Collection Development Policy

The University Libraries do not purchase or maintain a collection of textbooks in support of the university curriculum.

A textbook is a monograph written and published primarily to teach a specific subject, especially in schools and colleges.  Textbooks provide a comprehensive overview of a subject and includes elements such as stated learning objectives, chapter summaries, a glossary of terms, bibliographies of important resources, discussion questions, and practice exercises.  Often revised/updated editions are issued very frequently.

Limited exceptions to the textbook policy can occur.  For instance, a textbook may be included in an online package or database that the library has acquired previously.  Another exception may occur when a title is determined to have research value beyond being a textbook.  For instance, a work may contain information that makes it a standard reference resource in that particular field, in which case the use of the title as a reference resource could override its status as a textbook.  Of course, instructors can always request class materials that do not meet the definition of a textbook.

Another viable option is the use of open educational resources (OER) which provide an open access alternative to traditional textbooks.  OERs are resources that are freely accessible because they are either in the public domain or licensed in a way that allows free perpetual online access.  The library has created a Library Guide that provides advice on finding, evaluating, adapting, and creating OER materials.

Instructors still wishing to provide students with library access to a textbook can request that their personal copy of the title be placed in the library's Course Reserves for the semester.  The instructor will retain ownership of the textbook and will receive the title back after the class has completed.