Maybe, but likely No
The Weinberg Memorial Library typically does not purchase textbooks for the circulating collections. Some textbook publishers and copyright holders limit libraries from holding copies of their textbooks. Textbooks are also updated much more frequently than the traditional library book, thus making them difficult to keep up-to-date. Additionally, the quantity of copies needed and length of the loan can also be problematic for libraries. Due to space limitations the Library would only be able to hold a few copies in the circulating collection and once those copies are checked out, other students can’t use them. However, the Library does have a small collection of textbooks in our Textbook Reserves Collection.
Textbook Reserves Collection
The Library does have some textbooks on reserve in our Textbook Reserve Collection, these textbooks were generously donated to the Library by other students. Titles in this collection have the word “Textbook” before the call number and can be requested at the Library Services Desk. However, they are limited to a one-day loan, so that many students can use them over the course of a semester. To view a list of titles in the Textbook Reserve Collection – type “Textbook Reserve Collection” in quotes into either Royal Search or the Library Catalog to view a list of titles.
Searching for a textbook
If the Library did acquire a print copy of a textbook being used for your class, it would be found in the library catalog. To search for your textbook, go the Library’s Home Page and go to the Library Catalog search bar. Change the pull down menu to “title” and type in the exact title of the textbook into the Library Catalog search box. It can be helpful to know the editor, author, or edition, since most textbooks have generic names such as Fundamentals of Psychology, Microeconomics, etc. and often have multiple editions. Novels and supplemental reading, such as a short story or essay, may potentially be found in the circulating collections of the Library. Use the same procedure listed above to see if the book is in the collection. For more information see our How do I … find my textbook? Research Guide
Course Reserves
Some professors put their textbooks or course materials on reserve for classes. Textbooks on reserve can be borrowed at the Library Services Desk. Typically, textbooks on reserve for classes have shorter loan periods of only a few hours and are meant to be used at the Library. For more information on course reserves see our How do I … find what my professor put on reserves? Research Guide.
EZBorrow
If the Library does not have your textbook here, you may also want to try searching EZBorrow (PALCI), a direct borrowing service. You can find a link to EZBorrow from the Library’s Home Page. EZBorrow is an interlibrary loan system providing access to books not available in the Weinberg Memorial Library. The system simultaneously searches the catalogs of over 50 libraries in PALCI (Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation). Books are mailed free of charge and available to pick up at the Library Services Desk.
If you have additional questions about finding or borrowing books from the Library, please reach out to Ask a Librarian.