Penn State University Libraries - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I.......

Need more help? visit the ASK! page to contact a librarian

Connect to electronic course reserves from the Library home page. In the search box (middle of page), click on COURSE RESERVES and search By Instructor Number, By Instructor, or By Course Name. For each reserve item, click on "DETAIL" to display an "Online Content:" link to full text.

You must visit a lending services desk at any Penn State library if you get the message "privilege expired" or "no more charges allowed." The library staff will extend your privilege after verifying the accuracy of your library registration.

Scholarly Journals publish articles written by scholars and researchers to advance knowledge in a discipline or to engage professionals in scholarly discussions. Before publication, most scholarly articles go through a peer-review process where other scholars in the same field critique the work. Scholarly articles are written in a formal style, often including an abstract, literature review, detailed methodology, and references. Review the key features of Types of Periodicals and Journals to learn more.

How do I find Scholarly Journal Articles? The University Libraries subscribes to a wide range of databases containing full-text scholarly journal articles. Many undergraduates find it convenient to start with ProQuest, a multi-disciplinary database that includes full-text of selected scholarly journals in disciplines ranging from the arts and humanities to science and technology. Just click on the "Scholarly Journals" tab in ProQuest search results to display them. For advanced research, identify the database devoted to your topic discipline by checking the Research Guides by Subject List or by asking a librarian by chat, email, phone, or in-person.

Use the LIAS-VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to University Libraries databases as if you were "on campus." The LIAS-VPN connection is required for off-campus access to a few library databases, and it may resolve intermittent access problems with others. You may already have Penn State VPN software on your computer if you use it to access the wireless Internet on campus. If not, download and install the VPN client software  (there, select "Connecting to Penn State," then "VPN--Virtual Private Network"). Once installed, open the VPN client (look for the program named "Cisco Systems VPN Client"), scroll to the end of the list, select LIAS-VPN, then click on "Connect." When prompted, enter your PSU Access Account ID and password. Remember, you must connect through the LIAS-VPN option to gain access to library databases.

To cite an article from a database in APA style, include the following elements: Author, Date of publication, Title of article, Name of periodical, Volume and issue numbers, Page numbers, DOI (digital object identifier), Name of database, if there is no DOI, Document number, if there is no DOI. (see an example)

To cite an article from a database in MLA style, include the following elements: Author, Title of article, Name of periodical,volume and issue numbers, Date of publication, Inclusive pages, Name of database, Name of subscription service, Library at which you retrieved the source, Date of access, URL of service. (see an example)

For complete citation guides to APA, MLA, and other styles, go to:
Diana Hacker's Research and Documentation online or University Libraries Citation and Writing Guide

Connect to electronic course reserves from the Brandywine home page. In the Start Here box, click on COURSE RESERVES and search by Instructor Name, Course Name, or Course Number. Look for the entry: "Audio files on electronic reserve," and click on "Audio files" to open the web page with links to your assigned audio files. Software You Need to Listen:
VPN Client: users accessing with cable modem or DSL connections from off campus need to download the university's VPN client.
RealPlayer required: download free RealPlayer software for Macintosh or for Windows.
For additional information, visit: Audio Electronic Reserves and Music Audio Resources

Use the "Advanced Search" form in The CAT, and change the MATERIAL TYPE option to the format of your choice: VIDEO MATERIAL or AUDIO MATERIAL. For additional search tips for finding music and audiobooks, visit: How to Find Audio (music, books).

Contact Lending Services
by phone 814-865-5429
by email - staff directory

Visit any Penn State library for access to local library resources and a wide range of electronic databases.

Remote access to the CAT (online catalog) is available with a Resident PA library registration and a Friends of Penn State account. See complete instructions on the registration page.

Remote access to Penn State databases is limited to currently enrolled or employed student, faculty, and staff. However, non-university patrons may gain remote access to a select group of databases through membership in the Penn State Alumni Association. Anyone may join the Penn State Alumni Association. Learn more about the databases available through the Alumni Association at the Penn State Alumni Library.

Links to the Lending Code and Library Borrowing Privileges can be found on the Lending Services page.

Read and accept the University Libraries lending policy.

Need more help?  

If you need additional assistance, visit the HELP page to contact a librarian.