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For Faculty

The Forrer Learning Commons purchases textbooks upon request for the Course Reserves collection, with the exception of textbooks that use access codes. 

What are Access Codes?

Some publishers such Cengage, McGraw Hill, and Pearson release their textbooks in an "access code" format. This format often includes the following package:

  • digital textbook
  • ancillary materials such as homework assignments and quizzes
  • interactive learning tools.

These access code textbooks are generally less expensive than traditional print textbooks. Students are able to access the content for about the length of a semester.

Publisher Restrictions

Publishers release these textbooks in a licensed format, which limits access to a single individual for a finite period. Due to these licensing restrictions, libraries generally cannot purchase these titles for institutional access. In rare occasions, we may be able to obtain these titles in eBook format through our institutional bookseller, but they are often subject to Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, allowing only one user access at a time.

While it might be possible to find used print copies through resale sites or Amazon, the available copies are often looseleaf editions that students have purchased and are looking to resell. They may also be international editions of the text. Neither option can be added to the library's collection.

As a result, it is our policy that we do not purchase access code textbooks for our Course Reserves or General collection.

Alternative Options

  • Open Educational Resources (OER): Consider exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), which provide full, first day access to course materials for free to students. There are many great options available, and you could receive a stipend of $200 to review an open textbook for use in your course from VIVA. Additionally, should you wish to move to an open textbook, you can apply for an Open Adopt grant of $2,000.
  • Open Pedagogy: Use websites, videos, journal articles, single chapters from books, etc. and upload them to your Canvas course. You can collaboratively work with students to create ancillary materials, such as test banks or homework assignments. 
  • Traditional textbooks: Traditional textbooks are an expensive option, but if you allow your students to use an older edition of a book rather than requiring the newest edition, it is likely that they will be able to find a reasonably priced copy. New editions are often very similar to older editions.