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Library DIY

I Am Looking for a Textbook for My Class

Typically, the library does not keep textbooks in the library's main collection. However, there are a few ways to check out textbooks.

  • Check if your instructor has put your textbook on reserve at the library
  • Use Interlibrary Loan to order your textbook
  • Contact your instructor and request that they put your textbook on reserve
  • Some classes have Zero Textbook cost! (see below)

Search Course Reserves for Textbooks

Faculty have the option to make textbooks (and other course readings) available for limited checkout either in print or online through Course Reserves. Reserve items have a shorter check out period of 3 hours to ensure access for everyone. Click on the Search more options link located right under the Quick Search box to get started. 

This image depicts the Quick Search bar on the library's website. Click on the More search options link to access an extended set of filters to limit your search results to textbooks in print reserves.

Clicking this link will take you to the advanced search page. Then type in your course ID (usually four letters plus four numbers, ex. BIOL 2401) or instructor name in the search box at the top. Then use the right side scroll bar to navigate to the bottom of the page and access the Library Location Filter search box. 

This image shows the extended filters available once the more search options button is clicked. Scroll down the page to locate the Library Location filter menu. Choose Professor Textbook Reserves, Circulation Textbook Reserves, and Circulation Reserve Main Collection checkboxes to narrow your search to print reserve textbooks.

The Library Location filter box has its own scroll bar. Choose multiple filters from the list - Professor Textbook Reserves, Circulation Reserve Textbooks, and Circulation Reserve Main Collection are good filter choices.

Then hit the Search button at the bottom of the page.

You'll see a list of textbooks in the print reserves matching your course number or course abbreviation. The green dot next to the location indicates the item is available for check out. The course number the item belongs to is listed at the very bottom of the item box.

This image shows how a textbook in the print reserves appears in a Quick search using the four letter course name BIOL. The textbook title, author, publication year, and edition are shown. Below this content, a link indicates if the book is available for check out, and the textbook's location in the Circulation Reserve Textbooks collection.

Congratulations, your textbook is available in the library's print reserves! Stop by the Circulation desk on the 1st floor just inside the front door with your ID and check out your textbook.

 

Zero Textbook Cost Classes

Some classes have adopted Creative Commons or Open Textbooks which means you can access and use your textbooks for free! You can search the course catalog and add a Zero Textbook Cost filter to see which classes have this feature!

This image shows the TAMU-CC schedule of classes menu with the following choices top to bottom: Select term, Select Campus, Select course subject, and Select course type. Under Select course type, use the pull-down menu to choose Zero Textbook Cost to see a list of courses with open textbooks.