Penn Libraries Announces Summer Services

As the University of Pennsylvania enters the summer term, the Penn Libraries continues to develop innovative ways to meet the needs of faculty, staff, and students while complying with evolving public health guidelines.

This summer, the Libraries will continue to provide virtual support and access to physical and digital collections. From Accounting to Veterinary Services, subject specialists are available to work with the Penn community through chat, email, phone, and web conferencing. In addition, new and expanded services will offer more options for in-person browsing, research, and individual study. 

Read on for information about selected services that will be available this summer, and please reference the Libraries’ Phased Services FAQ for the most comprehensive and up-to-date details about library operations.

Pickup and Home Delivery

Pickup@Penn will continue this summer. This program makes it possible for Penn faculty, students, and staff to request books and other materials and pick them up in a designated area on the ground floor of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. Prefer not to pick up materials on campus? Books by Mail and Digital Delivery services are also still available.

On-Campus Access

Stacks Browsing Appointments 

Starting May 17, stacks access will be available to all active Penn faculty, students, and staff by appointment in Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. One- to two-hour browsing appointments may be scheduled between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. The tables in the Moelis Lounge and Moelis Electronic Research Center will be open to patrons with stacks appointments to consult materials while onsite.

Special Collections Material and Consultations 

The Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts will offer on-site access to the Charles K. MacDonald Reading Room by appointment on weekdays between 10am and 4pm starting May 17. Researchers should email kislak@pobox.upenn.edu at least 24 hours in advance to set up appointments and provide information on the material needed. The Kislak Center will also continue to offer remote services for researchers, including free digitization of up to 500 pages of material or a one-hour remote curator consultation with a document camera.  

Seat Reservations 

Seat reservations will continue to be available for individual study in Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. Starting May 17, operating hours will be 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and eligibility will expand to all active Penn faculty, students, and staff. 

Latest Service Updates

The safety of our staff and our users is our top priority. The Libraries will continue to adapt services to address changing needs and circumstances throughout the school year, with guidance from the University and local and state officials. Visit the Libraries’ Phased Services FAQ for the latest updates.