Though many University students are already swamped with reading, they now have the opportunity to access an entirely new collection of works.
This fall, the University launched a reciprocal borrowing program with Eastern Michigan University that grants access to library resources at EMU and the University’s Ann Arbor and Flint campuses for faculty, students and staff at both schools.
In order for University students to borrow from the Halle Library at EMU, they must fill out a registration form available online or at the Hatcher Graduate Library in order to be issued a borrower card at EMU. Eastern students must go through the same process to borrow books from the University, and cards must be renewed each semester.
Lynne Raughley, the interim communications director for the University’s libraries, said the program, which was developed this summer, is valuable because it increases access to resources for students and faculty at both institutions, noting the strength of EMU’s collection.
“It’s always beneficial to have access to more content,” Raughley said. “I think in most cases, students are going to find what they need at this library … but to have such a close by collection that may have areas of strength that we don’t is certainly going to be a bonus.”
Paul Barrow, a library information resources manager, said while anyone is able to enter University libraries, previously not everyone had borrowing access, and implementation of the new program allows for better sharing of resources.
“Whenever we can get information out to people, it’s beneficial, and this helps to provide that access,” Barrow said.
Raughley said the new program will assist students who previously had to utilize resources in the other libraries, but could not take the book with them.
“Extending borrowing privileges to a university so close is just another way of making our resources more available in a sort of regional way,” Raughley said.
Barrow said ultimately the program will greatly aid students by helping them receive the information they need, noting that students should be able to receive their borrower cards quickly, usually in less than a day.
“Whenever we can get information out to people, it’s beneficial, and this helps to provide that access,” Barrow said.
He added that University students that may be concerned about accessing books from a University library that are reserved for EMU students will not have to worry, since the library can recall a book if a University student requests it.
LSA freshman Becca Mulder said she is glad the program is in place and would use it if needed.
“It sounds like a great idea,” Mulder said. “I would (use the program) if they had the book that I needed and U of M didn’t.”
LSA sophomore Logan Place said he approves of the program because it provides access to books students might not have in their own library. He said EMU’s proximity to the University also makes the option more convenient.
“There’s the AATA bus system and I also have a car, so it wouldn’t be too much of a problem to get over there,” Place said.