Stacks access is available by appointment in Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center through July 16. Starting July 19, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center will be open to the Penn community and outside visitors, and appointments will no longer be needed to browse the stacks.
In accordance with the latest University guidelines, all active Penn students, faculty, and staff will be eligible to make appointments to browse stacks. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Patrons must comply with Penn's COVID-19 testing protocols and show both a confirmed reservation and a PennOpen Green pass, valid for the day of their appointment, for entry.
Reservations must made no less than 12 hours in advance. Please review the procedures below before you make your appointment.
How It Works
Patrons with a reservation will have access to stacks on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, the Reference Stacks on the first floor, and the following seminar rooms: Classics (301), Africana (305); JANES (Judaica Ancient and Near East- 401), Medieval (405), and Marian Anderson (452). Browsing appointments can be reserved online for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 2 hours. Operating hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A self-serve scanning station and copier will also be available adjacent to the reference stacks on first floor.
If you are interested in consulting materials in the East Asian Studies Seminar Room, South Asia Regional Studies Seminar Room, Middle Eastern Studies Seminar Room, Ormandy Music & Media Center, or the Peck Collection, please contact Tom Bruno, Director of Access Services.
As you prepare to make your browsing appointment, be advised:
The safety of our staff and our users is our top priority. Library patrons must review and follow all campus safety procedures, including wearing face coverings and adhering to social distancing requirements.
Tech support is available remotely through the University of Pennsylvania Tech Center.
Accessibility
All stacks are wheelchair-accessible. The Butler Assistive Technology Room can be reserved upon request through the seats reservation system.
Pickup@Penn
Patrons can access materials reserved through Pickup@Penn during their stacks appointment only with prior confirmation from the Circulation Department (contact vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu for details).
Have questions?
Contact Tom Bruno, Director of Access Services.
Important Note: This service was designed to match current health and safety guidelines. We will continually assess how to best meet user needs while guaranteeing the safety of Penn Libraries staff and patrons.
All services are subject to change; revisions will be made as necessary with guidance from the University of Pennsylvania, city and state officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.