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 Library and Archives Services Notice

We are open by appointment and providing remote reference services while the Perelman Building remains closed. Please email library@philamuseum.org or archives@philamuseum.org to schedule an appointment.

At this time, all interlibrary loan services are discontinued until further notice. Please anticipate major delays in service.  

Learn more →

Welcome to Interlibrary Loan

Service announcement: Effective immediately, all interlibrary loan services are discontinued until further notice. 

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art borrowers can request materials not available in the Library & Archives' collections through interlibrary loan (ILL).

We have two services:

  • EZBorrow is managed by a regional consortium called PALCI, comprising over 50 academic libraries throughout the region. We recommend you start your search here.
  • WorldCat Discovery queries libraries nationwide. If you can’t find what you need in EZBorrow, use WorldCat Discovery.

Once requested and received, physical items are made available for pickup on the hold carts on the Lower Level of the Perelman building. Electronic requests are emailed directly to patrons.

Instructions for using both services can be found in the boxes below. Questions? Review the FAQ or contact us at ill@philamuseum.org.

Request Books and Physical Media

 

 

Start your search for print books with EZBorrow.

  • Complete a search at https://ezborrow.reshare.indexdata.com. At this time, there's no need to sign in or authenticate via OpenAthens.
  • Click the "Request" button on the record of the book you need.
  • Now you'll be prompted to log in. Select "Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives" from the drop-down menu, enter your PMA Library ID. For most staff, this is your first initial and last name in all caps, i.e. JDOE or Jane Doe. You do not need to enter a password. Click "Submit." 
  • On the the "Confirm Request" page, select the pick-up location "Library Reading Room," the date needed by, volume(s) needed, and any notes.
  • To track your loans, please email ill@philamuseum.org.
  • Remember that:
    • You can only request print books through EZBorrow. Use WorldCat Discovery for electronic delivery of chapter scans or article requests. 
    • We are not equipped to borrow or lend ebooks through any ILL portal.

EZBorrow books have a 16 week loan period and are non-renewable.

Please note that some features in EZBorrow are not available and/or still under development, including OpenAthens authentication and patron-accessible borrowing histories. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please contact us at ill@philamuseum.org.

WorldCat Discovery Services Logo

If you can't find the book you're searching for in EZBorrow, search for the title in WorldCat Discovery.

  • There are no individual accounts set up in WorldCat Discovery, so you can ignore the "Staff sign in" / "Sign in" links.
  • Complete your search. Once you find the correct record, click on the "Request Item through Interlibrary Loan" button.
  • Fill in your contact information and provide any special instructions if needed.
  • To track your loans, please email ill@philamuseum.org.

While many libraries choose not to circulate these materials via ILL, feel free to place requests for DVDs, microfilm, and other non-print media. However, please note that we are not set up to borrow or lend ebooks at this time.

Delivery times, loan periods, and renewal policies vary depending on the lending institution. 

You can also use the widget below to start your search.

 

Request Articles and Book Chapter Scans

If you need an article or chapter scan, search in WorldCat Discovery.

  • There are no individual accounts set up in WorldCat Discovery, so you can ignore the "Staff sign in" / "Sign in" links.
  • Search for the journal or book that contains the needed material--do not search for the article or chapter itself. 
  • Once you find the correct record, click on the "Request Item through Interlibrary Loan" button and fill in the citation and your contact information. 
  • To track your request, please email ill@philamuseum.org.

You can also use the widget below to start your search.

 

Smithsonian Archives of American Art Logo

PMA users can also request digital delivery of mircofilm reels from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art. Please email ILL staff at ill@philamuseum.org with the reel numbers, and they will place the request on your behalf.

Overdue and Suspension Policy

It is the borrower’s responsibility to return interlibrary loan materials by the due date. Due dates are clearly marked on the band affixed to the front cover of each book.  

Failure to return books on time may damage the museum’s relationships with lenders and prevent any future institution-wide borrowing. We may also incur replacement fees, which your department will be responsible for paying. 

If you have 10 or more ILL books that are 1 month or more overdue, your interlibrary loan and library borrowing privileges will be suspended, meaning we will not process or fill any request for books, journal articles, or chapter scans. Your borrowing privileges will be reinstated once you have returned the overdue ILL materials. 

You may request renewals at any time for materials borrowed through WorldCat Discovery by emailing ill@philamuseum.org. However, policies vary from library to library, and your request may not be approved. EZBorrow books are non-renewable. 

If you cannot renew a book but still need access to the material, please return the item and request a new copy. We encourage you to first check EZBorrow for needed items before searching in WorldCat Discovery.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to get my book?

  • EZBorrow books usually take 2-3 business days to arrive.
  • Delivery times for books requested through WorldCat Discovery can vary widely depending on where they’re coming from. The turnaround time is usually 3-10 business days.

Where do I pick up my book?

ILL books will be on the pickup cart alongside PMA requests.


How long can I keep my book?

  • EZBorrow books have a loan period of 16 weeks and are non-renewable.
  • Loan periods for books borrowed through WorldCat Discovery can vary widely—anywhere from two weeks to several months.

You can find the due dates for all your ILL books written or printed on the band affixed to the front cover. Note that all ILL books are subject to recall at any time.


What does it mean if my book is recalled?

If you receive a recall notice, this means that the lending library needs the book returned to them before its original due date. Recalled items must be returned within 7 days of notification.


How do I renew my books?

  • EZBorrow books cannot be renewed.
  • For WorldCat Discovery books, email ill@philamuseum.org to request a renewal. Note that renewal requests are not guaranteed.

Can I borrow ebooks?

No. Ebook borrowing is not a part of our ILL service.


How do I request a journal article or chapter scan?

Use WorldCat Discovery. For full instructions, please review the information here.


How can I see what ILL books I have checked out?

Unfortunately, neither of our ILL services have portals where users can review their borrowing history. If you would like to know what you currently have checked out, email ill@philamuseum.org, and we’ll be happy to provide that information.


I’m having trouble logging in. What do I do?

Email ill@philamuseum.org. We’ll verify your account information and provide additional assistance if necessary.


What happens if I lose or damage my ILL book?

Your department is responsible for any replacement or damage fees. You’ll need to provide a chargeline to cover the cost.


I think the PMA should own a copy of the book I borrowed. Who do I contact?

Submit your request using our purchase request form.