Textbook Policy

As a general policy, Nielsen Library does not purchase textbooks, borrow them from other libraries (Interlibrary Loan), or add donated textbooks to the library collection. Textbooks that are required for Adams State University courses comprise part of the students' expected cost of education, and it is the students' responsibility to acquire them. An instructor my choose to place a personal copy of a textbook on reserve for a specific course. The textbook will be returned to the instructor at the end of the course.

This practice is related to issues of space, resources, and mission. Textbooks quickly become outdated, and acquisition would be in conflict with the library's intention to develop a collection of lasting value.

For the purposes of this policy, a textbook is a book specifically designed to be used as the basis of a course of study. They are typically designed to fit with a given teaching cycle, and often have a companion teacher's edition. Textbooks are commonly reissued in updated editions every year or two, and often contain examples, problems, practice exams, etc. Scholarly studies, works of literature, history, philosophy, and other types of texts may be required reading for a class, but they are not considered to be textbooks as defined above. Sometimes texts required for a course may already be part of the library's holdings because they meet the criteria of the library's general collection development policy and not because they are required for specific courses.

If you have suggestions for items to be added to the library's collection, your library would love to hear from you.