Welcome to Holman Biotech Commons!
We are the campus library at the University of Pennsylvania that supports students, faculty, and researchers in the Health and Life Sciences. Our facility is located in the Johnson Pavilion of the Medical School at 3610 Hamilton Walk.
To help everyone begin the semester on a successful note, we are including some important information in this blog post about the resources and services that are available to you through the library.
Hours of Operation
The library is open from
- Monday through Thursday - 8am-12am
- Friday - 8am-10pm
- Saturday and Sunday - 12pm-8pm
All Penn students, faculty, and staff can visit the Holman Biotech Commons and use its resources anytime the library is open. Valid photo identification (i.e., a PennCard) must be shown at all times.
Getting Help
Library staff are available to provide answers to reference questions in person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get help by coming to the library in person, calling the front desk (215-898-5815), or filling out our Ask a Librarian form. Penn Libraries staff also respond to live chat questions from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Finally, you can request a more in-depth one-on-one meeting with a Biomedical Subject Librarian using our Appointment Form. Subject librarians have more detailed knowledge about research resource and course assignments in their subject area. They can meet with you in person or over Zoom to help you develop a research question, suggest search strategies, search the database with you, and recommend the library resources most relevant to your project.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a librarian today!
Study Space at Holman
The Holman Biotech Commons has 20 group study rooms that can be reserved online. The rooms vary in size and can hold four, six, or eight people at a time. The group study rooms have a computer, projector, and whiteboards available in them. Rooms can be reserved up to a week ahead of time, and all that is needed to reserve a room is a Penn e-mail address.
We also have quiet study areas and carrels for individuals on our lower levels, as well as additional larger study areas and alcoves on the first floor. To learn more about the various spaces available to you, please visit: Floor Plans: Holman Biotech Commons Main Level
Health Sciences Databases and Library Guides
The number of research resources available from Penn Libraries is extensive! A list of Health Sciences specific databases is available on our website. These include access to popular databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science.
However, many more specialized resources are available through the Holman Biotech Commons website. These include:
- VisualDX: a diagnostic clinical decision support system
- UpToDate: a clinical reference resource
- Trip: a clinical EBP search engine
- Micromedex: a suite of databases providing drug and substance data.
- Complete Anatomy: an interactive anatomy education platform
- ….and many more!
Technology & Software at the Library
You can borrow more than just books at Penn Libraries!
The library has access to a wide variety of technologies. We have audio recording devices, binoculars, VR cameras, and more. To get a list of all of the technology available for loan at Penn libraries, use our Equipment Finder. You can filter the list based on equipment type and library location.
Looking to access specific software programs for coursework?
Penn Libraries has you covered with a searchable list of available software and tools . Some of these resources can be accessed using our virtual computer lab, but many of these resources are also available on dedicated computer workstations in the Holman Biotech Commons.
Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab
The Bollinger Digital Fabrication Laboratory, located in Holman Biotech Commons, provides fabrication and printing services to support teaching, learning, research, and clinical care at the University.
Poster Printing: You can order online or visit the Bollinger lab in Holman Biotech Commons. Design help is available online through guides, workshops, and individual consultations. Students are charged a small fee, but it is much less than it would cost to get posters printed commercially. Email libbiopost@pobox.upenn.edu for more information.
3D Printing: Bollinger has several printers and can create items in a variety of materials, such as Resin, ABS or PLA. This service is free at Bollinger for academic projects. Students wishing to 3d print for personal projects can contact the Educational Commons. For more information, email library3dprint@pobox.upenn.edu.