Welcome Guide for International Students

Welcome to the University Libraries! This page provides an introduction to our resources and services, as well as our library system. Some aspects of our library may be familiar to you, or they may be totally new.

We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate our library so that you can access what you need, when you need it. We want your experience with us to be enjoyable and productive!

We are here to help you. You can visit any service desk, call us, or use the 'Ask a Librarian' feature found on every page of our website. It is available for questions about finding materials, research help, or anything else. We also have librarians at many campuses who are focused on helping international students, visiting scholars, and other international patrons.

Note that most of our resources and services are available to the Penn State community free of charge – and largely online.

About Libraries in the United States

While there are many types of libraries in the United States, the common characteristic is that they are focused on serving their community. The University Libraries is an academic library (or research library), and the main goal of academic libraries is assisting students, faculty, staff, and visitors with their learning and research needs. Academic libraries also offer study spaces, computers and technology, research help, and materials for personal enjoyment -- such as novels, films, and magazines.

In general, libraries in the United States use an “open stacks” system where access to materials is not restricted. This means that library visitors can directly browse and select materials from the shelves in physical buildings and online. There are a few exceptions. Rare or fragile items, items stored off-site, and some equipment are not on the open shelves. For these, you will need to request online or ask at a service desk.

More information about libraries in the United States is found in this introductory library guide.

About the University Libraries

Our library network includes libraries at all Penn State locations, including Penn State’s World Campus. See our library locations and departments page to learn about our locations across the Commonwealth and at University Park.

The University Libraries employs professional librarians and specialist staff. Most of our librarians are University faculty, and they teach classes, conduct research, and write articles and books like other Penn State faculty. Library employee training emphasizes friendliness, research, technology, and service. Our top priority is to help you find what you need to ensure that you succeed in your studies or research.

Find Materials

To find books, journals, videos, and other materials, use the search box on the Libraries homepage. Our online search tools allow you to find materials from all University Libraries locations. You can access almost all library materials and resources at any Penn State campus. If an item is at a different location, it is quick and easy to request it -- at no cost to you. You also have access to most of our electronic materials from anywhere with an internet connection.

If you need an item or resource that we do not own or subscribe to, we can get most materials for you by borrowing items from other libraries. This interlibrary loan (ILL) service is provided at no cost to you.

On-site materials can be located using the item’s call number. Here in the Penn State Libraries, we use the Library of Congress call number system to help you find materials on the shelves. For assistance, reach out to us through Ask a Librarian.

My Library Account

You can log into your Library Account to view materials you have borrowed and requested as well as any overdue items or fines you might have. See our My Library Accounts overview page for more information.

Visit our Borrow & Renew information for details about borrowing privileges, policies, fines and fees.

Course Reserves & Guides

Course Reserves make it possible for you to check out course materials such as textbooks and other class readings through the library at no cost. Reserve items are shared by many students, so loan periods are short (usually a few hours to a few days).There are two types of course reserves:

  • Electronic reserves, or e-reserves, which make materials available electronically.
  • Physical reserves, which can be found at a service desk, where you check materials out using your Penn State ID.

In addition to course reserves, we also provide Course Guides. These guides are designed for students and are created by Penn State librarians. They contain databases, resources, and other information which may be useful for students enrolled in a specific course.

Need help? We’ll work with you to find, access, and evaluate, and use library resources for your research. Here’s how:

Technology

At the University Libraries, you can borrow more than just books. We provide a wide variety of technology equipment and services available for academic, research, professional, and personal use. You can also borrow technology such as laptops, iPads, calculators, chargers, audio-visual equipment, and other specialized equipment.

In our library spaces, you can access the Internet using public computers (PCs and Macs) or WiFi. Some computers also have specialized software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, statistical programs, and data analysis tools - in addition to standard office software. Many University Libraries locations also have spaces and resources for specialized tech needs including 3D printing, audio and video recording booths, and prototyping.

Visit our Technology & Equipment page for more information.

Spaces

When our locations are open, you are welcome to utilize a number or rooms and spaces like group study rooms and collaborative spaces. Visit our Rooms and Spaces page for more information.

Research Support

Whether you are an undergraduate student, graduate student, staff member, or faculty member, we can help you get started with your research.

Each Libraries location has at least one highly trained librarian whose job responsibilities include being available to provide research assistance. If you have a question related to libraries or research, please contact us! We can’t say it enough. It is our job to assist you with your questions. We want you to succeed in your research and studies.

Get started with your research:

Library Terminology

Libraries often use specialized terms to describe some of the services and resources that we offer. Our Multilingual Library Terms Guide explains some Penn State-specific terms and offers translations in other languages.

International Student Liaisons

We have librarians at many campuses who are focused on helping international students, visiting scholars, and other international patrons. Contact the librarians listed below for help, or contact your subject specialist librarian. 

Some of these librarians also participate in a Personal Librarian program focused on international students. Make sure to ask your liaison about this.

University Resources