Penn Libraries

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Our semester-long passport program will give you a chance to go beyond the most popular study spots and find your own favorite nooks and niches. Pick up your passport at the Van Pelt, Fisher Fine Arts, Chemistry, or Biotech Commons libraries to get started.

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Using the Library

Quick Start Guide

Search the Franklin Catalog

Use Franklin to find books, journal articles, databases, CDs and DVDs, and anything else in the Penn Libraries collections.

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Get Off-Campus Access

Need to access subscription materials like journals, databases, and ebooks when you’re not on campus? Check out our cheat sheet.

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Request Scans

Our library staff can scan book chapters and articles for quick delivery directly to your inbox.

A person sits at a large scanner scanning a book

Receive Books by Mail

When you register for Books By Mail, you can request to have books sent to your off-campus address anywhere in the United States.

A library staff member puts books on a cart in Van Pelt Library.

Ask a Question Anytime

Explore our archive of Frequently Asked Questions. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Submit your question anytime, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

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Book a Consultation

Book an in-person or virtual consultation with a librarian or technology consultant with expertise in your field of study, copyright, digital fabrication, or statistical and design software.

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Find Your Personal Librarian

From Accounting to Veterinary Medicine, one of our subject specialists can tailor help to your particular focus.

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Browse our spaces

Explore our array of flexible and innovative spaces, from collaborative or quiet study spots to classrooms designed for active learning and equipped with the latest technology.

People studying by the felt wall of the Reading Room. Cushioned seats and reading lamps line the long wooden tables.

Reserve a room

Already know exactly which room you need? Head directly to our room reservation system.

Rolling chairs surrounding a long conference table. There is a rolling whiteboard in the room as well as large windows that provide a view of campus.

Explore our library locations

Like to study in the middle of the night? Need specialized databases at your fingertips? Looking for a location close to your classes? Find out how to visit all our library locations across campus—and beyond—and discover which one suits your needs best.

Aerial view of Penn's quad, showing Van Pelt Library and the Fisher Fine Arts Library.

Explore Canvas and Related Resources

Find support, training, and instructional design services for Canvas—Penn’s learning management system—and related educational technologies.

Book a Classroom Space

Use our spaces finder to book a classroom with the setup and technology that suits your needs.

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Course Reserves

Set aside books, films, and sound recordings for classroom use.

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Featured Collections

The Penn Libraries' global collections encompass hundreds of languages and scripts across a broad range of subject areas, preserving the rich cultural and scholarly record from Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Read about some of our unique recent acquisitions.

A pile of colorful books. Visible titles include "Reconciliation: Journey of Solidarity Through A Wounded India," "My Days In the Underworld: The Rise of the Bangalore Mafia," and "Queen of Hearts."

The Legacy of Westland Books

In the last year, the Penn Libraries purchased more than 400 volumes published by the recently-shuttered Indian publisher Westland Books.

Books on a shelf. Legible titles include: The Usual Suspects, Belles, Sea Winter, Dream Country, and The Last-Last Day of Summer.

Award-Winning Books

Discover books in the Penn Libraries collections that have won awards for their depictions of or significance to marginalized communities.

Eye chart printed with Hebrew letters in various sizes.

Yiddish-Language Collections

The Penn Libraries' Yiddish-language holdings document the story of Yiddish language, literature, culture, and history.

Upcoming Events

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Sep 25

Workshop

September 25, 2023

Intro to Metals and Jewelry

During these introduction workshops, you will learn the safety procedures and fundamental techniques. Registration is required.

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Education Commons TinkerLab

Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff

Colorful version of a Google map of the area around the Penn Libraries.

September 26, 2023

Speed Networking with Research Data & Digital Scholarship

Build and expand your network for professional growth and development, learn about research projects that include data and/or digital elements from the source. This event is appropriate for all students who (want to) work on data or digital projects. Mingle with friends and meet new ones with coffee and donuts!

2:00pm - 3:00pm
RDDSX, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

Open to Penn Students Only

Workshop

September 26, 2023

R Advanced: Post Code and Results in One File

Tired of jumping between R and a text editor? This workshop will get you started using R Markdown to write and export a formatted assignment or paper.

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Yablon Financial Resources Lab, room 244, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff