Tips for Requesting Library Materials

Penn State World Campus students have access to a wealth of library resources through Penn State University Libraries. The University Libraries' collection is nationally recognized among academic research libraries with hundreds of online research databases, thousands of scholarly journals (many available online and in full text), and millions of materials, including books, eBooks, maps, CDs, DVDs, and more available to you through our online catalog, databases, and document delivery.

Additionally, our consortia agreements and interlibrary loan services provide you with extended access to research collections across the country and around the world.

Who Can Borrow Library Materials?

All faculty, staff, and students officially affiliated with Penn State and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are permitted to register with the Libraries. Penn State students are typically registered automatically upon enrollment. Review this information geared specifically to Penn State World Campus students and those doing research at a distance. There is one library account not automatically created that is important for World Campus students: we encourage you to create an InterLibrary Loan Account as soon as possible.

Penn State University Libraries partners with your instructors to support your success in World Campus courses. We strive to provide access to as many course materials as possible online. Due to copyright and publisher agreements, we cannot always provide online access to every required textbook, video, or journal/magazine article. However, always check the Libraries first! We can help you discover if free online versions exist. If online access isn't available, or if you prefer a physical copy, our InterLibrary Loan and book delivery services can help you obtain the materials.

Finding and Requesting Materials

The University Libraries have so much available to students that it may seem a bit overwhelming, and you might not even know where to start to explore or access materials. To learn more about how to find materials online, visit the Online Students Use of the Library page.

We also have a roadmap to guide you through the basic steps.

• First, go to the Libraries' website and use the Find box or select the Catalog to search.
• For online resources, you will be able to open the material directly from the item listing. Other types of materials will need to be shipped. We can ship to all addresses in North America except P.O. boxes. NOTE: We are now able to offer physical delivery services to military service members with APO/FPO addresses via the U.S. Postal Service. Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about this new service.
• Need a limited section of a book or other work quickly, or want an electronic format? Library staff can scan up to three chapters of each book for you and send them to you electronically using InterLibrary Loan.
• To have items shipped to you, click the “I Want It” button and indicate the date by which you will no longer want us to look for the materials. We normally get materials to you quickly, but that date is the date we would stop trying to obtain the materials. Books will be sent via UPS or U.S. Mail to the address in your ILLiad profile. A return mailing label will be included, and return shipping is covered for you. If you will be near a Penn State location, you can also return books to any Penn State University Libraries campus or branch library circulation desk. Important: Double-check to make sure the shipping address on file for you is correct.

Time Limits

The time limits for borrowed items vary depending on the types of materials and whether you are a student, staff/faculty member, or alum. Review time limits.

Library Fines

It’s important to keep track of when library materials are due to be returned and to make sure you return items on or before the due date. Otherwise, you risk incurring library fines, which can add up quickly.

Reviewing Items You Have Checked Out

Review the items currently listed as checked out by you in the My Library Account section of the University Libraries website.

For More Help

Specific questions about library resources for Penn State World Campus students can be directed to John Shank at [email protected] or 610-396-6341.

Additionally, the Libraries’ ASK service connects World Campus students with experts who can help with a wide range of topics, from finding resources to understanding citation styles.

For peer-to-peer undergraduate student support, the Libraries’ Search Bar provides peer research consultants to assist students with various research tasks, including choosing or narrowing down a topic, writing a research question, finding and evaluating information sources, and navigating the Libraries’ website. If needed, students may be referred to the appropriate library subject specialist for more advanced assistance. NOTE: The Search Bar is open when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. Peer Research Consultants offer walk-in consultations (no appointments required), and virtual appointments that can be made through Starfish.

Other Recommended Resources

• Library resources — learn more about the library services and resources available to World Campus students
• Virtual Libraries Open House for World Campus — this interactive tutorial is designed to introduce online Penn State students to Penn State library resources, including item delivery. Students can generate an email certificate upon completion.