Textbooks | Information Resources Management | Library

Practices Related to Purchasing Textbooks

While the Library does not routinely purchase textbooks, Liaison Librarians may use their discretion to purchase particular books being used as course textbooks, taking into account factors such as funds available, anticipated use of the book, and the long-term research value or study value of the book. For example, a book might cover a new or emerging subject area or have a historical significance.

Reasons for this practice include:

Textbooks are typically needed for a relatively short time, e.g. one or two years. Purchasing books needed for only a short time is not a good long-term investment and reduces the funds available for books and other materials to supplement course-based instruction and to support scholarly research.
The Library has limited space for collections and frequently reviews those collections to determine what may be removed to ensure space for new books. The work involved in removing books is considerable. Purchasing books knowing that they will be removed shortly is not a good use of staff time.

Faculty members concerned about student access to textbooks are encouraged to place copies of class textbooks on reserve at library locations.

Information Resources Management Committee
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October 19, 2009