How do I find out if the library has my textbook? 

To see what is currently available on Reserve for your class, search the library catalog using any of the following keywords:

• Textbook title (e.g. “Signing Naturally”)
• Course number (e.g. “ENGL C101”)
• Course name (e.g. “Introduction to Art”)
• Instructor (e.g. “Julie Cornett”)

Contact the library/LRC circulation desk for the item you want, preferably by title or course number. For your convenience, we have also created a PDF that shows all the textbooks we have at each site for the current semester.

Does the library have all the textbooks for every class?

We cannot purchase or provide access cards, books only available as rentals, or eBooks that are not available through our eBook platform.

To find an accurate list of the required textbooks you need to purchase for your class, please check with your instructor or course syllabus. The library’s reserve textbook list only includes titles in your course that are available at the library along with supplemental materials your instructor has put on reserve to assist with research papers.

My textbook hasn't come in yet. How can I get the first chapter for class?

If you are able to get to a campus that has a copy of the book, you are welcome to read it at the library or copy the chapter you need.

If you aren't able to get to a campus, you can request a scanned copy of a chapter using the material request form. If we own a copy of the book, we will email the chapter to you. Please note that copyright law prevents us from emailing more than 1-3 chapters or 10% of the total book.

How are reserve textbooks different from regular library books?

The Cerro Coso Library’s reserve collection includes course textbooks and other supplemental materials. To ensure that these materials are available to all students, reserves can only be used in the library and cannot be taken home. Faculty and tutors may check out reserve materials briefly for instructional purposes.

How do I check out a reserve textbook?

At each site, the reserve textbooks are kept either behind the circulation desk or in a cabinet. Ask a staff member for the item. It will help if you know the book title and/or the name of the course (e.g. ART 101) and instructor. The book cannot leave from the library or LRC, but you can use it for the duration of your library visit.  

Why would I use textbook reserves if I can't take the book home?

You may wish to use a reserve textbook if, for example, your textbook order has not arrived in the time for the first day of class, if you need to read a chapter and have forgotten your book at home, or if your instructor has recommended supplemental reading, such as essays from a book that will assist with a research paper.

I'm faculty - How can I make sure a book is on reserve?

Before the start of each semester, library staff consults the bookstore website and purchases assigned textbooks in both print and eBook format if they are available. We cannot purchase rentals, access cards, or eBooks not available through the Gale eBooks or EBSCOhost eBook platforms. Also consider donating a copy to the library, either permanently or temporarily (e.g. for the length of the current semester - please let us know if/when you would like it returned). 

We can also purchase non-textbook items for reserve. If there is a title you would like us to place on reserve for your course, please contact us or fill out the purchase request form. For more information, check out the Course Reserves tab on our Faculty Services guide.