In nearly all instances, VCU Libraries is unable to fill requests for traditional textbooks, defined as items that are intended to be comprehensive overviews or guides to the content covered in a course, and are typically intended to be used for the entire semester. Many libraries (including VCU Libraries) do not add textbooks to their collections because of their high costs, the frequency of new editions, and the number of titles needed for each semester make purchasing textbooks an unsustainable practice for libraries. Because requesting course textbooks is not a reliable practice to support student success, we highly recommend other methods of accessing textbooks, such as purchasing them, renting from the campus bookstore, or sharing with classmates.
Many courses use other course materials, such as novels, other non-fiction works, etc, that are distinct from textbooks. VCU Libraries will try to request these supplemental materials, but please know that for most physical items, it can take 7-28 days to receive them and students might not be able to keep them for the entire semester.
We understand the financial burden of purchasing textbooks, and the library has several initiatives and programs to support textbook affordability. Faculty are encouraged to make items available in the VCU Libraries’ Course Reserves Collection for students to access physical copies of their course materials for free, to suggest a title for purchase as an unlimited user ebook (if available), and to explore open and affordable materials as alternatives to textbooks for use in their courses.
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