Getting Textbooks to Zero Student Cost

More on Library eBooks 

• While the library cannot buy traditional textbooks that are digital, we do have many academic eBooks that could be used for the purpose of a textbook.
• Novels, for example, are not normally something that we can actually purchase as eBooks that meet the criteria indicated below. 
  • Low-cost is also a noteworthy goal, so consider mixing resource types to reduce rather than eliminate costs. 
• It is easiest for you to start with what is available rather than ask for specific titles.
• Not all eBooks from the library's databases allow for more than one user at a time, so it's a good idea to ask a faculty librarian about the user license for a particular eBook. 
• If you do find an eBook you want to use for your courses, please also let us know to ensure that the eBook remains in the system; we may have to make an additional purchase.
• When using library eBooks, you must use the permalink to the book and/or permalinks to specific chapters.
  • Just like articles from databases, it is not acceptable to upload PDFs, from both a licensing/copyright and accessibility standpoint. 

Searching for eBooks

Purchase Criteria

The library can also purchase eBooks as long as the book you are interested in is available as an institutional eBook with multiple-user licenses and can be hosted in an existing platform. The library faculty will add eBooks to orders if: 

• Course material is required per the course syllabus
• Library license for multiple-user access is available (DRM-free license is preferable, but the minimal license should permit copying, downloading, and printing)
• Course material/platform is ADA and WCAG compliant
• Maximum cost $500
• Course material is accessible through the College's established authentication protocols
• Course material is not sold as a package
• There are no required access codes

Please send any purchase requests for library-licensed eBooks to the Research Help Desk with the title, author, edition, and your course title and number. Requests are subject to the criteria above and budget for electronic books.