Frequently Asked Questions
For Students
Maybe. If your professor has placed a copy of the textbook on reserve, we have it. There is also a possibility that the textbook is available in our stacks or in the circulating collections of LibrarySearch or MaineCat libraries.
Visit the LibrarySearch catalog (make sure the search scope is set to “Course Reserves”) and search for your professor’s last name. If you get no results, then nothing has been put on reserve for that professor (or you typed something incorrectly). You may also ask a librarian for assistance.
Yes, you have access to online databases and electronic journals with millions of full text articles, as well as hundreds of thousands of electronic books. To find eBooks in LibrarySearch, make sure the search scope is set to “Electronic Resources” and select the Books filter (immediately under the search box).
Three cents per page for black and white prints or photocopies and seven cents per page for color prints or photocopies. Money for printing/photocopying is automatically deducted from Black Bear Bucks on your University Card. Students enrolled full time receive a $16 credit per semester to be used for printing/photocopying.
You can add Black Bear Bucks to your University Card online. Note that this requires a credit or debit card. The minimum amount that can be added to a card is $5. If you have cash but do not have a credit or debit card, speak to a library staff member.
Yes. The multi-function photocopier/printer in the library also can act as a scanner which will email you a scan of your document at no charge. Please see library staff if you would like assistance with this!
No, we do not have a fax machine for student use. Students can try the switchboard in Powers Hall.
Students may have up to 50 items checked out concurrently.
Our books can be checked out for four weeks. Movies and CDs go out for one week. All items can be renewed one time (assuming no one else has placed a hold on them). Materials from other libraries may have different loan periods and renewal policies. Items on reserve for a course can be checked out for either four hour in-library use only, overnight, three days, or one week, depending upon the wishes of the instructor.
For most items, no. If you borrow material from another library and return it late, that library may charge you a fine.
First, check to see if another LibrarySearch library has the book you want. If one does, use the Request function to have it sent here for you to pick up. If it isn’t found in the LibrarySearch catalog, check other MaineCat libraries and use the Request function. If it isn’t found there either, submit an inter-library loan request through ILLiad.
While the library is open you can enter/exit the 24 Hour Room via the double doors inside the library. When the library is closed you must use your University Card to swipe in through the door in the library’s lobby. If your University Card is not allowing you swipe access, please go to the Student Services office in Torrey Hall to have it properly coded.
We hire students to work as library clerks. Duties involve checking books in/out, showing patrons how to find items in the catalog and in the stacks, shelf reading, straightening and dusting, and of course other duties as assigned. You must have a Federal Work Study award and be personable and dependable. If this interests you, email us. We look forward to meeting you!
Emails sent to ummlibrary@maine.edu will go to all library staff. You may also call us by phone at 207.255.1234.
For Community Members
Yes, Maine residents who are at least 16 years old can get a Courtesy Card to use in the library. We will have you fill out a form and show proof of residency. There is no charge for the card.
Yes, we have two computers available for public use. In addition, members of the Sunrise Senior College are able to log on to student computers. All computer use is governed by the UMS IT Acceptable Use policy.
Yes, the MaineEDU-Guest network is available for the public to use. When connecting to this network you must first agree to abide by the UMS IT Acceptable Use policy.
No. Our printing and photocopying facilities require use of Black Bear Bucks, which are not available to community members. However, there are other venues in the Machias area that offer printing and photocopying services.
Courtesy Card holders can check out up to three movies at a time, and up to eight items total.
Our books can be checked out for four weeks. Movies and CDs go out for one week. All items can be renewed one time (assuming no one else has placed a hold on them). Materials from other libraries may have different loan periods and renewal policies.
Courtesy Card holders can place requests for items available at other libraries in the LibrarySearch and MaineCat online catalogs. They may not use ILLiad to request materials from other libraries.
We have hundreds of books on regional history and access to the Ancestry website. We also have a selection of 19th century local newspapers on microfilm.