Bowen Library

Help and Questions

The reference staff are willing to answer all sorts of questions. Please give concise and accurate information so that we may respond as quickly as possible. For questions on how to find information or about the library, you may either call the library at (574) 257-3283 or send a question via e-mail using Ask a Librarian.

General Information

Spring Semester Hours: January 7 - April 30, 2010

• Monday-Thursday..............................................8:00am-Midnight
• Friday................................................................8:00am-6:00pm
• Saturday..........................................................10:00am-8:00pm
• Sunday............................................................................Closed

The Bowen Library is closed from 10:00am to 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for chapel.

Education Resource Center (ERC)
Spring Semester Hours: January 7 - April 30, 2010

• Monday-Thursday..............................................8:00am-8:00pm
• Friday...............................................................8:00am-5:00pm
• Saturday.........................................................11:00am-3:00pm
• Sunday...........................................................................Closed

The Education Resource Center is closed from 10:00am to 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for chapel.

Location/Campus Map

The Library is located near the center of campus, lying due South of the Dining Commons, and adjacent to the Everest Rohrer Auditorium. It is also East of the Academic Center.

Library & Archives Personnel

Library Services

Course Reserves

Circulation Policies

Information on fines, overdues, and borrowing policies.

Item Renewal

We do not renew books over the phone. However, you may renew books using the form found below. Please check ALEPH, the library catalog, after a 24 hour period (excluding weekends). Items that are overdue will not be renewed using this form; please renew overdue items at the circulation desk.

Items may also be renewed using the catalog. Go to the catalog. On the top of the screen there is a grey box that says "Sign-in (My Account/ Renew Loans)." This is where you enter your barcode number and your PIN number. The PIN number is the month/day of your birthdate (MMDD of birthdate, e,g, 1225 for December 25) You will get a list of books that you have checked out, and you may renew the books from this screen. You may also use this procedure at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's

New Books

See the Library's newest book acquisitions through the Bethel Book Catalog, by clicking on the above link.

Mission Statement

The Otis Bowen Library is an integral part of Bethel and its educational systems. The library functions within the mission of the college.

The library's primary purpose is to serve the educational goals and instructional needs of the students and faculty in support of the college's evangelical Christian world view. This is accomplished by maintaining a strong public service atmosphere and balanced collections for undergraduate and graduate curricula. The library supports the various divisions within the undergraduate college, the graduate programs, and the professional growth of the professors and the recreational and general interest of the college. Other purposes include providing services to Bethel's constituency, which includes alumni, local pastors, and other educational institutions in the area.

Special collections of the Bowen Library include: the Education Resource Center, the Archives of Bethel College, the Missionary Church Archives and Historical Collection, and the Dr. Otis R. Bowen Museum and Archives.