Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$)

Want to Use a Library Book for Your Course?

• The University Library may be able to purchase a licensed print or ebook if:
  • It is required reading (not optional or supplemental) in a credit-bearing course
  • At least 50% of the book is assigned
  • Providing the book would reduce student material costs by 30% or more
  • A library-accessible ebook license is available (some publishers restrict access to a certain number of users or to certain formats)
  
  

  Funding is grant-based through the AL$ initiative, so availability may change.

  
  

• Key Considerations for Library eBooks

  • 85% of textbooks are not available at all for libraries to license as ebooks
  • Some ebooks only allow 1 or 3 concurrent users; unlimited access can be unavailable or prohibitively expensive
  • Faculty should verify user limits and update syllabus links each semester


• What If the Library Already Owns the Book?
  • Check URLs regularly! Publishers may remove texts from our subscription packages
  • If the ebook has limited user access, faculty can request an upgrade, if available
  • The library does its best to notify faculty if a text is being removed, but identifying affected courses can be difficult

Want to Request a Library Purchase?
Use our online request form or contact the Library!