As a general rule, the Mardigian Library does not purchase textbooks for courses offered at UM-Dearborn due to limited funding, frequent edition updates, and limitations from textbook publishers on library acquisition and licensing of their materials. We define a textbook as "an edition of a book specifically intended for the use of students who are enrolled in a course of study or preparing for an examination on a subject or in an academic discipline, as distinct from the trade edition of the same title, sometimes published in conjunction with a workbook, lab manual, and/or teacher's manual." ^[1]

A Library Selector may make an exception, on a case-by-case basis, for a single copy of a physical textbook or for an electronic textbook (either unlimited-user or single-user depending on availability and cost) that provides the only or best coverage of a subject, or when the work itself is of a seminal, historical, or other significant nature. Due to possible high demand, faculty are encouraged to place a physical textbook on Course Reserve to maximize access for students. We do not place e-resources on Course Reserve.

Before considering a textbook for purchase, the Library Selector, in consultation with the requesting faculty member, should follow the process outlined below:

• Determine whether a complimentary copy can be requested by the faculty member from the publisher to be placed on Course Reserve.
• Confirm if any edition of the title is already held in the library's collection. If so, determine if it is absolutely necessary to purchase a newer edition.
• Review currently available library resources on the topic.
• Consider alternative materials on the subject, including OER sources.

Approved: Library Leadership, July 22, 2020