Written by: Lorelai Clubb
There are a lot of resources available at the University of Missouri – Libraries, but the majority of those resources are academic in nature. While Ellis does have some fiction books, the amount available at Ellis is nothing compared to the thousands of books available to check out for free just down the street.
The Daniel Boone Regional Public Library, or DBRL, is an off-campus resource that is often overlooked by students. But DBRL offers meeting room reservations, library classes, and of course – thousands of books, DVDs, audiobooks, and other reading materials. DBRL can also connect you to even more digital resources, including ebooks, magazines, and even audiobooks. If you have a library card, you can easily access all of these services, completely free of charge. Many of these services have apps to make accessing your borrowed materials easier. Some of the ones offered by DBRL include:
- Libby/Overdrive: Downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines
- Kanopy: Documentaries and films
- Hoopla: Audiobooks, comics, ebooks, music, and TV
- Flipster: Magazines
- Freegal: Streaming and downloading music
- Brainfuse JobNow: Online job coaching/interview prep, resume feedback, etc.
- Brainfuse HelpNow: Online tutoring – including writing and test prep
Many students, faculty, and staff pay for streaming services for access to these kinds of resources, but you’d be surprised as to what is available for free on all of these various platforms. And with more streaming services cracking down on password sharing, having a library card could mean saving hundreds of dollars a year in subscription fees.
Don’t have a library card? Don’t stress, it’s a very easy process that you can do online! Visit the Daniel Boone Regional Library website, click “Browse & Borrow” and then click the “get a card” button. All the application asks for is your name, email, phone number, and address. That’s it. Even if you are an out-of-state student or live in another part of Missouri, DBRL still offers cards to students living in the area.
Beyond borrowing materials, DBRL also offers a lot of other resources that you might not need right now, but knowing about them could be super beneficial in the future. Are you planning on studying abroad? Because if so, you’ll need a passport, and the DBRL offers appointments to get your passport squared away and ready for your upcoming trip. There are also notary services available, which are often required for out-of-state students seeking in-state tuition. The library also offers tech support and free access to LinkedIn Learning, a platform that offers high-quality online education concerning a variety of topics. You can also print, fax, scan, and photocopy materials for only 10¢ a page.
The Daniel Boone Regional Library is located at 100 W Broadway here in Columbia, right around the corner from the Walgreens and Cane’s just off-campus. It is a short walk and an even shorter drive. If you run into any trouble finding the library, applying for a library card online, or related issues, stop by the Peer Navigator desk on the first floor Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 10pm. We are more than happy to answer your questions and help you access everything you need!
For even quicker access, here are some links to get you right to the right place on their website:
- Get a Library Card: https://www.dbrl.org/library-card-application
- LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/dbrl
- Passport Services: https://www.dbrl.org/passport-services
- Hours and Directions: https://www.dbrl.org/locations-hours
- Website: https://www.dbrl.org/