Q: The library doesn't have what I need. How can I get it?

A: When Scott Library doesn't own published materials, whether in electronic or print format, there are two ways to get them.

First, if material is not available locally or a personal visit is not practical, use the Library's Interlibrary Loan service to borrow materials from other libraries. Requests average 3-5 days for delivery time. Order forms are available online. Students receive 10 free requests each year. Faculty and staff pay a fee for the service. Consult the Interlibrary Loan page for current fees and policies.

Second, you may visit another local library yourself. Philadelphia is particularly rich in health-related libraries. It is possible to identify journals owned at other local libraries and to visit those libraries in person. The 2nd floor Reference Desk has a printed list of journals available at local health sciences libraries, along with a directory of service hours, addresses and phone numbers for all available libraries in town. JEFFLINE also provides links to the online library catalogs of local libraries.

Some of JEFFLINE's databases include helpful notes about what materials the library owns on your search results.