Resource Sharing

Seventeen libraries for every student, faculty, and staff.

USMAI libraries participate in a highly integrated resource sharing network that provides the patrons of each member library unmediated access. Structured around USMAI’s shared integrated library system and established operating agreements, USMAI libraries’ patrons can walk into any library or request materials from any library online through discovery platforms using a single library account.

Integrated Library System

Enabling core library operations.

USMAI member libraries share an Integrated Library System (ILS) that both enables other consortial programs and achieves efficiencies in each member library's core operations. Our member libraries use the shared ILS in combination with our shared discovery platform to provide access to scholarly research and enhance the educational experience of nearly 200,000 students across our state.

Core E-Resources

Providing the foundation for e-resource collections.

Together, USMAI procures a suite of e-resource products that creates a core collection upon which our member libraries can build. Discounts range from 20-50% off the list price, resulting in competitively-priced resources that deliver value to our members’ patrons.

USMAI currently subscribes to the following products:

• EBSCO Academic Search Ultimate
• EBSCO Business Source Complete
• EBSCO CINAHL Plus with Full Text
• SocINDEX with Full Text
• OCLC FirstSearch/WorldCat Package
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global
• ProQuest Historical Newspapers
• ProQuest National Newspapers

Professional Development

Promoting continued learning and development.

USMAI sponsors a variety of online and in-person professional development opportunities for staff at its member libraries. Our membership with NISO lets us regularly offer free registration for educational webinars and virtual conferences on trending topics and emerging issues in the field. With input from USMAI working groups and the Council of Library Directors, we host workshops, sponsor training classes, and purchase access to high-quality webinars from groups like ACRL and NASIG.

Community

Greater than the sum of our parts.

USMAI consists of a variety of libraries, perspectives, and expertise. Through community engagement, staff at member libraries have the opportunity to learn from each other and collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest. Communities of Interest enable members to interact with each other formally, gleaning best practices, technical knowledge, and logistical insights from other members. Working groups enable members to collaborate on consortium-wide initiatives to explore new opportunities.

Shared Print Retention

Optimizing and preserving the shared collection.

Thirteen USMAI libraries have made long-term commitments to retain materials in a coordinated manner ensuring that important print resources remain available to patrons at USMAI libraries.

MD-SOAR

Empowering open access publishing and discovery.

The Maryland Shared Open Access Repository (MD-SOAR) is a shared digital repository platform available to all USMAI libraries and other external partners. All partners participated in the shared governance of the repository, including establishing best practices and policies. Within this broad framework, each library provides customized repository services and collections that meet local institutional needs.