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.
We have two services:
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.
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.
If you can't find the book you're searching for in EZBorrow, search for the title in WorldCat Discovery.
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.
If you need an article or chapter scan, search in WorldCat Discovery.
You can also use the widget below to start your search.
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.
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.
How long will it take to get my book?
ILL books will be on the pickup cart alongside PMA requests.
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.
No. Ebook borrowing is not a part of our ILL service.
Use WorldCat Discovery. For full instructions, please review the information here.
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.
Email ill@philamuseum.org. We’ll verify your account information and provide additional assistance if necessary.
Your department is responsible for any replacement or damage fees. You’ll need to provide a chargeline to cover the cost.
Submit your request using our purchase request form.
