Most academic libraries allow the public to use library materials in-house, but limit borrowing privileges to their students, faculty, and staff. If you are located near an academic institution, you may want to inquire about services that may be available to you. Public libraries can provide basic information and resources to get you started on your research. As a resident of the county or surrounding area, you can obtain a library card to borrow books. Remember that public libraries resources are limited and more general in nature than the offerings at academic libraries.
Special libraries serve a particular company, profession, or government agency.
They contain specialized information that reflects the needs of that organization or profession. You may find that your own company or organization has a library or information center with source materials of interest to you. Go to Top of Page Finding Libraries Guides to libraries in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as well as Aberdeen, Annapolis, Rockville, and the Southern Maryland areas, and to law libraries, are available on the UMUC Library Services Web site . You can also contact the public library near you and ask about other local libraries and information resources. It is an online catalog that includes information on items owned by libraries across the United States and abroad.