Access and Visitor Information for the Holman Biotech Commons

Address and Phone Number

Holman Biotech Commons
Johnson Pavilion
3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
215-898-5815  
Campus map and accessibility information

For Students, Faculty, and Staff Associated with the University of Pennsylvania

All Penn students, faculty, and staff can visit the Holman Biotech Commons and use its resources anytime the library is open. Valid photo identification (i.e., a PennCard) must be shown at all times.

For All Other Visitors

Weekdays until 6 p.m., access to the library is unrestricted.

After 6 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, and on holidays, access is restricted. Patrons must show current, valid identification in one of the following categories, without which they must leave at 6 p.m.:

• PennCard or Penn Alumni Card
• Photo ID from HUP, Pennsylvania, or Presbyterian hospitals, or UPHS affiliate
• Holman Biotech Commons Barcode accompanied by a photo ID
• Library Courtesy Card accompanied by a photo ID
• Photo ID from Drexel, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, or Swarthmore

Individual, unaffiliated visiting researchers and students, as well as Penn affiliates who wish to bring guests, can make special arrangements to visit the Holman Biotech Commons in the evenings or on weekends. Penn affiliates, on behalf of their guests, should call the Holman Biotech Commons Information Desk at 215-898-5815, email circbio@pobox.upenn.edu, or stop by the desk in advance to arrange access.

Due to licensing restrictions, access to most of the University's electronic resources is limited to Penn students, faculty, and staff. Please see the Electronic Resource Access policy.

Access to the University's Wireless AirPennNet network is limited and requires advanced setup. Guests should work with their sponsor to receive support. More information is available on Penn's AirPennNet page.

Children of Penn faculty, staff, and students and other Library patrons may enter and remain in the Holman Biotech Commons when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Holman is not open to elementary or high school students, but arrangements may be made for class groups, or for high school students who need to use depository documents. Contact us to inquire about arrangements.

Research Services

Library staff are available to provide answers to reference questions in person and to assist with research Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Send Holman staff your subject-specific or general questions, and they will be routed to the appropriate subject specialist librarian. Turnaround time is usually within 24 hours.

Holman Biotech Commons staff respond to live chat questions 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (10 a.m.- 4 p.m. during summer months). 

Holman Biotech Commons librarians are available to meet individually with Penn students, faculty, and staff to provide research assistance. Reference librarians are also available for customized sessions designed for your class's needs. Request an appointment or a session using our form.