Q. Does the library have my textbook?

The library does offer textbook Reserves for some classes. Sometimes, the library even has your class's required reading in the general circulation that can leave the library (Example: If you need to read any edition of The Scarlet Letter, we have many copies and editions!) 

You can search for item and location availability using the Discovery Catalog if you know the title or ISBN (especially helpful if you're looking for a specific edition). The catalog will tell you which campuses hold a title (sometimes it's more than one campus!) and if it is in general circulation or on reserve. If you don't know the title but know your instructor name and course information, the Course Reserves link might help if information is current. Reserves differ by campus and depend on the courses and instructors teaching the courses at each campus. 

Reserve items must stay in the library and can be used for up to two hours. This is because many students might need to use the material and it is more often than not that it is not the Library's copy, but from a department or instructor.

Note: The reserve textbooks at a particular campus are specific to the curriculum at that campus. 

** The library generally does not keep textbooks for online classes in our Course Reserves unless the book is the same as one being used in an in-person class. We typically do not carry ebook versions of textbooks either, due to licensing issues. However, if there is a chance your class's textbook or required reading is a popular work or work in the public domain, we might have it as a general ebook. You can also search for ebooks in our Discovery Catalog. ** 

For more information, contact your library location.

If  you are a student and the library does not have your textbook or other required material, let your instructor know. Sometimes they or their department have spare copies that can then be placed on reserve for student use. 

If you are an instructor who needs an item placed on reserve or moved, please see this FAQ.