Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Required purchase texts now available in the Library

The Library is now purchasing copies of all books that are required readings for classes but not part of the textbook rental program. The books are available on Library Reserve and can be checked out for 3 days.

The Library is doing this in keeping with the Faculty Handbook, which states "If a faculty member requires the use of a book not provided through the Instructional Resource Rental Department, copies of the book must be available in the Library for general use." (Chapter 7, page 6)

Second, buying books assigned for classroom readings logically fits directly into the Library mission to support the University’s curriculum.

Finally, perhaps most importantly, it is one way the Library can help address the high cost of textbooks. While we are not suggesting that students avoid purchasing books, we believe that this service expands students’ range of choices in tough economic times. Research has shown that students believe that this is a role that libraries can play in helping them face textbook affordability.

While we haven’t yet received all of our purchased texts we have quite a few available on reserve. (Some exclusions, such as lab manuals, apply)

1 comment:

uwecstudent said...

This is a really smart idea. I think that ALL universities should do this.