Skip to Questions

LibAnswers @ WSU Libraries - Have a question? Find an answer!

Q

Do you have the textbook for my class?

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2011  |  147 Views

Was this helpful? 0   0
A

Answer

We may have the textbook for your class in our collection, but we may not. The WSU Libraries don't habitually purchase textbooks. However, we often have multiple copies of classics commonly used as course readings, and instructors frequently place copies of textbooks on reserve as well.

It is easy to check our collections for your book. Just go to our online catalog and look the book up by title or author. You may want to try using our advanced catalog search to limit your options. If we do not have the book at WSU, you may be able to request it via interlibrary loan.

If your instructor has placed a copy of the textbook on reserve, you can look the book up on our reserves page.

Other Answers / Comments (1)

  1. Due to limited resources, the Libraries cannot afford to purchase for our collection all textbooks used in WSU courses. Some professors put additional personal copies on reserve, and some books used as textbooks may be of general interest and can be found in our collections (for example, we may have a non-fiction book like No Impact Man in our collections but not something like Introduction to Environmental Sciences, 14th edition). Customized textbooks are becoming more typical, and those items are not sold on the general market and won’t be in library collections.

    Here are some options for you to try. We’re happy to help!

    • Check to see if the textbook is on reserve for your class.
    • Search for the title in WSU World Cat to see if we own the book or if a copy is available from one of our Summit partner libraries.
    • Talk with the Bookie about their lower-cost options of renting instead of purchasing, and/or using e-books.
    • Type the book title into Google to see if it’s available via Google Books, the Hathi Trust, or another open repository.
    • Look for reduced prices online through Half.com, Amazon Marketplace, Alibris, Ebay or other websites.
    We regret that we cannot provide free access to all copies of all textbooks used in classes at WSU. Thank you for your understanding.
    by Zinthia Briceño-Rosales on Dec 02, 2011.

Live Chat

Starting May 6: M-F 10-12, 1-3pm


WSU Libraries, Box 645610, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-5610, 509-335-9671.