Albin O. Kuhn Library will be switching to a new Integrated Library System (ILS) on May 23, 2024. Certain library functions will be paused from May 17 at 5 PM until May 23 at 7 AM in order to prepare.

• Why is the pause happening?

We are upgrading our library software at the end of May. The system’s data must be prepared for export and then migrated to the new software.

• Can I still check out and return things during the pause?

Yes, you will be able to check out and return library materials, although you will not see checkouts and returns reflected on your library account immediately. Late fines will not accrue during the pause, but you will still be responsible for lost items and damage fees. You must bring your campus ID to check out materials from May 17 to May 23.

• Can I still request a laptop during the pause?

No, you will not be able to request laptops during the pause. You can still check out laptops from the Circulation desk; call us at 410-455-2354 to learn what’s in stock.

• Can I check out a room key or calculator during the pause?

Yes, you will be able to borrow specialty room keys, calculators, and headphones from the Circulation desk. Please bring your UMBC card with you.

• Can I request something from another USM campus (e.g., a book from College Park) during the pause?

No, you will not be able to request books/other materials from USM campuses. Requests made through ILLiad will function as usual.

• Can I request a book or DVD from UMBC for local pickup?

No, this process will be turned off during the migration. Books and media will be available in the library’s open stacks. If you need an accommodation to retrieve materials, contact us at circdept@umbc.edu.

• I requested a book before the pause and it’s still in process. Where is it?

Please contact Circulation at circdept@umbc.edu or 410-455-2354 for updates on any in-progress hold requests.

• I returned something but it’s still on my account. Why?

Items returned between May 17 and 23 will still show on your account even if they’ve been returned. If an item is still on your account on May 28, contact us at circdept@umbc.edu.

• I’m graduating and have a question about library fines. Who do I talk to?

Please get in touch with the Circulation department at circdept@umbc.edu for time-sensitive financial matters.

• Can I still get a Special Borrower card?

No, we cannot add any Special Borrowers during the pause. Please sign up for your card before May 17 at 5 PM or wait until May 23.

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If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact us at circdept@umbc.edu or 410-455-2354.

There are many other events, celebrating  Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and Deque (an organization that specializes in accessibility and digital equality) is hosting an upcoming training about digital accessibility fundamentals. This training will cover the following:

 Credit: Elisabeth Woolner via unsplash.com.

Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, in solidarity with Student Disability Services, joins the movement  with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime.  We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together for mental health.

#Take a Mental Health Moment is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that supports mental health with local outreach to end stigma.  More information on their campaign is linked here.

Students (undergraduate and graduate) groups and resources include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes
Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human Resources include:

If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).  ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student employee job-related situations.

Community

A thumbnail photo of tiles spelling out  MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS is displayed; credit Marcel Straub via  Unsplash