Library & Information Technology Services (LITS)

Last updated: 07/10/2024

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Libraries & Research

The Mariam Coffin Canaday Library is the center of Bryn Mawr’s library system. Opened in 1970, it houses the College’s holdings in the humanities and the social sciences. The award- winning Rhys Carpenter Library, opened in 1997, is located adjacent to Old Library and houses the collections in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology, Classics, History of Art, and Growth and Structure of Cities. The Lois and Reginald Collier Science Library, located in the Park Science Building, brings together the collections for mathematics and the sciences.  

Tripod, the library catalog, provides access to print and online books, journals, videos, sound recordings, and other materials in the Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore College libraries. Tri-Co books are available to students and are delivered across the three campuses daily. Can’t find what you need in the Tri-Co? Use E-Z Borrow and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request materials from libraries worldwide.  

Buildings Quick Guide

Each library has: A circulation desk where you can pick up books from any Bryn Mawr, Haverford, or Swarthmore library; research assistance from librarians; study spaces: tables and individual carrels; course reserves; brain breaks: origami, games, puzzles; printers and computers. 

  • Humanities and social science books 
  • Help Desk (tech assistance and support) 
  • Special Collections (2nd floor), exhibitions throughout the library  
  • Pleasure reading collections of fiction, sci-fi, nonfiction (1st floor) 
  • Writing Center (1st floor) 
  • Lusty Cup (student-run coffee shop open in the evenings, A floor) 
  • 24-hour computers (A floor)  

More about Canaday Library

More about Carpenter Library

  • Science and mathematics books
  • Collier Library Reading Room (including balcony space)
  • Reservable group study room (Park 380)
  • Makerspace (Park 157) for digital, mechanical, and manual fabrication tools

More about Collier Science Library

Research Help

Librarians, specializing in subject areas, are available to assist you at any stage of the research process. Stop by any library and speak to a librarian about your research. Make an appointment at brynmawr.edu/lits/library-help or email library@brynmawr.edu. 

E-Z Borrow and Interlibrary Loan

Can’t find what you need in the Tri-Co? Use E-Z Borrow and Interlibrary Loan to request materials from libraries worldwide.

Special Collections

Bryn Mawr has a wide variety of art, artifacts, rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections that can be used for original research. Special Collections materials are exhibited regularly in various locations on campus, often in Canaday Library. Collections are digitally searchable. Visit the Reading Room on the second floor of Canaday or email speccoll@brynmawr.edu to make an appointment.

Digital Scholarship

Digital Scholarship specialists can help with digital research and web publication—including digital exhibitions, GIS, data visualization, 3D modeling, and more. To make an appointment, email digitalscholarship@brynmawr.edu.

Assistive Technology

In partnership with Access Services, Grace Cipressi, Assistive Technology Specialist, is available for one-on-one consultations and support.

Web Resources

Password Reset:
password.brynmawr.edu

Office 365 (email and calendar):  
webmail.brynmawr.edu

Tripod Library Catalog:
tripod.brynmawr.edu

LITS Website and Ask Athena tech documentation:
brynmawr.edu/lits

Technology Labs

Computers in Libraries

Computers and printers are available for student use in Canaday, Carpenter, and Collier Libraries. Computers are equipped with MS Office, Adobe CC, and a variety of academic software. Log in with your College Password.

24-Hour Access

Use your OneCard to enter the A floor of Canaday 24/7. Here you’ll find computers, printers, and the Lusty Cup.

Digital Media and Collaboration Lab

The Digital Media and Collaboration Lab in Carpenter is available for individual and collaborative work on technology-based projects.

Remote Access

Lab computers and software are also available virtually. Visit Ask Athena for instructions.

Makerspace

The Makerspace (Park Science Center, 157) provides tools for critical making activities such as 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, and textiles.

Help Desk

Canaday Library, first floor
help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440

The Help Desk is your first point of contact for technology-related problems and questions. Call or email the Help Desk if you:

  • Are having trouble with any of your accounts
  • Cannot connect to the network
  • Need help with your personal computer or advice about information security
  • Think you have a virus or other computer problem
  • Want to report a problem with a campus computer
  • Want to know about available software
  • Need advice about buying a new computer or upgrading an old one

Learning about Technology

Digital Competencies Program

The Digital Competencies Program helps you identify your digital skills, seek curricular and co-curricular opportunities to hone your digital skills, and develop ways of articulating and demonstrating your digital competencies to various audiences (including prospective employers).

To learn more and explore opportunities, visit the Digital Competencies website.

LinkedIn Learning

Use your Bryn Mawr email to access LinkedIn Learning for free. LinkedIn Learning is an online library with thousands of high-quality video courses that allow you to develop a variety of skills at your own pace.

Visit Ask Athena to get started.

Ask Athena

Visit the Ask Athena website for a wide variety of technology how-tos and tips, including:

  • Accessibility
  • Moodle
  • Microsoft Office
  • Email and Calendar
  • Image and video editing
  • Web editing and blogs