Below are some of the questions or topics you might be thinking about. We welcome additional inquiries via email or phone.
General Questions
I need a book…
The Library will lend physical materials from our collections, and the UM libraries in the Twin Cities, that are unavailable in a digital format. If an item you are requesting is unavailable digitally the library offers either mailroom pick-up or mail delivery of physical items*. When you request the item, you will receive further directions about mailroom pickup or mail delivery
Browse our catalog or check out the temporary free resources offered by publishers. If you find a physical item that you need (and it is not available electronically through HathiTrust), request it via our interlibrary loan service. Library staff will then contact you to arrange delivery to the UMD mailroom for pickup or mail delivery to your preferred address. Please note that delivering requests at this time will take longer than usual. We will do our best to fulfill requests, but cannot guarantee that we can fulfill them all due to limitations created by COVID-19 closures and reductions in service.
*Note: books will be quarantined for 72 hours before delivery
Returns, renewals, and fines...
If you would like to return materials to us you can put them in our outside book drop or mail them to us.
I need an article...
You can explore our listing of databases and indexes. The listing can be sorted into subject-specific categories. Please see our temporary free resources as well.
You can also use the Articles & Books tab of the Library web page to search our extensive collection of articles, ebooks, and government documents.
If we do not have the article you need, you can submit an interlibrary loan request.
If you would like some guidance in your search for resources, you can connect with our librarians.
General contact information for Research Help
Connect with your subject librarian
What archives materials are available to me?
Here is a list of digitized materials available online from the UMD Archives and Special Collections: UMD Archives & Special Collections Online Resources. Please contact us with questions at [email protected] or 218-726-8526.
How can I get research help while classes are online only?
Librarians provide online help with your research, including developing keywords, choosing a place to search, and searching for resources. Contact your subject liaison librarian via email or phone, or make an appointment for a consultation via Zoom or Google Hangouts.
You can also contact our AskUs Service 24/7.
How can I get help from the Tutoring Center and Writers' Workshop?
Online appointments with a professional writing consultant can be made by visiting our online scheduling system, WCOnline. Summer tutoring has been suspended for 2020.
I am unable to connect to a library database...
Most off-campus access to library resources can be solved by using our listing of databases, indexes, and resources. Researchers will be prompted to sign in with their UMD credentials. Visit our connecting from off-campus page for troubleshooting assistance.
For Faculty
I want to include library/information literacy instruction in my course. Can this be done virtually?
Yes! During the fall 2020 semester, librarians will deliver information literacy instruction virtually. By offering online instruction, we can provide equitable access for all students in a course, including those who need to learn remotely. We prefer to deliver asynchronous instruction in order to offer flexibility and accommodate students across all levels of technology access and skill. Contact your liaison librarian to make a plan together.
Faculty who are interested in incorporating library resources into their online courses should consult our Library Course Page webpage which has instructions and sources for assistance. Faculty can also consult our Online Resource Research Guide.
Does the library have an ebook of my textbook?
The Library may have purchased a digital copy of your textbook:
- Check our e-textbook listing.
- Does your course have a Canvas page? You can visit the Library Course Pages link in Canvas. If a title required for your course has been purchased it will be available via the Library Course Pages link located in the left-hand navigation menu.
- Search our library catalog for the title.
Faculty who are interested in requesting the Library purchase an e-book title can reach out to their subject liaison librarian.
Library Course Pages in Canvas
In Spring 2020, the Kathryn A. Martin Library launched the Library Course Pages initiative. This project integrated the Libraries Research and Subject Guides and Course Reserves into every Canvas course. You can find the link in the left-hand navigation pane of Canvas.
Research and Subject Guides are library-curated resources and guidance for diving into research for a research project or major.
What about copyright and fair use?
Instructors who have questions and concerns about fair use in online courses have a couple of options…
- Consult our Fair Use guide developed by the University of Minnesota Libraries
- Reach out to our Scholarly Communications Librarian, Jodi Carlson Grebinoski ([email protected]; 218-726-7880)
What if my students can’t get to their textbook?
Many textbook publishers are providing free access to their content during this crisis. First, check with your textbook publisher or these digital resources. If your textbook isn’t available in this manner, you can scan the amounts needed for your students to complete their course. Check the university's copyright website for more guidance, including this advice: Copying portions of works to share with students will often be fair use, and at times (especially in unusual circumstances, or with works that aren't otherwise commercially available) it may even be fair use to make lengthier copies.
University of Minnesota policy affirms that it is an instructors right and responsibility to make their own decisions about when they think they can make copies for students. Libraries staff members can help you understand the relevant issues, and the University will back up instructors making informed and reasonable decisions on these issues. For assistance in making decisions about fair use, please contact UMD Scholarly Communications Librarian Jodi Carlson Grebinoski. Due to the library being closed, we are unfortunately unable to provide scanning services.
If you have additional questions, please contact us via phone at 218-726-8102 or email us at [email protected]