Textbooks
Save money on textbooks and course materials
K-State Libraries supports two programs to help you save money on textbooks and course materials.
1. Course reserves
Before spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks or other required course materials, see they're available to borrow from K-State Libraries by searching Search It for the title, course number or instructor. Or, ask us and we can look for you. If the Libraries doesn't have what you need, you can request that we obtain a copy by visiting a library help desk.
Each year, the Libraries works to purchase as many course materials as possible for students to borrow from our help desk. These materials include items such as textbooks, videos, anatomy kits and more. Most materials can be checked out for two hours, and free scanners are available so you can scan the sections you need to take with you.
Note: Copying, displaying or distributing copyrighted works, may infringe the owner’s copyright. Any use of computers or duplicating facilities that infringe copyrighted works is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as those civil remedies and crimal penalties provided by federal law.
Important checkout policies
In order to ensure the greatest number of students have access to these materials, they have special check out policies. Due dates and fines are strictly enforced.
2. Open/alternative textbooks
Another easy way to save money on textbooks is to look for this icon in KSIS or the course catalog. Classes marked with this icon use open or alternative textbooks, which are available digitally through Canvas. You only pay a $10 course fee.
These materials are open or alternative educational resources that are either created or adopted by instructors. Instructors can apply for grants to switch their course materials to open educational resources.