Course Reserves

Textbooks and other high-demand course materials are placed in the Library's Reserve Collection to promote student success. These items have a short loan period to provide access to more students. Instructors are encouraged to obtain and donate copies of currently assigned textbooks. Please include the Reserve Request Form when donating items to the Reserve Collection.

Reserve Collection Guidelines

Required Editions and OK'd Past Editions Only

Only editions currently required for courses are put on reserve. The most recent past edition may be put on reserve with instructor approval. Library staff will consult the Hawk's Nest Bookstore's "Required Material List" to identify library-owned items to include in the Reserve Collection.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary material (reference-type books, films, maps, lecture notes, etc.) can remain on reserve indefinitely as long as circulation statistics show evidence of student-use. "Under performing" items may be returned to the circulating collection where they are more accessible to all library users. Instructor-owned material on loan to the library will be returned to the instructor.

Library Funding of Required Textbooks

The library may use its collection budget to support student success by purchasing high-demand textbooks based on the following criteria:

• Anticipated Demand: The textbook is used in several sections
• Core and Basic Skills Level Courses: The textbook is used in a general education or basic skills course
• Edition and Shelf Life: The textbook is the newest edition and has the potential for multi-year use
• Cost: The textbook is $75 or more, potentially creating a financial burden on students

Reserve Collection Restrictions

The following items cannot be placed on reserve:

• Personal video recordings from a television broadcast
• Rented videos, DVDs, or borrowed books
• Other items which are not exempt from copyright law
• Non-exempt copyrighted material for which written permission has not been obtained

Copyright Clearance

Instructors must obtain and submit written permission from copyright holders for items that are not exempt from copyright law. The Copyright Clearance Center can help.

Submitting Reserve Requests

Please submit your Reserve Request Form at least 1 week prior to making assignments from the reserve material. Library staff needs sufficient time to catalog and process new material.

Note: download the form to access a fillable PDF.

Helping Your Students Access Reserve Material

Faculty are urged to check OneSearch to make sure textbook information is up-to-date. To check out reserve items, students need:

• Their Student Access Card
• The course number and instructor's last name - e.g. POLS 301 Huffman