The Historical and Special Collections Department is concerned both with the acquisition of rare and/or historically significant materials and the preservation of these and other library collections. The services provided by the Historical and Special Collections Department encompass collection development of special collection materials, and full reference service using these special collections and other resources. The Historical Librarian is also the primary authority on matters pertaining to the preservation of all the Library's collections. Scheduled appointments for historical reference services are preferred.

Librarians in the Research and Education Services department build collaborative relationships with faculty and advocate for their research needs. With emphasis on expert searching and critical appraisal, we provide specialized consultation services, develop search methodologies for systematic reviews, and measure faculty research impact. We offer curriculum-based and stand-alone classes that cover specific health and social services resources, evidence-based practice, health literacy and copyright issues.

The Outreach Services Librarian collaborates with faculty and with external partners to create healthier communities throughout Maryland. She is a team member on University outreach projects, develops grant-funded programs that promote health, and works with community-based organizations to advance health information literacy.

Circulation

The Information Services desk provides an access point for patrons to check-out and return items; register for electronic access to Library resources; purchase memberships, software and supplies; and ask for general assistance.

Reference and Research Services

Reference and Research Services provides instruction in database searching, assists users in locating print and electronic resources, and offers onsite computing assistance to UM students, faculty and staff. We also provide similar services to the general public. Staff are available both online and at the Information Services desk on the Library's first floor to answer questions.

Collection Strategies and Management selects, purchases, and makes accessible resources that support the instructional, research and clinical goals of the university.

The Resource Development and Sharing Department provides research materials from within the HS/HSL collection as well as from outside libraries via Interlibrary Loan. Eligible library patrons make requests electronically using the ILLiad request management system and can have their requests delivered to their desktops. Service packages vary depending on UM affiliation. The UM Digital Archive is a service that collects, preserves, and distributes the academic works of the University of Maryland, the Founding Campus. It is a place that digitally captures the historical record of the campus.

The Metadata Management Department's mission is to provide descriptions and access to the resources provided by the Health Sciences and Human Services Library. Metadata Management staff are responsible for assigning or curating controlled access terms and keywords used to search for books, journals, and digital material in the Library Catalog and the UM Digital Archive. HS/HSL cataloging practices conform to national and international cataloging standards.