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Research Resources

Taking Classes at Consortium Schools

The University of Maryland is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Other institutions currently associated with the consortium include American University, The Catholic University of America, the University of the District of Columbia, Gallaudet College, George Mason University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, Marymount College, Mount Vernon College and Trinity College.

Students enrolled in any one of these institutions are able to attend certain classes at the other institutions and have the credit considered "residence" credits at their own institutions. Grades in these courses are calculated into the student's GPA. The consortium permits both undergraduate and graduate students to participate in programs such as the Research Fellows Program and the National Institute for Citizen Education in the Law. The policies governing registration through the Consortium Arrangement are listed below.

Library of Congress, Archives II, and the Folger Library

One of the advantages of the University of Maryland is the university's proximity to major repositories, including, among many others, the Library of Congress, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and the National Archives. While many of the local libraries are open to researchers, it always a good idea to check the Web site for specific requirements.

The Library of Congress (LOC): The enormous size and variety of its collections make the Library of Congress the largest library in the world. Comprised of approximately 115 million items in virtually all formats, languages, and subjects, these collections are the single most comprehensive accumulation of human expression ever assembled.   
 
For your first visit to the LOC you should bring a photo-identification showing a current address (e.g., a currently valid driver's license or passport) in order to obtain a Library-issued Reader Identification card, needed for admission to Library reading rooms and when requesting materials from the collections stored in closed stacks. The cards are free, and can be obtained at the Reader Registration station in the Madison Building.
 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): Located just minutes from the University of Maryland campus, NARA is an independent Federal agency that helps preserve national history by overseeing the management of all Federal record. 

When you come to a National Archives and Records Administration facility to look at records, you will usually be issued a researcher identification card. To obtain a researcher identification card, an applicant must show identification that includes a photograph, such as a driver's license, passport, or school or business ID card and complete a short form, giving name, address, telephone number, and a brief description of the proposed research topic.
 
The Folger Shakespeare Library: Located on Capitol Hill, The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, in addition to other collections of rare Renaissance books and manuscripts. Included in the collections are over 280,000 books and manuscripts; 27,000 paintings, drawings, engravings, and prints; and musical instruments, costumes, and films.

Access to the Folger Library is limited to those with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or graduate students writing a Ph.D. dissertation. These persons may apply for a reader's card by writing a letter of application and sending two letters of reference to Erik Castillo, Registrar, The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street. S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003. Other persons who feel they have a particular need to use the collections may apply for special permission to the Librarian and must also send two letters of reference to: Stephen Enniss, Librarian.