Does the library have textbooks for summer session?
The short answer is maybe.
- Not every print textbook (traditional bound paper copy) is available as an e-book. If faculty choose to use a "print only" textbook for a summer class, then students will likely be waiting to receive a mailed copy at their home. Given current delivery delays, the timing of the book's arrival might impact the student's ability to complete course work.
- Many publishers provide only "single-user" e-books that require an access code. The publishers sell these access codes directly to students. They do not allow libraries to purchase copies. The only way that a student can work with a copy of this type of e-book is to purchase the book outright. Each student would have to purchase their own copy.
- Publishers do offer e-books that libraries can purchase for multiple, concurrent users. This is the kind of textbook which MAY be available for support by our Bergen library for Summer 2020. Search the catalog for the title of the book to see if it available.
- Finally, some e-book textbooks are completely free. These are known as OER (open educational resources). Librarians have been working with interested faculty to determine which available OER textbooks might be used in lieu of the current print textbook. There are many options in this category. Because the book is free, students do not pay for access. They can get to their textbook instantly, through a link to a web copy or through a .PDF. These books can be posted in Moodle and can also be accessed and supported by the Library.