Ellie Tiemens | The Echo
Taylor University's Zondervan Library is open to more than just students and faculty. Local residents of Upland and surrounding areas are able to borrow the extensive resources offered by the Zondervan Library with the obtention of a Community Borrower card.
Though this is not a new implementation - members of the community have been able to use library resources for more than 18 years - it is something that is known by few members of the community and students at Taylor. Only about 60 members of Upland and surrounding communities are registered as Community Borrowers at the Zondervan Library.
Residents of the community can become Community Borrowers by filling out a short application and paying a nominal fee of $25 every three years, which is waived for alumni. They then have access to more than 180,000 books, DVDs and electronic resources according to an article published on the Taylor University website.
Dan Bowell, director of the library, said that Zondervan is often utilized by pastors and teachers doing research, as well as community members looking for popular fiction books or DVDs that aren't available on the usual streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
Additionally, the Upland Public Library and Eastbrook School system libraries are familiar with the public accessibility of the Zondervan Library and are able to direct patrons looking for specific research material to Taylor's library.
"Anyone is welcome to use materials in the Library during its hours of normal access," the Zondervan website said.
However, only Community Borrowers may check books out of the library.
There are relatively few restrictions put on Community Borrowers. They have access to materials during the hours that Zondervan is open to Taylor students as well as access to the printers located in the library. Community Borrowers are restricted in their use of library computers, web-based resources, and electronic equipment.
With minimal negative outcomes, Taylor will continue to provide access of Zondervan Library materials to members of the community.
"It is a good thing for Taylor," Bowell said. "We are extending some Taylor resources to the community. (It is) a good way to show that Taylor is part of the community. Exposure to Taylor and the Zondervan Library can be a positive thing for community members. It makes a statement that Taylor is fully a part of the local (and) regional community and is willing to allow appropriate use of University resources by persons in the community."
