Welcome to UMKC Libraries, your go-to place for studying, research, and collaboration. The libraries are home to books and print materials, but also provide access to a wide range of audio-visual media, over 330,000 sound recordings, and rare and unique collections of books, photographs, manuscripts, and maps. Whether you’re a new student, a returning scholar, or just looking to explore our resources, getting started with our library gives you access to a world of knowledge and support for your academic journey. Here’s a handy guide to help you make the most of what we have to offer.
Take a tour of the Library!
Here is a video tour of the Miller Nichols Library and the Health Sciences Library. In addition to our spaces, the video describes our resources, services, and specialized library departments.
Check the library hours
The Health Sciences Library, Miller Nichols Library, and our specialized library departments have updated hours for the fall 2024 semester. Look up to the menu at the top of this page to see Today’s Hours for every library building and department.
Where do I start researching?
1. Access the library catalog
You can begin your exploration by visiting our library catalog. Here, you can search for books, academic journals, and other resources available from UMKC Libraries – and from all the libraries in the University of Missouri System. Use keywords, author names, or titles to find what you need. Our catalog also provides access to digital resources, including e-books and online journals.
For access to textbooks, you will need to visit the UMKC Bookstore as the Libraries do not provide textbooks for UMKC courses.
2. Explore research databases
The Libraries offer access to numerous databases that provide scholarly articles, industry reports, and other specialized materials. Check out our databases page to explore resources organized by subject. Databases are online resources, available any time, anywhere.
3. Visit in person
Our physical spaces – the Health Sciences Library and Miller Nichols Library – are open for browsing, studying, and borrowing materials. Visit the UMKC Libraries website for hours and locations. Our friendly staff at each service desk are always ready to help you with research queries or to guide you through our collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
This free service for students, staff, and faculty allows you to request materials not available in our library from other institutions. You will log in with your UMKC username and password, then enter your contact information when you first use the service. Visit the ILL page for more information, or to place a request.
How do I get research assistance?
Our librarians can help you with research strategies, navigating the library catalog or databases, and citation questions. You can reach out to a librarian via the chat on the library website, which is available 24/7! You can also email a librarian at library@umkc.edu, schedule a research consultation, or drop by the Service Desk for personalized assistance.
Where can I study?
Find quiet study rooms, group study areas, tables, and computer stations on all levels of the library. Our Reserve a Room page allows you to reserve a study room online. Note that the fourth floor is closed for renovation.
How can I print?
You can print from a library computer directly to a library printer, or use UMKC’s Web Print website to send prints from your own device to a campus printer. Everyone receives a free print quota each semester and when you print at UMKC Libraries, the cost is deducted. If you need to add more printing money, you can do so through the Roo Bucks system.
What are research guides?
Pages created by your UMKC librarians to sort, curate, and explain which of our resources are best for your research. The guides are organized by research subject, or by course. Explore the Research Guides list, or ask a librarian for some pointers!
What is silent study?
For those who prefer an extremely quiet study space, the second floor of Miller Nichols Library and the north end of the Health Sciences Library are designated silent areas. No conversation, group study, or talking on cell phones is allowed. Be sure to bring headphones to listen to audio! For further information, check the Miller Nichols Library Floor Noise Level Expectations.
Can I borrow a laptop from the library?
The library does not loan out laptops. If you are in need of a laptop for classes, the UMKC Career Services Laptop Loaner Program provides students with a laptop for the semester.
Roo Welcome to the Library, September 5
Visit us to learn more at the library open house from 2:30 – 4:00 pm on September 5, 2024 in the Miller Nichols Library!
Go behind the scenes in the library Robot, visit the Music/Media Library, take a peek at unique materials from special collections, meet UMKC Tutors, learn what you can create in the Digital Collaboration Studio, explore Undergraduate Research opportunities, listen to a rare recording from the sound archive, see why the Geosciences Museum is the sparkliest place on campus, learn about the Writing Studio and Supplemental Instruction, and get treats! A welcome table at the library’s south entrance will provide a guide to all the locations to visit. For First Semester Experience credit, register in RooGroups.
Getting started with UMKC Libraries is easy, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Explore our resources, utilize our services, and make the most of your library experience. For any questions or further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
