Textbook Policy (May 2023)

For the purposes of this policy statement, a textbook is defined as a book designed to be used to support specific courses. Commonly, textbooks include study questions, discussion topics, study guides or exercises at the end of each chapter and may be published in subsequent editions in order to update information in previous editions.

The VSCS Libraries do not acquire current textbooks, learning guides, practice materials, or workbooks that provide spaces for readers to record their answers.

• Library funds are limited, and the purchase of textbooks may preclude the purchase of other important materials. Typically, textbooks add little to a discipline’s literature other than simplification and summarization. Their high cost and frequent revision make them a poor investment. 
• Textbooks may be published either as printed books or electronic books and this policy applies to both formats with few exceptions.
• Instructors may place their own textbook copies on reserve for students’ use, if they wish. Because of copyright considerations, these cannot be review copies provided by the publisher. Please see our Reserves Policy for full details.