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Need help prepping for finals? Want to know how to find things in the library? Talk to a librarian! Use our "Ask" chat to message us Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and get a real-time response, wherever you are.

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Using the Library

Quick Start Guide

Search the Franklin Catalog

Use Franklin to find books, journal articles, databases, CDs and DVDs, and anything else in the Penn Libraries collections.

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Get Off-Campus Access

Need to access subscription materials like journals, databases, and ebooks when you’re not on campus? Check out our cheat sheet.

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Request Scans

Our library staff can scan book chapters and articles for quick delivery directly to your inbox.

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Receive Books by Mail

When you register for Books By Mail, you can request to have books sent to your off-campus address anywhere in the United States.

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Ask a Question Anytime

Explore our archive of Frequently Asked Questions. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Submit your question anytime, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

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Book a Consultation

Book an in-person or virtual consultation with a librarian or technology consultant with expertise in your field of study, copyright, digital fabrication, or statistical and design software.

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Browse our spaces

Explore our array of flexible and innovative spaces, from collaborative or quiet study spots to classrooms designed for active learning and equipped with the latest technology.

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Reserve a room

Already know exactly which room you need? Head directly to our room reservation system.

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Explore our library locations

Like to study in the middle of the night? Need specialized databases at your fingertips? Looking for a location close to your classes? Find out how to visit all our library locations across campus—and beyond—and discover which one suits your needs best. 

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Featured Collections

The Penn Libraries' global collections encompass hundreds of languages and scripts across a broad range of subject areas, preserving the rich cultural and scholarly record from Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Read about some of our unique recent acquisitions.

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Exploring Chinese Internet Literature

To more accurately reflect the diversity of literature in China, the Penn Libraries has made a special effort to add recent internet novels that have been published in print form to our collection.

Upcoming Events

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  • Workshop
April 30, 2024

Paper Writing Drop-In

Wherever you are in the paper-writing process, you can stop by our weekly drop-in sessions to get immediate help with organizing your research notes, citing your sources, and more!

 

  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Weigle Information Commons Rooms and Booths, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center (1st floor)
Open to Penn Students Only
Two presenters are speaking to an audience. On the television screen behind them reads "Results: 34% fewer fatal and serious injury crashes, and 20% fewer injury crashes of any severity
  • Workshop
April 30, 2024

Downloading and Mapping census variables in QGIS

Census data provides valuable insights into population demographics, housing characteristics, and more. In this workshop, you'll learn how to access and download census data, and then map it in QGIS, a free and open-source GIS software, to visualize patterns and trends.

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Research Data and Digital Scholarship Exchange, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center (1st floor)
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff
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  • Workshop
May 1, 2024

Bloomberg 101

Bloomberg is a definitive source of information for security pricing, indicative and fundamental data, customized analytics and business news. This class covers basic database structure and commands with a focus on practical and useful examples. 

  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Yablon Financial Resources Lab, Room 244, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff