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Get Items Not in the State Library

The State Library of PA provides interlibrary loan service to Pennsylvania state government employees. Commonwealth employees may make interlibrary loan requests through their agency library or by contacting a State Library reference librarian. (phone: 717-783-5950)

E-ZBorrow

State employees may use  E-ZBorrow to request books not available in the State Library Catalog. E-ZBorrow is a direct book borrowing program that eligible Pennsylvania Commonwealth employees may use to request books from over 68 academic libraries in the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium (PALCI). Eligible Commonwealth employees include those holding current State Library cards; PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) faculty and staff; and interns and consultants working for the Commonwealth.

  • Go to E-Zborrow
  • Enter your 14-digit State Library card number in the Patron ID box and click the Login button.
  • If you know the name of the exact title or author enter it in the box and hit search. If you are not sure what you are looking for click on “Advanced Search”. Add terms to the boxes for what you are searching for such as author or title. Make sure you pick the appropriate choice for looking for a phrase.
  • The results will be listed. Click on the title you want. Remember that only books will circulate with this service, not journal articles or electronic resources.
  • If you see “SLPENN” as one of the results means that the State Library owns the item. You may call the State Library Reference phone number (717-783-5950) and the staff will see that the book is pulled for you. You may then pick it up at the Main Circulation desk – Forum Room 102.
  • When placing a request select “Circulation” as the pickup location (it is your only choice). You may also add a note if you wish only a certain edition or a volume out of a multi-volume set. The system automatically defaults to the email address on file. You may check the status of your request(s) at any time by clicking on the “My Account” button on the top of the Advanced Search page.
  • To renew books, select the Account Info tab in the State Library Catalog/Primo.
  • Books are available for pick up at the Main Circulation Desk in Room 102 in the Forum Building at Commonwealth Avenue & Walnut Street. Books are loaned for 28 days, with one renewal period of 28 days.
  • If you have questions, please call the Circulation desk at 717-787-3169

Looking for a journal article or a book not found in E-ZBorrow?

For additional information, please contact:

Interlibrary loan phone: (717) 787-4130
E-mail: ra-ill@pa.gov