Penn State University Libraries is one of the largest and most comprehensive library systems in the United States, serving the students, faculty, and staff of the Pennsylvania State University. The library system consists of 36 libraries across 24 campuses, including the University Park campus, which is the largest and most extensive. With a vast collection of over 7 million volumes, 300,000 e-books, and 700 databases, the Penn State Libraries provide unparalleled access to information and research resources.
History and Evolution of the Penn State Libraries
The Penn State Libraries have a rich history dating back to 1855, when the university was founded as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania. The first library was established in 1863, with a collection of just over 1,000 volumes. Over the years, the library has undergone significant transformations, including the construction of the iconic Pattee Library in 1939, which served as the main library until 2000. Today, the Penn State Libraries are a leader in digital scholarship, with a strong commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.
Services and Resources
The Penn State Libraries offer a wide range of services and resources to support the academic and research needs of the university community. These include research assistance, instruction, and consultation services, as well as access to specialized collections, such as rare books, manuscripts, and archives. The libraries also provide a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. Additionally, the libraries offer a range of technology and digital media resources, including 3D printing, virtual reality, and multimedia production studios.
| Library Resource | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Print Volumes | 7,032,119 |
| E-books | 303,119 |
| Databases | 724 |
| Journal Subscriptions | 72,511 |
Key Points
- The Penn State Libraries consist of 36 libraries across 24 campuses, with a total collection of over 7 million volumes.
- The libraries offer a range of services, including research assistance, instruction, and consultation services, as well as access to specialized collections and digital media resources.
- The Penn State Libraries are a leader in digital scholarship, with a strong commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.
- The libraries provide a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces.
- The Penn State Libraries are committed to providing inclusive and accessible services, including accommodations for students with disabilities, language support, and cultural diversity initiatives.
Special Collections and Archives
The Penn State Libraries are home to a number of special collections and archives, including the Eberly Family Special Collections Library, the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, and the University Archives. These collections include a wide range of materials, such as rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other historical documents. The libraries also have a number of digital collections, including the Penn State Digital Library, which provides online access to a variety of historical and cultural resources.
Digital Scholarship and Innovation
The Penn State Libraries are at the forefront of digital scholarship and innovation, with a range of initiatives and services designed to support the university’s research and academic missions. These include the Digital Scholarship and Data Services department, which provides support for digital scholarship, data management, and digital pedagogy, as well as the Media Commons, which offers a range of digital media resources and services, including 3D printing, virtual reality, and multimedia production studios.
Meta Description: Discover the Penn State University Libraries, a comprehensive system of 36 libraries across 24 campuses, offering a wide range of services, resources, and digital scholarship initiatives to support the academic and research needs of the university community.
What services do the Penn State Libraries offer?
+The Penn State Libraries offer a wide range of services, including research assistance, instruction, and consultation services, as well as access to specialized collections, digital media resources, and study spaces.
How can I access the Penn State Libraries’ digital collections?
+The Penn State Libraries’ digital collections can be accessed through the library’s website, which provides online access to a variety of historical and cultural resources, including e-books, databases, and digital media.
What kind of study spaces are available at the Penn State Libraries?
+The Penn State Libraries offer a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces, as well as access to digital media resources and technology.
