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. Please see below for eligibility and rules associated with these programs.
- BorrowDirect
- Drexel University
- Tri-colleges (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore)
- Saint Joseph's University
- Villanova University
BorrowDirect on-site borrowing
Penn faculty, students and staff are now eligible to borrow materials from BorrowDirect partners
For information about rules, procedures, and partner institutions please see the BorrowDirect on-site borrowing page.
In order to access the libraries at these institutions you will be required to:
- present a valid faculty, student or permanent staff PennCard
In order to borrow materials from the libraries at these institutions you will be required to:
- log in to your Penn Libraries or Borrow Direct account to demonstrate that you are a Penn Libraries patron in good standing
- provide information (e.g. email address and phone number) required to create a local library account
Rules for access, registration and borrowing at each institution will vary.
Materials borrowed through this partnership may be returned at the lending institution or at a Penn Library.
Drexel University Libraries
Free courtesy borrowing is available to Penn graduate students and faculty at Drexel University Libraries.
Penn graduate students and faculty must obtain a Reciprocal Borrower's letter from the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk, and present it, along with their current PennCard, to Drexel Library Circulation staff in order to activate borrowing privileges.
Tri-colleges
Free courtesy borrowing is available to Penn faculty at Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore Libraries.
Penn faculty must obtain a Reciprocal Borrower's letter from the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk, and present it, along with their current PennCard, to Bryn Mawr, Haverford or Swarthmore library staff in order to activate borrowing privileges. A separate letter is required for each institution.
Saint Joseph's University
Free courtesy borrowing is available to Penn graduate students and faculty at Saint Joseph's University.
Penn graduate students and faculty must obtain a Reciprocal Borrower's letter from the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk, and present it, along with their current PennCard, to Saint Joseph's University, Drexel Library Circulation staff in order to activate borrowing privileges.
Villanova University
Free courtesy borrowing is available to Penn graduate students and faculty at Villanova University Falvey Memorial Library only.
Penn graduate students and faculty must obtain a Reciprocal Borrower's letter from the Van Pelt Library Circulation Desk, and present it, along with their current PennCard, to Villanova University, Falvey Memorial Library Circulation staff in order to activate borrowing privileges.