Before purchasing a textbook or book for a course, there are several steps you can take to look for free access!

1. Ask your professor if they've placed a copy of your textbook on reserve at the library
2. Check the URI Libraries to see if we have a print or digital copy of the book you need
3. Check local public libraries for a copy
4. Look for online copies in the Internet Archive and other open textbook repositories
5. Check WorldCat to see if you can request a copy through Interlibrary Loan

Read through the other boxes on this page for an explanation of each of these access options. If these methods don't work, proceed to the next page of the guide for guidance on purchasing textbooks. 

Sometimes instructors will put textbooks on Reserve, which means you can borrow the book from the library for a short period of time. This enables everyone in the class to share access to one resource or textbook. 

To search for books on Reserve, you'll need to know your course number (such as LIB 150) or your instructor's last name. The guide linked below will walk you through how to check if your course has materials on Reserve. 

Although many libraries do not specifically collect textbooks, it is worth searching their catalogs to check if the materials you need are available.

Before searching, make sure you have the title of the book, the author, and the edition (if applicable). Textbooks sometimes have generic titles that are shared with other books, so having more information will make your search easier.

Alternately, the ISBN can be a quick way to search for a book.

Use URI Libraries Search to check for materials at URI. Use Ocean State Libraries Catalog to check for materials at public libraries across Rhode Island. As a student living in Rhode Island, you are eligible for a free library card that is valid for use at all Rhode Island public libraries, and you can apply for a card online!

The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library offering free access to millions of books, movies, music, and other digital resources. Some of their material can be directly downloaded while others can be borrowed online for limited loan periods with the creation of a free account. 

If you can't find the book you need through URI's library or through a local library, the Internet Archive is another excellent place to check for access!

WorldCat is an online catalog that enables you to check for materials at libraries around the world. If you can find the book you need through WorldCat, you may be able to place a request for it through URI's Interlibrary Loan department. Interlibrary loan is a free service available to all URI students, faculty, and staff where you can request books or scans of book chapters or articles from other institutions when URI doesn't have access. 

As you're looking for free access to your textbooks, make sure you are considering what edition(s) are available. In some courses, you may be required to acquire a specific edition. However, sometimes if older editions are similar enough to the newest version, you may be able to make do with a previous edition. The site below will help you compare editions to make the right choice for your course requirement, learning needs, and budget!