Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to other libraries may be temporarily suspended.
The University Libraries participates in a number of reciprocal borrowing and on-site programs, which provide additional information resources and allow broader access to scholarly material. Please note that on-site access programs require Penn State identification. The reciprocal borrowing programs may require authorized cards or forms in addition to Penn State identification.
PALCI Faculty Borrowing Program
Faculty have reciprocal borrowing privileges at PALCI member institutions. This program requires a letter issued by the University Libraries. Complete the online application to receive the authorized letter. This letter will be sent to the address specified on your application. Be sure to take your Penn State identification card with you when you travel to any PALCI library.
OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program
This reciprocal borrowing program grants faculty members from participating OCLC institutions borrowing privileges and on-site access to participating academic research libraries. View a list of participants and complete the online application to receive an OCLC card, which is required for access. The card will be sent to the address specified on your application.
Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Reciprocal Borrowing and On-Site Access
Faculty and graduate students have reciprocal borrowing privileges at BTAA libraries. Undergraduate students have on-site access only (no borrowing privileges). Students must show their current Penn State ID card to gain entry to a participating library.
Agreement statements for faculty and students are available at the BTAA Reciprocal Library Borrowing page.
SHARES On-Site Access
Our partnership with SHARES allows faculty, emeritus faculty, students, as well as academic and professional library staff of partner institutions to use the collections and services at SHARES libraries. This program does not include borrowing privileges. Make sure that you have your Penn State identification card when you travel to a SHARES library.