--- title: Borrowing Time date: 2022-09-13T05:30:00-04:00 author: University of Maryland canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/borrowing-time" section: Articles --- # Borrowing Time *September 13, 2022* — by [University Libraries Staff](/author/university-libraries-staff) > With Tech Spaces, Fitness Equipment, a Family Study Room and Even Napping Pods, University Libraries Shelves Old Definitions *Mc Keldin Study Spaces 09122022 HH 7144 1920x1080 — UMD community members can use University Libraries' Memory Lab to digitize legacy media; the "Hogwarts Room" (below) provides a traditional university library study space; the McKeldin Family Study Room (at bottom) allows caregivers to focus on schoolwork and family at once in a convenient campus location.* If a university library conjures images of students studying individually in a quiet, stately setting reminiscent of the Oxford one featured in Harry Potter movies, try broadening your thinking. *Students studying in McKeldin's "Hogwarts Room" — Photo by Madison Wells-James ’23* ## Spaces That Work Located on the second floor, the [**Terrapin Learning Commons**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/visit/libraries/mckeldin/tlc) (TLC) is the action hub of McKeldin, with group study rooms and technology-packed spaces to collaborate and get work done. At the [**TLC Technology Desk**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/visit/libraries/mckeldin/techdesk), students can borrow laptops, recording equipment, chargers, headphones and more. It also offers large-format poster printing, binding and lamination; a Podcasting Lab; and a Memory Lab, a self-service space to digitize “legacy media” like VHS, audio cassettes and 35mm slides. The [**John and Stella Graves Makerspace**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/visit/tech/makerspace) on the first floor in the STEM Library in Kirwan Hall offers access to 3D printing and augmented and virtual reality tools, featuring an augmented reality “sandbox” for mapping and other projects. Also at McKeldin: The [**Writing Center**](https://english.umd.edu/writing-programs/writing-center) offers dedicated hours in the Libraries, working closely with librarians to help undergraduates improve their writing skills, while the [**Graduate Student Writing Center**](https://gradschool.umd.edu/graduate-school-writing-center) assists with writing research papers, articles, theses and dissertations. --- ## Caring for the Whole Student The Libraries regularly collaborate with student organizations and campus partners to give students a break from their rigorous academic pursuits. The University Health Center’s [**Wags for Wellness**](https://health.umd.edu/wellness-advocacy/stress-management) pet therapy program frequently hosts time in McKeldin Library for students to destress. *family study room — Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle* --- ## Supporting Student-powered Research In Research Education@University Libraries, subject librarians work closely with students on advanced research methods, bibliographic management tools, copyright and publishing support, writing bootcamps, posters for conference presentations, and the archiving and dissemination of research findings. The [**Statistical Consulting Service**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/research/services/statistical-consulting) in the STEM Library advises students on selecting and using tools and software and guidance in interpreting their research findings, while the [**GIS and Spatial Data Center**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/research/services/gis) on the sixth floor of McKeldin teaches students how to use geographic information system (GIS) software and visually present their findings. The REP also offers a variety of workshops, many in consultation with the Graduate Student Writing Center, with sessions such as “How to Write a Literature Review” and “Writing with Sources.” Its other programs also contribute to the intellectual climate on campus, including [**Interdisciplinary Dialogue Series**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/research/events/dialogue) and [**Speaking of Books: Conversations with Campus Authors**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/research/events/books). --- ## Addressing College Affordability Through the [**Top Textbooks**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/find/reserves/students) program, based at the McKeldin Library service desk, the UMD Libraries every semester provides textbooks for approximately 100 of the university’s largest courses. Students may borrow them for four hours at a time. Between Fall 2015 and Fall 2021, nearly 11,000 students took advantage, for a total potential savings exceeding $1.44 million. The Libraries also helps faculty provide other materials that students need, including ebooks, articles and streaming media, via the [**Course Reserves Program**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/find/reserves/students). --- ## Partnering for Academic Success [**Subject specialist librarians**](https://www.lib.umd.edu/research/subject-specialist) are available in all branches for one-on-one research assistance as well as via [online chat](https://umd.libanswers.com/), Monday-Friday. In three technology-rich classrooms in McKeldin, they also provide interactive lessons for the Professional Writing Program and subject-specific courses. They cover topics such as how to find and evaluate information, navigate the research process, use research tools and adhere to academic integrity. Around 20,000 students are taught through this program each year. **Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community) **Units:** [University Libraries](https://today.umd.edu/topic/university-libraries)