Work

Management of Library Course Reserves and the Textbook Affordability Crisis

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Students at U.S. colleges and universities are concerned about the high cost of textbooks. Expansion of library course reserves has been suggested as one solution to this problem. The authors surveyed libraries at public universities to explore the status and management of physical course reserves and the role they play vis-à-vis textbook affordability. Both size and circulation of physical course reserve collections are declining. Despite a large growth in the use of electronic reserves, physical reserves play a significant role in providing textbooks for recommended reading lists. Physical course reserves represent a safety valve for students looking for ways to pay for college in an environment of ever-increasing textbook costs.

Source: Journal of Access Services

DOI: 10.1080/15367960903149268

Authors: John H. Pollitz, Anne Christie, Cheryl Middleton

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Oregon State University

Language: English

Topic: Library Collection Development and Digital Resources

Subfield: Library and Information Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funders: Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Oregon State University