Changing a Textbook?
Textbook changes for online courses are scheduled two semesters before the new textbook is used in the course. The textbook change deadline falls on the Friday of week 12 each semester (two semesters in advance). This ensures the text can be ordered through the bookstore and an improvement project can be scheduled to appropriately adjust the course to reflect the new text. Pay attention to this date; missing it can delay implementation or cost the University thousands of dollars. Contact your course council designer with questions about scheduling a textbook change
Lowering the cost of textbooks
Is the textbook I’m using on campus available online?
Sister Ina Rodino in the library can check to see if a textbook is available online through the library—this enables students to access the book without paying for it. If the book isn’t available but you still want to use that same textbook, you will be referred to the bookstore to arrange for your students to buy e-book subscriptions.
Is there a free textbook available?
There is a good chance that a free textbook is available that will suit the needs of a course. The library can look into finding free textbook alternatives that match your course objectives; all they need is the course syllabus and a list of the main topics to be covered in your course. If the book doesn’t cover all of the desired content, supplemental material can be found and used in courses to make up for the missing content (i.e. articles, videos, images, etc.).
What other resources can the library help me use in an online course?
A research guide can be put together for a general topic (such as biology) or for a specific course (such as BIO 275). These guides can be supplemental material (such as articles, videos, or images) that students can use to learn more about a given topic or they can be a point of reference used to complete certain research assignments.
How long until the Textbook is used in the online course?
| Textbook change request | Improvement projects start and text is ordered | New text ready for online use |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2018 | Winter 2019 | Spring 2019 |
| Winter 2019 | Spring 2019 | Fall 2019 |
| Spring 2019 | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |