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Textbook Alternatives

Do the Libraries have my textbook on reserve?

Textbooks for selected undergraduate, high-enrollment classes are available for use through the WMU Library Course Reserve service.

  • Textbooks are available at the Waldo Library Circulation desk, unless the location is otherwise specified.

  • These textbooks may be checked out for a period of 24 hours.

  • Please present your Bronco card to check out material.

You can use Library Search to look for textbooks on reserve at WMU Libraries. Search for your books by title, author, or course. Make sure to select the "textbooks" button  below the search box.

Need help finding good resources?

If you need help locating appropriate resources to achieve your learning objectives you may want to consult with the librarian liaison for your department. If you don't know who your liaison is consult the Subject Librarians Directory.

If you choose to use a library e-book as a class text, your librarian can help with the following:

  • Does the license for the e-book allow for multiple users to access it, or can this type of license be obtained?
  • Can students highlight, annotate or bookmark the text?
  • How can the text be used on a mobile device?
  • Is there an option for the student to purchase a print copy if they choose to, e.g. Springer "MyCopy" option

WMU E-Book Collections

Listed below are some of the major e-book collections available through the WMU Libraries.

Course reserves

Instructors may select readings and other materials for a class to be placed on electronic reserve. Electronic books, book chapters, articles, streaming videos, and other text based and media materials may be placed on reserve. Books and other physical materials may be placed on reserve for short-term checkout at the circulation desks of Waldo, Education, or Music and Dance libraries.

If you would like to request that the Libraries purchase a copy of a print textbook used in your class you may use this form to recommend a new book for purchase.

Springer "My Copy"

E-books in the Springer collections are availble for purchase in print to WMU affiliated users for the discounted price of $24.99. These books, primarily in the Sciences, make affordable options for faculty to use for their classes. Books available for this program have the  "MyCopy Softcover Edition" link in the puchase options section.  More information about MyCopy from Springer is available on the Springer website.

Search the database of available Springer e-books

Reference resources

The following resources provide access to encyclopedias, directories, biographical information, etc. These resources often provide useful definitions, and background information for students. Usually you may link to the complete resource or to an individual entry.

Streaming Video

The following resources contain collections of streaming videos in a variety of subjects. For a more comprehensive list of all streaming videos provided by WMU Libraries please see the Streaming Video Sources Guide.