August 31, 2022
Access free textbooks through K-State Libraries
K-State Libraries offers textbooks that you can borrow for free from its Reserves collection.
If you've never used course reserves, here are the basics:
Many textbooks and classroom materials are on reserve at the library help desk in Hale Library so all students can have access to them at no cost. Some have been purchased and others are loaned by the course instructor.
If you want to know if your textbook is on reserve, please search online using our website, chat with a librarian online or stop by the library help desk to ask in person.
To borrow what you need, bring your K-State ID and course code to the library help desk to check it out. It's also helpful to know your instructor's last name. You'll be able to check out the material under the conditions specified by your instructor — usually two hours. Free scanners are available if you want to scan the portion of the text you need.
If you don't find your textbook, there are several things you can do to get it added to our Reserves collection:
- Consider asking your instructor if they would be willing to place a copy on reserve.
- Contact the Textbook Affordability Program committee via libtap@k-state.edu to ask whether the course meets its purchase criteria. If it does, the committee will use its funds to buy the book for our Reserves collection.