Temple Libraries: Library Services for Alumni

Temple University Libraries offer a variety of services for university alumni. This page describes these services and identifies related campus offices that can be of assistance in enabling alumni to fully benefit from the resources of the university libraries.

Access to the Library Building

Alumni may access any library facility (Paley, the Science, Engineering and Architecture Library (SEAL), or Ambler) during any open hours of operation. Please have either an Alumni Courtesy Card or photo identification to show to the door guard.

See Hours of Operation

Borrowing privileges

Alumni can obtain a free alumni courtesy borrowing card. With the card alumni may borrow up to 5 books at any one time. The loan period is 4 weeks. Borrowed books may be renewed up to three times if no other patrons have requested them. To obtain a courtesy borrowing card, please make the request in person at the Library Circulation department in the Tuttleman Learning Center. The courtesy borrowing card may also be obtained at the Ambler campus library. For additional information call the Paley Circulation Department at: 215-204-0744.

Using Library Databases

Owing to license restrictions alumni may only use the Temple University Library databases (LexisNexis, EBSCO, Historical New York Times, etc) on campus. To get logged onto a computer in any library, speak to a staff member at the reference or main service desk for that library. To access the databases a courtesy borrowing card is helpful, but any other form of photo identification is acceptable. For our A-Z listing of databases for more information on available databases.

Guidelines for use of online databases by alumni [PDF]

More information on how to print documents or save them as files

The Libraries' online catalog (Diamond), unlike the library databases, is accessible from remote locations. Please use Diamond to determine if the Temple University Libraries own a book, journal or other material of interest.

Interlibrary Loan Privileges

Owing to heavy demand for interlibrary loan services from current students and faculty, we are unable to extend this service to our alumni. We recommend that those in need of interlibrary loan services seek them out at any local community library. All public libraries have the capacity to receive materials from other libraries via interlibrary loan.

Access to Computers

Personal computers are available in the library facilities. Alumni are granted access to the computers located in the reference areas of the Paley; Ambler; and SEAL. Within these libraries alumni may access software packages and information resources to which the Temple Libraries subscribe.

Consulting with Temple University Librarians

Alumni are encouraged to take advantage of the subject expertise of Paley Library's Reference Staff. Contact a reference librarian to receive assistance with research questions. Alumni should contact our Subject Specialists list to contact a Reference librarian. Alumni are also encouraged to use the Ask A Librarian service to contact a librarian by instant message or remote chat service. More information on options for contacting one of our librarians

Access to the Temple University Archives

The Conwellana-Templana Collection

It includes the University Archives, and may be of interest to alumni that are conducting special research about the University and its history. Or perhaps access to an earlier yearbook, catalog, student magazine or Temple news article is needed. The published books and sermons, manuscripts, correspondence and memorabilia of founder Dr. Russell Conwell are included in the Collection. For more information on accessing these collections call 215-204-8230 or send an e-mail.

The Urban Archives

The Urban Archives was established in 1967 to document the social, economic, and physical development of the Philadelphia area from the mid-19th century to the present. The Archives functions as a repository for organizational records and related materials, and as a research facility for those interested in urban studies. The Archives collections are particularly strong in areas involving social service organizations, unions, housing development, community organizations, and contain many records from organizations involved with African Americans, education, and crime. For more information on accessing these collections: call 215-204-8257 or send an e-mail.

Keeping In Touch With the Temple Universities Libraries

Alumni who want to stay abreast of recent developments at the Temple University Libraries may request a subscription to Speaking Volumes, the occasional news publication of the Libraries. Those who wish to receive Speaking Volumes may subscribe by sending a request to Michael Burton, Administrative Assistant, at 215-204-8231 or by filling out the Speaking Volumes request form.

Getting Additional Information about the Temple University Libraries

For more information about the Libraries, please refer to our General Information Page.

Here is a list of our frequently called phone numbers.

What About the Law and Health Sciences Libraries

Please contact each of these special libraries individually to obtain additional information about their services for university alumni:

Law School - 215 - 204-7891
Health Sciences - 215-707-BOOK (707-2665)

General Information About Alumni Services at Temple University

The Web site of the Temple University Alumni Office contains extensive information for university alumni.

Information about the services of this office

Information on obtaining an Alumni Card