The library offers access to many course textbooks through the Circulation Desk. You can search for a specific title and author in the library catalog, or browse available course reserves listed by academic department.
Quick Facts
- Textbooks can be checked out for two hours and must be used in the library.
- The library is unable to provide access to every textbook for every class.
- This program is designed to provide short-term access to textbooks. It works best as a supplement, not a substitute, for owning your own copy.
Searching for your textbook
Searching is easier if you know the title and edition of the book needed for your course.
Librarian Tip: Find the textbook title and edition using your class syllabus OR the UCA bookstore website.
- Navigate to the library website.
- Enter your search terms into the box.
- For an exact title search, add ti: followed by the title.
- For an author, add au: followed by the last name.
- To combine a title and author search, use AND to combine the two terms.
- Click on the Search button to start the search.
- When reviewing your search results, note the edition.
- When you have the record with the correct edition selected, take note of the availability, including the location and the call number.
Browsing course reserves by department
If you're not sure of the textbook title or can’t find it in the catalog, you can browse by department instead. Just search “Course Reserves” in Discovery to get started.
- Listings are organized by semester and then by department.
- You can click into a course to see which textbooks are available.
- Most entries include a book cover image to help with identification.
- If the library has a physical copy, you'll see the location and availability.
- If an eBook version is available, you can click “View eBook” to access it directly.
Additional details may appear in a Note field when needed.
Accessing your Textbook
If the location is Textbook 2 hour, take the call number (and title information to the Circulation Desk. Staff will retrieve and check out the book for you.
If an eBook version of your textbook is available, it will have a 'View eBook' button.
