See the Libraries' Return to Campus FAQ for the latest updates on library services.
What is reciprocal borrowing?
The Penn Libraries participate in several reciprocal borrowing programs that permit Penn faculty, staff or students to access facilities and to borrow materials at other institutions. This includes:
Contact us at the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk:
Email Us:
For library account concerns or questions about building and database access, please e-mail us at: vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu
Call Us:
215-898-7566
Drexel University
Free courtesy borrowing privileges at the Penn Libraries are available to Drexel University graduate students and faculty.
For general information about visiting the Penn Libraries please see our Visitor Policies and Access Policies.
Temple University :
Free courtesy borrowing privileges and access to our main library, Van Pelt Dietrich Library Center, is available for all Temple University affiliates for the summer 2019.
Tri-colleges (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore)
Free courtesy borrowing privileges at the Penn Libraries are available to the faculty of Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges.
For general information about visiting the Penn Libraries please see our Visitor Policies and Access Policies.
Penn also extends free courtesy borrowing to the faculty and graduate students from Saint Joseph's University and Villanova University (Van Pelt Library only), upon presentation of either a Reciprocal Borrower's letter, along with a non-expired institution picture ID.
Faculty, students and staff from the following institutions are now eligible to borrow materials on-site from the Penn Libraries:
Visitors from these institutions must first come to the Van Pelt Library (find on map) to register for on-site borrowing privileges.
Procedures and limitations:
Registration:
Participants may register for on-site borrowing privileges at the Van Pelt Library circulation desk (find on map) Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Evening, weekend, or reading day/final exam period registration may be arranged in advance by contacting vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu or 215-898-7566
Participants will be required to present a valid photo ID from their home institution and will have to demonstrate their eligibility by logging into their library account at their home institution.
As part of the registration process, participants will need to provide a valid email address and phone number.
Eligibility:
Current Faculty, Students and Staff at the partner institutions who have library accounts in good standing.
Loan Periods:
Books will be loaned out for 28 days, renewable for the life of the account. There is a maximum of 20 items per account at any one time.
Account Duration:
For general information about visiting the Penn Libraries please see our Visitor Policies and Access Policies.