Public Access to Government Documents
As a Federal Depository Library Program participant, the Penn Libraries make U.S. Government Documents, received through the depository program, available for the free use of the general public.
The Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is the Penn Libraries' point of access for its Federal Depository Library Program collection. However, the physical government documents are located in our off-site storage facility LIBRA. Patrons may be required to request desired items prior to their visit to VPDLC, or visit our offsite facility in West Deptford, New Jersey for immediate access. To request these items from LIBRA please use the following form.
Visitors seeking to use U.S. Government Documents distributed through the depository program are expected to conform to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center's general access and restricted access policies. Access to specific categories of U.S. government documents may require mediation by Penn librarians.
Access During Business Hours:
Building access is unrestricted until the end of business hours at 6pm.
All visitors must show a current, valid government, school, or employer-issued photo I.D. that contains an expiration date. A copy of their identification documents will be made and a Visitor Badge will be issued.
Access After Business Hours and during Restricted Periods:
Penn Libraries' business hours end weekday evenings after 6pm and on weekends. Please consult our library calendar for dates and times of during restricted-access Periods
We ask visitors who need to use U.S. Depository Government documents on weekday evenings, weekends, and during restricted-access periods to consult with Van Pelt Information Desk Staff, or Access Services Administration, in advance so that we may determine if the documents needed are available and that staff is on hand to help. Please call Van Pelt Reference at 215-898-7555 or email us.
See Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center's access policy for detailed information on library hours and restrictions.