Library
Our Health Sciences Library has a wide variety of resources to support students, faculty, researchers and clinicians, both at PA College and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
Getting Started
The library uses the OpenAthens user authentication system to verify access to its licensed electronic resources. Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Employees may log in using their LGH credentials. PA College users may log in with their PA College email addresses and passwords. For instructions on how to log in, refer to the user guide.
Search Multiple Databases
Use the library’s SUMMON Discover tool to search multiple databases at once, for articles, books and more.
Greenfield Road Campus
The Learning Commons is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is accessible when the Cooper Building is accessible.
Lancaster General Hospital (James Street Lobby)
Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library is closed for major holidays and whenever the college is closed for emergencies or inclement weather. Library hours are also subject to change during session breaks and when there is mandatory employee training at the College.
Change in Hours
Please view our Library News Guide for changes in hours.
How do I access library resources?
- To locate print books and journals, audio-visual materials, or other items in the collection, view the online catalog.
- To research a topic, browse the databases.
- To see if the Library subscribes to a particular journal, use the “Find a Journal” feature.
Do I need a Citrix account to access library electronic resources?
No, our licensed electronic resources are available from anywhere on the Internet, but the library uses the OpenAthens user identity software application to determine who is eligible to use our resources. You must be affiliated with either Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health or PA College to use the library’s electronic resources.
What memberships does the library hold?
The library holds memberships in:
- American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
- Central Pennsylvania Health Sciences Library Association (CPHSLA)
- Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania (ACLCP)
- Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA)
- Medical Library Association (MLA)
- National Network of Libraries of Medicine
How do I access library eBooks?
Go to the library’s eBooks finder application. This tool allows you to browse by title and subject. The library’s Discover Tool allows you to specify eBooks in your search results.
Do I need to register to borrow materials from the library? If so, how?
You do need to create a new patron record to borrow books, renew books and place holds. To register to borrow materials, fill out a new patron form at either library location, or request that one be sent to you via intercampus mail.
How do I obtain articles I'm interested in?
If the library has access to the full text of an item, you will see a link to a PDF version, a link to Full Text, or a LinkSource icons. For items to which the library does not have full text access, you will see a link to fill out a document delivery form, and the library will attempt to obtain the article from another source.
How do I find a journal article?
Choose a Database, then perform a keyword search. To get to the full text of the article look for the PDF, Full Text or Check LinkSource icons. If you already have the citation of an article, use our Journal search page. Type in the title or part of the journal title with no abbreviations. If the journal is not on the list, submit an Article/Book Request form. We will attempt to borrow the article from another library. It may take as many as seven days for the article to arrive from the lending institution.
Can the public use the library?
The branch of our library located in the Lancaster General Hospital complex maintains a collection of patient education resources. These materials may be checked out for a limited period upon presentation of a drivers license or Pennsylvania identification card. Individuals from ACLCP institutions may use some materials with prior permission.
May I donate my books to the library?
The Library receives numerous inquiries regarding book donations. Please only donate health sciences and medical items that were published within the last three years. We will not accept the following:
- Items more than 3 years old.
- Items that are not health sciences or medical titles.
- Course textbooks.
- Test prep and study materials.
- VHS tapes.
- Damaged items.
Not sure whether an item you want to donate is appropriate? Please contact our collections librarian, Cynthia McClellan, at 947-6170 for additional information, or to email your list of potential donations (including ISBN) for evaluation, prior to bringing them to the library.
Visit our Library and Learning Commons Services and Policies page for more information.
For general questions or assistance in locating materials, renewals or interlibrary loans, please contact: Library@PACollege.edu Phone: (717) 947-6022 Fax: (717) 947-6259 We gladly accommodate requests for individual research consultations, and in-class presentations. Please complete an online request form. Contact A Librarian Form You can also contact a Learning Commons staff member directly using the contact information below.
Contact & Support
General Assistance
| Name | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Commons and Health Sciences Library (to reach all staff) | For general questions, assistance in locating materials, renewals, interlibrary loans, library policies, etc. | Email: Library@PACollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6022 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
Learning Commons Staff
| Name | Title & Chief Responsibilities | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Christina Steffy, MLIS | Director, Learning Commons Management and administration, information literacy support, outreach, access services, copyright, interlibrary loan | Email: cjsteffy@pacollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6142 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
| Elizabeth Ashley | Learner Support Coordinator Academic success resources and services including study skills, test taking strategies and tutoring. | Email: eashley2@pacollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6113 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
| Scott Denlinger, MS | Librarian, Systems & Digital Collections Resource access, troubleshooting, database administration, and technical services. | Email: sbdenlinger@PACollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6128 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
| Cynthia McClellan, MLS, AHIP | Head, Library Resources and Acquisitions Collection and resource development. | Email: cm057@PACollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6170 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
| Amy Snyder, MSLS | Education Librarian Information literacy instruction and outreach, interlibrary loan, reference. | Email: ansnyder@pacollege.edu Telephone: 717-947-6215 Fax: 717-947-6259 |
Technical Assistance
| Name | Title & Chief Responsibilities | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| PA College IT Service Desk | For PA College students and personnel. | Telephone: 717-947-6007 Complete an IT Service Ticket |
| LGH’s IS Service Desk (on StarNet) | For Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health personnel. Assistance with, password resets, LGH systems and tools, and provides Microsoft application support. | Telephone: 717-544-HELP (4357) Complete an IS Service Desk Ticket (StarNet) |
PA Forward is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA). According to PaLA, “PA Forward is built upon the belief that libraries are uniquely positioned to help citizens improve their command of five types of literacy essential to greater success in all vital forms of life: as students as parents, as employees, as consumers, as citizens.” These literacies are:
- basic
- information
- civic and social
- health
- financial.
The PA Forward Star Library program recognizes libraries that are committed to advancing the ideals of PA Forward by showing how current programs already advance the PA Forward literacies or developing programming to advance these literacies. Libraries can earn bronze, silver, and gold stars. Please visit our guide to learn about our PA Forward initiatives and our Star Library Status.