I lost my library card. How do I get a new one?
Please visit UMA Card Services to request a new student ID card, which is your library card.
How do I get a library card?
Please visit UMA Card Services to request a student ID card, which is your library card. To activate your library card barcode, visit the library circulation desk, email us, or call the libraries: 207-621-3349 (Augusta) or 207-262-7900 (Bangor).
Can I renew my checked out items over the phone?
Absolutely! We can renew books that you have from any of the UMS or MaineCat libraries. There is a one-time 2-week renewal on materials with the exception of materials on a waiting list.
Laptops cannot be renewed over the phone. NOTE: Borrowed laptops must be brought back to the library for inspection before they can be renewed. This helps us make sure the laptop and accessories are in good working condition before the loan period is extended.
Call the circulation desk at Katz Library (207-621-3349) or Nottage Library (207-262-7900) or live chat or email us.
What are the Library’s loan periods?
- Books — Four Weeks
- Periodicals — One Week
- DVDs — One Week
- Reference — Four Weeks
- Reserve — 4 hours in Library; 4 hours Off-Campus; 24 hours or 2 days
What are the differences between peer-reviewed, trade, and popular journals/magazines?
- Peer-reviewed journals contain articles of quality scholarship. An author’s peers evaluate a manuscript and either recommend it for publication or reject it. They are sometimes referred to as “juried,” “academic,” or “scholarly.” They are usually printed on plain paper and are text oriented. Example: Journal of Mental Health
- Trade journals or publications report trends in a specialized field, industry news, and product information. The audience is researchers or professionals in the field. Articles are reviewed by editors and authors are authorities in the field. They are generally printed on glossy paper and are professional looking. Example: Occupational Outlook Quarterly
- Popular magazines or journals are non-technical and serve to inform and entertain. The authors are generally non-credentialed. They are written for the general public. They are printed on glossy paper and are meant to be attractive and eye-catching. Example: Time Magazine
Where can I find articles for research?
Articles are available through UMA Libraries website in a number of different ways:
- LibrarySearch will search for articles, books, eBooks, streaming films, and other library materials. Use the left side menu to refine your search by a number of different options.
- UMA Libraries’ A-Z database list: Here you will see an alphabetical list of all library databases. You can sort databases by subject, then enter databases individually to search for articles relevant to your research topic.
Where do I look for books?
LibrarySearch is the catalog of the University of Maine System Libraries. Use keyword, title, and author searches to look for books.
MaineCat is the catalog of most of Maine’s public libraries, community college libraries, Maine State Library, Maine Law & Legislative Library, Bangor Public Library, Portland Public Library, and Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin colleges.
If you are off campus, you can use your university library card to request books online. These books can be delivered to any UM System campus where you are taking your classes, or nationally if you are an out-of-state student.
What is MaineCat?
MaineCat is a statewide catalog that combines and links collections for most of Maine’s public libraries, community college libraries, Maine State Library, Maine Law & Legislative Library, Bangor Public Library, Portland Public Library, and Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin colleges.
You can request materials outside of the University of Maine system with your University library card from the MaineCat libraries. They will be delivered to the University of Maine campus where you are taking your class.
I tried to renew my books online, but I couldn’t. What do I do now?
Some of the reasons that materials cannot be renewed are:
- Item is on hold for another patron
- Item is already overdue
- Item has already been renewed once
Please email us or call a circulation desk at Katz Library (207-621-3349) or Nottage Library (207-262-7900) for help.
Do you issue community library cards for non-students or the general public?
Yes! If you would like a University of Maine at Augusta Community Card and are not a student, faculty, or staff, please visit the circulation desk at your nearest campus, Augusta or Bangor, for borrowing privileges.
Can I use my card at all of the University of Maine System campuses?
Yes. The card that is issued to you as a University of Maine System student, faculty, or staff member is valid at all of the UMS Libraries on any campus.
How do I order or request a book in LibrarySearch?
View our How to Request a Book in LibrarySearch tutorial for instructions.
Where do I pick up my books that I requested?
Depending what location was selected when the item was requested, books are mailed from the lending library to Nottage Library (Bangor) or Katz Library (Augusta).
How do I return the books I have when I am taking classes at a UMA Center or Site?
Books should be returned to staff at any UMA Campus or Center on or before the due date for shipment back to the lending library. Staff there will return the books for you. There is no charge for this service.
When I find an article in a database and it says “full-text”, what do I do?
When you find a citation that has the words “HTML full-text” or “PDF full-text,” you can print or download the entire article by clicking on the link.
How do I view my library record?
- Visit LibrarySearch
- Click the Sign in for more options button (upper-right hand side).
How do I write and cite my paper in proper format?
There are many resources available to assist with writing your paper! Visit the Writing Help page.
How do I print from my wireless device?
Here are the steps to print from your laptop or other wireless device while on campus: Printing from personal macOS or Windows device