Textbooks

The bookstore on campus can order textbooks and course materials for your courses. Even if you do not plan on using a text, or if you plan on using Open source material, it is helpful to let the bookstore know so that your students can see all of the required and recommended material for their classes in one place.

Tip: When ordering textbooks or solution manuals, ask the publisher for a library copy to place on reserve if there isn't already one in the system.

Deadlines

Spring (Term 1): March 1st
Summer (Term 2): April 1st
Fall (Term 1): May 1st
Winter (Term 2): October 1st

Reasons to request texts early

  • The USask Bookstore will be able to bring in used copies from other vendors
  • Custom editions and print on demand titles can take months to print
  • If vendors are out of stock or have released a new edition, there is enough time for you to make an alternative choice

When submitting a request

Double check the ISBN for the title and the format you want. Publishers often have multiple formats available, check with your publisher rep for the correct ISBN if needed.

If your text has an access code or other online component, let us know if it's required or not. If the online components are required, we cannot bring in used copies. However, if it is just an additional learning tool and does not count towards grades, many students will opt to buy a used copy to save money.

There is a notes field in the request form. Feel free to use it to indicate things such as if the title is available in the library for free, if there are other students who wil already have the text from previous classes, etc.

Course Packages

Course packages can include a collection of various materials, such as journal articles, excerpts from books or the professor's own work. Course packages can be submitted through the textbook adoption form and Retail Services will work with on campus providers for the development and distribution of the product.

Any materials faculty members would like included in course packages are required to adhere to the University’s Copyright Policy. Retail Services provides copyright clearance assistance and can order printed course packages. Before submitting a course package, please consult the Copyright Clearance Guidelines

Lab Manuals

For classes requiring lab manuals, faculty members can upload the files directly through the textbook adoption form. The USask Bookstore produces the manuals and inventories the appropriate amount of printed versions for each class.

Open Source Textbooks

Open textbooks are learning materials that are available for free to everyone and can be adapted to meet local needs. There are a growing number of such resources available and can be found for courses across most disciplines.

You can find open textbooks, including searching by discipline on the USask Open Educational Practices website. If you are using an Open text, complete a textbook requisition with the USask Bookstore so your students know in advance what text will be used.

Course Reserves

Course reserves are USask Library items that are added to a course in Canvas at the request of the instructor. Reserve items are placed in a module titled Library Course Reserves. The requested items will be links or PDFs.

  • Course reserves can be Open Access, licensed library materials, or material owned by the USask Library, or instructor copies already in our physical course reserves collection.
  • Course reserves may be any electronic item licensed by the University of Saskatchewan Library, including e-books, e-articles, music, and films.
  • Course reserves may be scanned print items. The Library can make electronic copies of articles from print journals, as well as portions of a print book, including musical scores. Scanned items are subject to fair dealing guidelines.
  • All course reserve items must comply with all applicable copyright policies and laws.

Embedding Library Resources

Electronic resources do not need to be placed on reserve to make them accessible to your students.

You can include direct links to electronic resources in Canvas or your syllabus if the publisher's licence allows it. Learn how to find licensing usage terms and create a direct, permanent link to electronic resources.

You can also embed subject-specific library research guides into your Canvas course to allow seamless access to your students.

Copyright Office

As educators, you will likely work with copyright-protected materials every day. It is important to be aware of the University’s copyright guidelines and policy when preparing and distributing course materials to your students. The Copyright Office can help you determine how to provide materials to your students while respecting copyright law, answer any copyright questions you may have, and assist with acquiring permissions from copyright owners.

There is also information for students regarding copyright and the appropriate use of course materials available on the University’s copyright website.

Get Help

University Bookstore

Retail Services will work with publishers to ensure that enough textbooks are available to your students before classes begin.


Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning

GMCTL staff can help you choose or develop open source course materials.


University Library

For help developing a course reserves list or embedding library resources, contact your library location.


Copyright Office

The copyright office has extensive information about using media and texts in the classroom.