Empowering Pennsylvania Communities: How University and Public Libraries Unite for Collaborative Success

Penn State University Libraries is dedicated to serving not just students and faculty, but all residents of Pennsylvania. This land-grant institution allows anyone in the state to borrow materials from its extensive collection. The library systems have also teamed up with local public libraries to streamline access.

In 2018, a common problem arose at Schlow Centre Region Library. Some University Park students mistakenly returned borrowed items to Schlow, leading to costly shipping to return them to the university. To tackle this issue, the libraries established a system where items from either library could be returned at any participating location. This collaboration has made it easier for users and cut costs associated with shipping.

Chris Holobar, who manages access services at Penn State Libraries, explained, “By including Schlow in our regular delivery route, we ensured faster material movement and savings for both libraries.” This partnership highlights how cooperation can enhance community services.

Notably, all Pennsylvania residents can use their public library cards at Penn State locations. Jennie Levine Knies, an associate dean at the libraries, noted, “These partnerships help build strong ties with local communities, allowing residents access to our resources.”

Expanding on these collaborations, Brandywine Campus Library built a similar partnership with Delaware County Libraries in 2022, allowing anyone with a Delaware County library card to check out items from Brandywine. Teresa Slobuski, head librarian there, shared that community borrowing has surged by over 85% since the start of the program, showing the growing demand for shared resources.

This year, Mont Alto Campus Library joined forces with Franklin County Library System, offering public library cardholders the ability to borrow from Penn State’s collection. At Mont Alto, library head Tom Reinsfelder mentioned that a county bookmobile regularly stops at the campus, further promoting access to public libraries.

In late 2024, Fayette Campus Library is set to join the WAGGIN network, linking libraries across Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties. Local residents can borrow from Fayette Campus and access Penn State’s resources with just one card.

These partnerships support initiatives like PA Forward, which promotes literacy in areas such as health and financial education. The initiative helps libraries serve as community hubs, empowering residents through various programs.

Overall, Penn State University Libraries plays a vital role in making library resources accessible to every resident in Pennsylvania, fostering a sense of community and partnership. Through these efforts, the library not only fulfills its educational mission but also helps improve the quality of life for many.

For more information on borrowing privileges and resources, check the Penn State Libraries.

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