FAQ

Why can't the library scan the required textbooks and share them with VT students?

Unless under very special circumstances, e.g., during the COVID closing, doing so will violate the copyright law.

Why can't the library subscribe to the electronic copy of the required textbooks?

We indeed subscribe to many ebooks. The decision whether to subscribe to a specific digital resource is made on case-by-case basis. Some publishers limit the number of concurrent access to the library's digital copy, making the class usage very difficult. Moreover, digital subscriptions available for individual users are not typically provided at the same price to libraries. The price for libraries is often tens, if not hundreds of time the price of a paper copy. Please be in touch to discuss your specific needs.

Is renting an electronic copy always cheaper?

Not necessarily. In most cases electronic subscriptions and rentals are not legally shareable and/or resalable, therefore everyone must have their own copy.

I am a VT faculty member. Do I have to participate?

No, faculty participation is 100% voluntary. We do not intend to interfere with faculty's academic freedom, and we recognize that cost reduction is not always possible. But maybe there is a way we can be helpful to our students?

What is the relation between this initiative and the bookstore's textbook order form?

There is no direct relations, but if you have already submitted the bookstore order form, then there is no more wiggle room for further cost reduction. We therefore encourage you to be in touch before submitting the bookstore's textbook order form.

What is the difference between this initiative and the library's existing course reserve request form?

This initiative complements the existing library course reserve. If a faculty participates in this initiative, we will take care of the course reserve form so you won't need to duplicate the effort.

Instead of passively processing book orders, we intend to initiate a conversation with the faculty, bring to their attention the financial burden textbook costs put on our students, and seek to explore ways to help. The conversation needs to start early when the faculty is planning to teach the course, and no later than one month before the new semester starts, because arranging for book delivery and special loans takes time.

What is the difference between this initiative and the library's existing open educational resources work?

This initiative complements the library's OER work. Adopting OER is certainly a very effective way to lower student cost and we strongly encourage VT professors to consider adopting open textbooks. But Virginia Tech offers more than 6500 courses in a single semester. OERs are only available for a tiny percentage of these courses. This initiative attempts to explore ways to also help with those courses adopting commercially published textbooks.