Borrow a Textbook from the Library
The library purchases at least 1 physical copy of most required course textbooks. In addition, the Textbook Affordability Program has allowed for the purchase of some digital copies of textbooks, when available. To see if the library has the textbook you need, browse the Library Textbook Collection.
Print textbooks are available for a 4-hour loan from the Library Services Desk. Textbooks checked out within 4 hours of the library closing may be borrowed overnight and will be due back the next day within two hours of the library opening.
Textbooks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be placed on hold due to high demand. An hourly late charge applies for textbooks returned late.
Find your Textbook Information
To search for your textbook in the library you will need the title of the textbook you wish to borrow (author and edition number can be helpful but are not essential) . If you do not know the title of your textbook you might find it through:
- The MacEwan Bookstore booklist generator. Enter your Student ID# to see a full list of your required and optional textbooks.
- Your course outline or syllabus.
Copyright and Copying Textbook Content
Although the library does not officially support or endorse any of these products, many phone applications allow for quick-and-easy scanning. If you do choose to scan pages from any of the Library’s textbooks for educational purposes, you may scan up to 10% or one chapter of that work without breaching copyright.
Other Ways to Access Textbooks in the Library
Request a Scanned Copy of a Chapter or Reading
You may request a scanned copy of a chapter or section from a textbook to be emailed to you through the library Scan on Demand service. Entire textbooks cannot be scanned due to copyright restrictions. Requests will typically be processed within 3 business days.
Distance Education Students
Some textbooks are reserved for distance education students and can be mailed directly to your home upon request. Visit our Distance Education page to place a book delivery request and to learn more about getting MacEwan library materials.
Accessibility
To request support with accessing textbooks, please visit the library’s Accessibility page to review available options or contact library@macewan.ca
Other Ways to Find Your Textbook
Buy Your Textbook from the Bookstore
Required course textbooks are available for purchase from the MacEwan Bookstore. To find your textbook information, either:
- Enter your Student ID Number in the MacEwan Bookstore textbook list generator.
- Check you course outline or syllabus.
Rent a Textbook
The MacEwan Bookstore provides student access to digital textbook rentals for many assigned textbooks. Check with them first. If they do not have the textbook you are looking for, there are other companies offering rental options for many popular etextbooks, such as:
Look for Free Online Older Editions
Sometime you can find a free online copy of an older edition of your textbook. The following websites are good places to search for entire books online:
Buy Used Copies or Older Editions
Used copies of print textbooks can often be bought online on sites such as Amazon, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace. You may also want to try:
Before You Buy Used
- Make sure you're buying the correct edition. If buying an older edition, check with your instructor to make sure you will not be missing important new information.
- Check to see if the book includes an access code for online content. If your instructor says the code is needed, and your code has been used or is expired, you'll be stuck buying a new code, which can be more costly than buying a new textbook.
Finished with your textbook? Post it on the MacEwan Used Book Exchange, or check out the MacEwan Bookstore Buyback program to see if the Bookstore wants to give you money for your old textbooks!
