What are Textbook Alternatives?
Textbook alternatives are options that reduce student costs by replacing traditional textbooks, or making textbooks more accessible. Alternatives include using library resources or open resources in place of a traditional textbook, utilizing library course reserves, or developing a custom electronic coursepack through Scholarly Commons.
Coursepacks
Coursepacks combine library resources, freely available resources, and OER in one, convenient place. Coursepacks can replace or supplement a traditional textbook. We can work with you to create a custom coursepack, find resources, and host it within Scholarly Commons.
Coursepacks for past classes continue to be hosted in Scholarly Commons, so students can return to the resources after a class has ended.
Library Resources
Electronic items in our databases or general collection may be available to use in your classes. To see if your textbook is already available as a library ebook, or to start searching our collection, use EagleSearch. For help finding or selecting library resources to replace a textbook, contact your department liaison or Scholarly Communication.
Course Reserves
Course Reserves are textbooks or supplemental materials that faculty make available at Hunt Library. Print reserves can be checked out from the Borrow Desk for 3 hours at a time. Electronic reserves and assigned ebooks can be accessed through the Course Reserves search and EagleSearch.
- For more information, see Course Reserves.