equitable access and global reach—support is key to bolstering and expanding this priority for students, scholars and society.

Open Access to Knowledge

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UMD Libraries support all disciplines through collaboration, faculty and programmatic resources and access to vast collections—funding ensures stability, growth and lasting impact.

Community Engagement & Outreach

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Modernized UMD Libraries spaces will foster learning, collaboration and community—serving all disciplines and elevating the student, scholar and campus experience.

Space and Technology for Teaching and Learning

Leaders & Champions

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Rachel Gammons, Ph.D., Head of Teaching and Learning Services

As students begin their journey at the university, our librarians are often some of their first instructors.

A person sits with one leg crossed over the other, smiling from inside a library study space with people at tables in the background.

Marcus Ortiz, Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian, former Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence

Leadership for me is about collaboration and collective engagement with the campus community.

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Kellee White Whilby, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Public Health

Open access is critical. It lets my research reach beyond academia to serve the greater good.