Looking for a Required Textbook?

E‑books: electronic editions of required textbooks
The Library already pays for access to thousands of e‑books. Every semester, we match the bookstore’s list of required textbooks with our e‑book subscriptions and create a handy list for you.
Here’s this semester’s list.

Electronic course reserves
Your professor may be using online library articles and e‑books as required materials to supplement or even instead of a textbook. Check your syllabus, stop at the Library Help Desk, or look them up yourself right here.

Need help? Stop in or give us a call at the Library Help Desk.

The print Textbook Center, located on the first floor of the Library at the Library Help Desk
Your professor may have put a print copy of your textbook or other course materials on reserve behind our Library Help Desk. Some professors even lend us their own personal copies of required texts. Any CSU student with a valid Viking Card may borrow these textbooks for a 2‑hour loan at no cost.
Check now to see if your course is listed.

Two hours not enough? Remember, the Library has free self‑serve scanners, allowing you to scan materials directly to an email address, USB drive, or Google Drive account. You can print your scanned content from any campus computer using your PaperCut print balance.

Note: Since print textbooks are being shared with everyone taking the same class, there is a $1.00 per hour overdue fee for any materials returned late. Please be considerate of your classmates and return them on time.

DISCOVERY @ CSU (free)
If the Michael Schwartz Library doesn’t own a copy of your textbook, another Ohio academic institution might. Use DISCOVERY to search for your book and request that it be sent to CSU at no cost. You can always ask a librarian for help with this.

Viking Outfitters (reduced cost)
The campus bookstore often offers used or rental textbooks, which can significantly reduce your cost. You can buy online and pick up your books in the store. Check with Viking Outfitters, located in the Student Center, or read their Viking Outfitters Textbook FAQ.

Inclusive Access (deferred billing)
CSU Inclusive Access is a partnership between the University and eFollett Viking Outfitters that provides students enrolled in participating courses access to required course materials on or before the first day of classes. The Inclusive Access cost is charged to enrolled students’ accounts and can be paid directly or with financial aid. Information for each participating course is emailed to the student’s campus email address. More information on CSU Inclusive Access.

Open textbooks
Some professors — we like to call them “Textbook Heroes” — are using open textbooks: completely free print or electronic textbooks developed by themselves or by other faculty. The Library’s Textbook Affordability Grants have saved CSU students over a million dollars in textbook costs, and we’re big fans and supporters of faculty who are committed to making your education more affordable.
Ask your professor if they are using an open textbook. If they are, be sure to nominate them as a Textbook Hero when the time comes!

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About printing open textbooks
Open textbooks may have dynamic content that is not possible to replicate in a printed copy. In addition, any updates to the open textbook will not be reflected in previously printed copies.

For faculty: Are you a faculty member using an open textbook that you would like to be available in print in the Library’s Textbook Center? Please reach out to your subject librarian to make this request.

For students: Are you a student who would like to print an open textbook that your professor has assigned? Open textbooks can be printed anywhere, including in campus computer labs, but you might find it helpful to use CSU’s Printing and Duplicating services. Coil and comb binding are available for printing open textbooks. Rates and other information are available on the Printing and Duplicating website. Other options for printing openly licensed content include Brothers Printing (located on Euclid Ave across from campus) and printMe1.com.