Allison Library Joins ATLA’s Reciprocal Borrowing Program
Current Regent students and faculty have just attained borrowing privileges in nearly 100 libraries across North America through the American Theological Library Association’s Reciprocal Borrowing Program. Theological bibliophiles (ie. Regent people) rejoice! We sat down with Cindy Aalders, Acting Library Director of the John Richard Allison Library, to get the lowdown.
What is the reciprocal borrowing program?
It means that our students and faculty can borrow books from other participating libraries in this program and vice versa: students and faculty from other libraries can come to Allison Library and borrow books from us.
This seems like it would be a benefit for North American students doing distance education, or finishing their studies off site?
Yes, definitely. I am glad for the library access this will provide—for distance education students in particular, but also for our students who are finishing a degree, or might be traveling for Christmas, or might be wanting to continue working on their thesis while in California, or something. Or are spending the summer at home. It’s also beneficial for faculty who are traveling.
Where are the libraries we can access through this program? Do we have any borrowing privileges in the Vancouver area?
We are the only program participants in Vancouver, but there are several throughout Canada; most are across the United States, concentrated more in the east. However, we already have borrowing privileges with Vancouver School of Theology and St. Mark’s College, as well as Trinity Western University.
Who will benefit from these new ATLA borrowing privileges?
The benefit is available for all current students and faculty; [however,] students need to be currently enrolled [to get these privileges].
What are you personally most excited about with this borrowing privilege dimension of our ATLA affiliation?
I think that one of the things I am most excited about is the opportunity to welcome students and faculty from other schools so they can enjoy our beautiful library. I like the cooperation that is sort of undergirding this whole program. I really look forward to that.
Thanks for your time Cindy!