1. Learn How to Be Textbook Savvy
Presented by: Holly Gabriel – Librarian &
Valeria Becker – Academic Support

2. Objectives
Explore different resource options for purchasing textbooks.
Understand Open Educational Resources (OERs) and courses that use them.
Discover course materials that are available at the Chester Fritz Library.
Learn effective ways to stay sharp over winter break and prevent the mind melt.

3. Shop Early
Textbook list and course materials can be found on the Bookstore website
Review the ISBN#, Title, Version/Edition, Author, and picture if available.
Pay attention to the options available
Rental
Digital or etextbook
Hard copy
Access card or Web Access – what that all means
List is not available yet – what does that mean?

4. Online shopping strategies
Find the publisher for your textbook
Google search – Amazon view to view front matter with publisher listed
View other sites for your textbook
Textbook and course material formats
Rentals – beware of what is included and not included in the rental
Kindle app – digital versions
Digital formats – what it means and what is or is not included

5. eTextbooks
Not all textbooks have electronic versions, but fast-growing popularity of smart phones and e-readers has led publishers to produce electronic versions of many popular textbooks with significant savings to the consumer. A few caveats to remember:
Review the software requirements carefully before buying or renting electronically.
The e-texts might not include other companion materials or access codes that come with the physical book.
E-textbooks may be purchased or rented, but usually restrict the number of devices on which they may be used, as well as copy and print limits.
If you drop a class and no longer need the e-book, you may be able to get a refund within the first week of classes if you have not already downloaded the book or used the access code.

6. TextbookRentals.com
TextbookRentals.com offers a one-stop shopping site for books – just type in the ISBN and the site will return a list of rental and purchase options for you to compare.

7. Avoid the Semester Break Mind Melt
Over the break keep up with your academic skills by:
In a continued topic, review your current textbook.
In a new course, review OER textbooks to become familiar with terms, learning objectives, and main concepts.
In a literature type book, start reading and taking notes on the reading.

8. Read &Write Software
Read&Write is an easy-to-use, intuitive toolbar add-on for PCs and Macs that supports students with reading, writing, studying, and research.
Read&Write seamlessly integrates with Microsoft applications, PDFs, , the Internet, and other software. With over 20 tools available, you can:
Hear text read aloud to improve reading comprehension, with a choice of natural voices.
Understand unfamiliar words with text and picture dictionaries.
Highlight and copy text from documents and web pages to create study guides, outlines or complete assignments.
Supports writing skills with word prediction.
Turn text from documents and web pages into MP3 sound files for listening on the move.
Check writing mistakes with proofreading tools.

9. Library Resources

10. Open Educational Resources (OERs)
Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free to use, edit, and repurpose
OERs include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge
Many instructors are using OERs in place of expensive textbooks to save students money
Ask your instructors if they are using an OER for your course

11. Course Reserves at the Library
Many instructors put their textbooks or other course materials on reserve at the library so you can access the materials for free
You can check out course reserve material for 2 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, or one week (with the goal of making the materials available to all students in the class)
To search for your class, go to the library’s homepage and search under “Course Reserves” for your class.

12. Library Research Guides
To learn about a topic, browse the library research guides:
Guides are specific to a subject area or a specific course
Guides highlight library databases, books, and other resources

13. Questions or Comments?
Our Contact Information: Holly Gabriel, Reference Librarian Chester Fritz Library Phone Valeria Rae Becker, Academic Coach/Tutor Coordinator SAS Academic Support Phone