Penn Libraries

September 21, 2021, updates on Penn Libraries

Van Pelt-Dietrich, including the stacks, is open without appointment from 8:30-12AM, M-F and 10-6, Sat., 10-12, AM Sun. Masks must be worn by everyone inside the library.

For patrons visiting Van Pelt-Dietrich in person there are options for self-check-out. A circulation member can assist with the process. Pickup@Penn and Books by Mail for all North American locations will continue.

Kislak is the exception; it is currently is still accessible only by appointment.

Most departmental libraries opened on August 16. The Museum Library opened on August 18, and the new Biotech Commons (in the same location as the Biomed Library) is likely to open in September.

Patrons can connect with the library through Penn Libraries chat at https://www.library.upenn.edu/chat or by submitting questions online. They can also check the "Ask" button on the library home page or on the Franklin page.

 

The following websites offer information on library programs

Information on covid-related adjustments
https://www.library.upenn.edu/blogs/libraries-news/covid-19-phased-service-availability

General information on library resources, including procedures for borrowing books
https://www.library.upenn.edu/vanpelt

 

News and events
http://www.library.upenn.edu/news-events

Workshops
https://libcal.library.upenn.edu/calendar/wicshops?cid=654&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=654&inc=0

Lectures, conferences, and events
http://www.library.upenn.edu/about/exhibits-events/lectures

30 days of events calendar
http://www.library.upenn.edu/about/exhibits-events/events

 

Contact information for those seeking advice and for making appointments

To schedule a consultation or to set up an appointment with a qualified specialist  (messages will be forwarded to the appropriate person)
http://faq.library.upenn.edu/widget_standalone.php?la_widget_id=3206
   

To contact a specialist directly
http://www.library.upenn.edu/people/subject-specialists

For questions that can be answered via an email interaction https://faq.library.upenn.edu/friendly.php?slug=ask

If wanting to chat, look for chat link at the bottom of the Penn Library home page
https://www.library.upenn.edu/

 

Guidance for those wanting to donate personal books to the Penn Libraries

Individuals who want to donate their personal book collections to the Penn Libraries should first contact the subject specialist associated with their area of study. Specialists are identified on the website.
http://www.library.upenn.edu/people/subject-specialists

For book collections that are likely already duplicated in the Penn Libraries collections, Better World Books is a good option. It is a not-for-profit service that gives a portion of its profits to literacy initiatives, keeps books out of landfills, and aims for a sound environmental impact.  BWB has drop boxes in a number of locations in Philadelphia, including Riverview Plaza.
https://www.betterworldbooks.com/Info-Donate-Books-m-7.aspx

 

Further contact information: How to reach the Director of Liaison Services for the Penn Libraries

For PASEF members looking for information not readily accessible on the above websites, Rebecca A. Stuhr, Director, Liaison Services, is the central contact person
https://www.library.upenn.edu/people/staff/rebecca-stuhr

stuhrreb@pobox.upenn.edu

218 Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 215-898-5999