MPowering the State was established a few years ago by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents to promote innovation and impact through collaboration between the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Maryland, College Park. MPowering the State provided one-time funds, to be reviewed and renewed annually, for shared library collections supporting this collaboration. The University Libraries at College Park, and the Health Sciences and Human Services Library and the Thurgood Marshall Law Library at UM Baltimore employed these funds to establish the MPower Virtual Research Library, an interdisciplinary collection supporting advanced biosciences research and education between these universities.

As you know, The State of Maryland has recently faced significant financial challenges, which have affected every state entity, including the University System of Maryland. Funding for the MPower Virtual Research Library is one of the casualties. Fiscal year 2016 brings substantial reduction in support, and is the last year in which our libraries will receive MPower funding. The three library directors have informed their Provosts and the System that none of our libraries are able to fund these resources in the future due to flat or reduced collections budgets. We are looking at ways to collaboratively fund some of the resources but any funding there will necessitate hard decisions regarding reductions in other areas.

The MPower Virtual Research Library has substantially benefited the research and teaching of many faculty, students and librarians at our institutions.  It was an opportunity to develop a biosciences knowledge infrastructure supportive of collaboration across these major USM research institutions. Loss of access to these resources may have considerable negative impact.  Faculty, students and other researchers should consult with library faculty at their institutions to determine alternative resources.

Here are some helpful hints on how the HS/HSL can help you as the school year begins.

• Want early access to the Library? From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, you can enter the Library via the SMC Campus Center. Make sure to have your OneCard for identification. Library services begin at 8 a.m. when the front doors unlock.
• The Library has four scanners that are free to use. Use them to scan book chapters or articles that you can save on a thumb drive or email to yourself. Scanners are located on the first floor of the HS/HSL.
• Need assistance with research on a topic? Contact your school librarian to set up a research consultation.
• Want a quiet place to study? The Library has study rooms on the 2nd through 5th floors. Some rooms can be reserved for up to three hours a day. All other rooms are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Many rooms are equipped with digital displays that allow you to project content on your laptop.
• Always bring your OneCard with you to the Library. Use it to print and check out books. The 14-digit barcode on the back of the card allows you log onto library computers.
• The Library has a Presentation Practice Studio. Use this room to practice, record, and develop presentations, and to refine public speaking skills.
• Want to learn about 3D Printing? Sign up for an orientation to the HS/HSL’sInnovation Space. Once you attend the orientation, you can use the space to work with 3D modeling software and print 3D objects.
• Want to explore library resources? Sign up for a workshop or view librarytutorials.
• Need help while in the Library? Contact the Information Services Desk. The staff is available to help you in person, via chat and email, or on the phone.