Textbooks and Supplemental Course Readings

The library is committed to promoting access to knowledge and eliminating barriers to affordability and relieving some financial burden students assume while attending Seattle Univeristiy. 

While academic libraries are typically unable to license e-textbooks due to publisher restrictions, the library makes every effort to fulfill requests or offer alternate options for electronic purchase or licensing for course textbooks and supplemental readings. Beginning in AY2022-23, a textbook initiative was adopted to purchase a limited number of print or e-copies of required textbooks on a rolling basis. Criteria includes large enrollment classes and high cost per title. 

In general, purchase of print textbooks is a less efficient option for accessibility,considered on a case by-case basis, however, print textbooks are necessary in a discipline where publisher delivery lags in e-content. 

Supplemental reading lists/ books recommended in course syllabi are acquired in e-format even when a print copy is available in the collection. The library will purchase copies with the option for multiple-simultaneous users above a single-use option.

Supplemental reading for course assignments are regularly requested by faculty and are purchased with library allocated funds through standard collection building activities.

More information is available on the Textbook Options Guide and the  Course Reserves guide.