A limited number of computers are available for community users on a first-come, first-served basis once you have registered for an account. On your first visit, stop at the Circulation desk to ask for a guest account. Users can log in to guest computers for up to two hours per day.
The guest computers are located on the first floor of the library, clearly marked with signage. Guest PCs have various browsers for accessing electronic resources, the catalog, and the internet. You can also print to library print stations using a guest print card.
For quick access, we have "library catalog only" computers on the first, third, and fourth floors of the library.
Visitors with laptops or devices can use the UMD Guest Wireless Service for temporary web-only access.
See library maps for details.
Software on the Guest Computers
- Firefox, Chrome, Edge and Internet Explorer
- Adobe Reader
- VLC Media Player
- Windows Media Player
- Wordpad
How to Use the Library Guest Computers
How do I register for an account?
Visitors can ask for a guest account at the Circulation desk. You will be assigned a pin code, good until the end of the calendar year on the workstations reserved for guests.
What do I need to show in order to set up an account?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing your name and photo. You will be asked to read and sign an application form agreeing to the rules for use of guest computers.
How long is my account active?
Your expiry date will be shown on your guest access card.
Which computers can I use?
Several computers are reserved for community guests, located in the alcove just outside of the hallway leading to instruction labs on the first floor of the library [see map].
How long will I have access to the internet?
Guest users are allotted two hours per day. You may log out after a portion of that time and log back in later in the day to use your remaining minutes. Unused minutes do not roll over to a future day.
You will be logged out automatically if there is no activity for five minutes.
Will I be warned when my time is about to run out?
Yes, an alert will pop up when time is running out. You will also be warned when the library is about to close. Guest computers automatically shut down five minutes before closing time.
Can I reserve a computer in advance?
No. In order to make maximum use of limited stations, we cannot hold a computer for someone. However, with the two-hour limited access, your wait time for a guest computer will also be limited.
Save your work! To prevent data loss, save your files to removable media such as a burnable CD or USB memory stick—not on the hard drive.
Printing from Guest Computers
Printing is the same for all computers in the library. But if you are a guest (not affiliated with UMD) and don't have a U Card, you may purchase a Campus Cash Card ($1.00) and then add value to it at a cash-to-card machine located on the first floor of the library near the restrooms. Printing costs $.05 per black and white page. See prices for color and oversize printing, plus detailed printing instructions.
Map Showing Guest Computers and Printers
UMD Guest Wifi
Do you have a laptop or device, but are not part of the UMD community, and want to use the internet? See UMD Guest Wifi for access.
Access from Off Campus
Community users, if not physically on campus, can only use these open-access resources due to licensing restrictions.