Hagerstown Research Guide

 

This guide is intended to aid Frostburg State University students enrolled at the USM System Center at Hagerstown.
 

Introduction

The Ort Library, in cooperation with the Washington County Free Library and the Brish Library at Hagerstown Community College, is dedicated to providing excellent library research services to our students at the USM Hagerstown Center. The purpose of this guide is to assist students and faculty in locating library and information services and resources.


Getting an FSU ID card

All FSU students enrolled at the USM Hagerstown Center must have a valid FSU ID card to access online databases and check out University System of Maryland books. FSU ID cards can be obtained at both the main campus in Frostburg and at the Hagerstown Center.

ID services in Frostburg are located in Chesapeake Dining Hall (for more information call 301-687-4196). FSU Students may also get their ID cards at the Hagerstown Center by contacting either Lorna Bock or Lew Muth at 240-527-2712.

Once you get your card you MUST get it registered with the Lewis J. Ort Library. This can be done by calling 301-687-4395 or e-mailing your name, address, SS#, phone #, and FSU ID number (see below) to the the Circulation Department at circulation@frostburg.edu Please indicate whether you are a graduate student or an undergraduate.

 

Your registration must be renewed every September.

NOTE: Remote access to databases is restricted to registered FSU users only

FSU ID Number
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Online article databases through Research Port

This service, developed by the libraries within the University System of Maryland (USM) gives FSU students, faculty, and staff access to nearly 60 online databases. Research Port allows authorized patrons, that is anyone with a valid FSU ID card, who is registered with the Library (see above) to access these databases from their home computers.

If you are enrolled as a student at any University System of Maryland institution other than Frostburg State University, you will need to apply for Research Port access through your home campus library.

Database access is available from either on-campus computers or remote (off-campus) systems. Simply point your browser to the Research Port homepage: http://researchport.umd.edu

  • On-campus (Frostburg or Hagerstown) click on LOCAL LOGIN
  • Off-campus, enter your last name and the barcode number on your FSU ID card and click on REMOTE LOGIN.

For more information about Research Port or if you have any questions please call the FSU Reference Department by phone 301-687-4424 or email at libref@frostburg.edu

 

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Finding Books

Students have access to the library holdings of the entire University System of Maryland through catalogUSMAI, the USM's online catalog system. This system not only allows users to search other campus libraries but to place a hold on books and have them delivered to the Ort Library's Circulation Desk. Here's how the system works:

  1. Do a search on catalogUSMAI at http://catalog.umd.edu/
  2. After you locate a title, click on "Request" on the left.
  3. Enter your last name, student ID number (i.e. the number underneath the barcode on your student ID, always starts with 22060000xxxxxx, see above) and any other information.
  4. E-mail the FSU Ort Library Circulation Department, at circulation@frostburg.edu with the title.
  5. The Library will send the book to the Hagerstown Center where you can pick it up in the Library media Center.

NOTE: This whole process will take 7-10 days so plan ahead!

If a book you need is not available through catalogUSMAI you can get it using InterLibrary Loan (ILL). This service, available only to FSU students and faculty, gives you access to book collections from around the world. Here's how the system works:

  1. First do a search on the entire University System of Maryland in catalogUSMAI to make sure that the title is not available at any USM schools.
  2. Then go to the Online ILL form and fill in the requested information.
  3. In the NOTE field type: PLEASE SEND TO USM HAGERSTOWN CENTER.

If you have questions contact Reference at 301-687-4424 or libref@frostburg.edu OR contact Kathy or Rhonda in the Interlibrary Loan Department at 301-687-4886 or ill@frostburg.edu

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Business resources

We are aware that many FSU students at the USM Hagerstown Center are business students. In order to meet the needs of these students, we have developed a business research pathfinder (available online in PDF format) that outlines recommended databases and web and print resources. Please note all call numbers given are for the FSU collection.

Click here for a listing of FSU, Washington County Free Library and HCC Brish Library business reference books. Please note: most business research books are located in the reference collection and do NOT circulate. You will need to go to the Library to use the materials.

 

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Washington County Free Library (WCFL)

Introduction

WCFL conveniently located at 100 South Potomac Street is just a short walk from FSU Hagerstown Center. The Library provides service for residents of Washington County, MD and nearby jurisdictions.

Hours

Sun.: 1 pm - 5 pm
Mon.-Thurs.: 9 am - 9 pm
Fri.: 9 am - 6 pm
Sat.: 9 am - 5 pm

The library is closed on state, federal, and major holidays. Please call ahead at 301-739-3250 to confirm hours.

Getting a card

A driver's license or other documentation with proof of Maryland residence is required to obtain a card. You can apply for a card at the Circulation Desk. Out-of-state patrons may obtain a
card for an annual fee of $15.00

Services

Computer stations are available to the public for Internet access and word processing. Be aware that high demand and limited resources restrict the amount of online access time; ask or call ahead for further details.

Black and white printing and photocopying is available, for a per-page fee. In addition, printing requires the initial purchase of a "trac card" for $1.00. All rates are subject to change.

Books

Students may search for titles using the library's online catalog . In addition, the holdings of other Maryland public libraries may be accessed and borrowed via Marina, an Interlibrary Loan service. A valid Maryland library card is required. Please note that this process may take up to 3-4 weeks.

The library hosts several special collections. The Investor's Collection is devoted to business related resources. The Funding Research Center is a collection of grant writing materials. Both are located in the Adult department.

Also, the Government Research Service (GRS) provides access to a number of federal, state, and local government documents. The GRS is located on the second floor and is open to the public on Monday through Friday, 9:00am-1:00pm. Contact the GRS librarian at 301-739-3250 ext.150 for further information

Databases

The library has subscriptions to selected commercial databases via Sailor and the Western Maryland Public Libraries system. While most of these databases are aimed at the general public, a few may be of interest to FSU students; ask the library's Reference staff for further
details.

All databases are accessible onsite or remotely with a valid library card. Students may access Research Port or catalogUSMAI via the library's Internet terminals by pointing the browser to the appropriate web site. A valid FSU ID card is needed to log in.

Reference Help

Personal assistance may be requested directly at the Information Desk, located in the library's Adult department. Telephone reference is available by calling 301-739-3250 ext.123 or 136 during regular hours of operation except on Sundays. Questions may also be
submitted online via the "Ask A Librarian" form.

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Hagerstown Community College Brish Library

Introduction

The Brish Library of Hagerstown Community College is located on 11400 Robinwood Drive, 2.5 miles from the FSU Hagerstown Center. The Brish Library is on the second floor of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Building in the campus center.

Hours

Fall and Spring Semesters:
Mon. - Thurs.: 8:30 am to 9 pm, Fri. - Sat.: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Summer Hours:
May 20th through Aug. 9th:
Mon. - Thurs.: 8:30am to 8pm, Fri.: 8:30am to 4:30pm, closed weekends.

Aug. 10th through Aug. 25th:
Mon. - Fri.: 8:30am - 4:30pm, closed weekends.

Getting a card

All FSU Hagerstown students are eligible to get a community borrower's card. You will need to present a driver's license or other official ID with your permanent address. This card allows students to check out up to four books.

Services

Students have access to all computers in the library but access to the library's computer lab is restricted to HCC students and faculty.

Books

Students are allowed to check out up to four books using their community borrower's card.

Databases

Students have access to all databases available in the library but no remote access. Students may access Research Port or catalogUSMAI via the library's Internet terminals by pointing their browser to the appropriate web site. A valid FSU ID card is needed to log in.

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Last updated 8/13/06

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