The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education (OML) is open to the public for research visits by appointment only, Tuesdays-Saturdays. USM faculty, staff, students do not have to make an appointment to visit, with the exception of Saturday gallery or research visits.
Research appointments are available in two hour blocks; individuals may book back to back appointments if their project requires additional time.
Please review our Reading Room Guidelines for Researchers before you visit.
Researchers will need to register at the reception desk and show a photo ID to the staff.
There is no food or drink allowed in the gallery or the reference room, though we do have spaces available to eat and drink onsite.
Bags, backpacks, briefcases, books, umbrellas, and outer garments must be left in a locker (key provided), or left with reference staff behind the reading room desk.
Feel free to bring your laptop computer and charger into the reading room, but please leave all cases in a locker or with reference staff behind the reading room desk.
Pencils must be used for taking written notes – extra pencils are available at the reception desk in the reading room. Pens are prohibited.
Guests may park in USM's Bedford Street Garage ($4/hour).
Please enter the Glickman Family Library and proceed through the arcade to the Osher Map Library reference room and gallery entrance.
Face coverings are optional.
Do not make an appointment if you or someone in your household are unwell; are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; have been exposed to someone with symptoms or confirmed COVID-19; or have been asked to self-quarantine.
Please postpone or cancel your appointment if you are exhibiting any COVID symptoms or meet any of the above criteria.
Note: Saturday appointments must be reserved by 3:00pm on the preceding Thursday. There will be no same-day bookings on Saturdays.
We would appreciate knowing about any cancellations for research appointments as soon as you know you can no longer visit. Please email oml-usm@maine.edu.
Please note that if the University is closed due to inclement weather that the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education will be closed. All research and gallery appointments will be cancelled for that day.
For more information on University campus closures, please visit the USM Public Safety website.