Frequently Asked Questions

A library that is as large and that offers as many resources as the OWHL can be confusing. Fortunately, the knowledgeable and helpful staff of the library is ready and willing to assist you. When the library isn’t open, check this list of frequently asked questions to see if your question is answered. If not, leave us a message and a librarian will reply as soon as possible.

When is the library open?  Click here to find out.

How do I contact the Library? Click here to find out how to contact us by email or phone.

Where is the Library?   The library is located at the heart of the Phillips Academy campus, on the corner of Main and Salem Streets. Click here for a campus map.

How do I get a library card?   If you are a PA student, faculty member or staff member (or spouse or partner of a faculty or staff member), your PA ID card is your library card.  If you are a patron of another NOBLE library, your NOBLE card is your library card. 

How do I get a Personal Identification Number (PIN)?   Go to the Circulation desk in the Library to request your PIN. We will enter the number into your record, but it will be immediately encrypted so that no one, including library staff, will be able to see it. You can change your PIN at any time

Can I access the library catalog and other library resources from home?   Yes, you can search the library catalog from any computer that has Internet access.  You can also use any of our purchased electronic resources.  Because our contracts limit these resources to members of our community, you will be asked to enter your PA ID when you attempt to log in to one of these resources.

If the item I want is checked out by another user, what can I do?   Because we belong to the NOBLE consortium, members of the PA community can borrow materials from all of the libraries in NOBLE. So, the first thing to do if an item that you want is checked out is to expand your search from our catalog to the full NOBLE catalog. If another library owns a copy, you may “request” it with your PA ID and PIN. If the item is available, it will be delivered to the OWHL within days. If all copies are checked out, your name will be placed in line for checkout of the next available copy.

Do I have to come to the Library in person to renew the books I have checked out?   No. As long as you have a PIN, you can manage your library account online, including checking due dates and requesting renewals. You can also renew your materials in person by stopping by the circulation desk. There is no need to bring the items that you want to renew.

Can you tell me who has a particular book checked out so that I can borrow it from him or her?   It can be frustrating when an item that you need is checked out, and you suspect it might have been borrowed by another student in your class working on the same assignment. Unfortunately, our privacy policy precludes us from telling you who has the item checked out. You should try searching the NOBLE catalog to see if another copy is available, and request it. If PA owns the only copy, we will send an email to the borrower letting him or her know that another user is waiting for the item, and we will notify you when it is returned.

How can I find an article in a journal or magazine online?  If you have a citation to a magazine or journal article and want to know whether the OWHL subscribes to the publication, use this tool to find out. If you want to search through our complete set of electronic resources for material on a particular topic, use this tool to find articles in the subscription databases.

What can the OWHL do for me?   The Library is the Academy’s center for learning and information. For many students, it is the preferred place to do homework throughout the day and in the evening. At the OWHL you will find an array of materials to support your academic pursuits and personal interests - books, magazines and journals, electronic resources, audio books, and wireless Internet access. You will also find a team of information professionals ready to answer your questions and help direct you towards efficient and effective research.

How do I suggest a book, magazine, DVD, or audio book for the collection?   We are delighted to receive suggestions for additions to our collection. You can make your suggestion by filling out the form at the circulation desk, or by giving your suggestion to any librarian in person.  If the library is not open,  contact us via email or voicemail.

Does the Library loan textbooks?  The OWHL loans textbooks through the TextExchange program. Click here for more details.

Is there someone I can contact with my comments or concerns about the Library?  Absolutely! We are committed to continual improvement of our program and welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact the Library Director, Elisabeth Tully.

My question wasn’t answered in this FAQ. How can I get help?

Contact us here.