Requesting Books

Requesting Items

To place requests for items at USG or another USMAI Library, you must use your home institution's catalog search, accessible from the Catalog Searching and Requesting Books section of our Access to Catalog and Web Resource Searching page.  

• Use the main search bar from your institution's library homepage to locate the item you wish to request
  • Note that you may need to enable results "Beyond My Library's Collection" if you wish to search the entire USMAI catalog
• Determine availability using the section of the item record indicating location or how to request/get it
• You will be prompted to login with your home institution's online credentials if you have not already done so
• Use the appropriate links to start the request form
  • Select the location you would like to have the item sent
    • For USG, select "University of Maryland, College Park" as the institution, then "Shady Grove Library" as the library
  • If requesting one volume from a multi-volume set, please indicate which in the request Notes
  • "Latest Date" does not affect the speed a request is filled, only the point at which your request will be automatically deleted
  • Click "Send Request"
• Items may arrive as quickly as same-day, but usually take 3-5 business days
  • Items coming from farther away may take slightly longer
• Once your requested item arrives, an e-mail will be sent automatically informing you of its arrival
• Bring your University or USG ID card to the Service Desk inside the library to borrow the item

If you need assistance immediately, please make use of our Library Chat, phone, email, or in-person service for customized help!

Curbside Pickup Service

Borrower Eligibility

• USMAI students, faculty, and staff
• Special borrowers with UMD or MCPS (through Priddy Library) accounts

Item Eligibility

• Requested books from the USG/Priddy Library circulating collection, not including Course Reserves
• Requested books from some other USMAI libraries' circulating collections
• Requested ILL items that have arrived from another campus library

Process

• Place a request for an item
• Wait for the confirmation email indicating the item has arrived
• Park in one of the short-term spots in surface Parking Lot 5, next to Building III, and call the library at 301-738-6020.
  • Provide your 14-digit barcode on this call, as well as the color and make of your vehicle
  • After confirmation, a library employee will bring your items to your vehicle
  • All books will already be checked-out on your library account (accessible from your home institution's library page)