Accessing library textbooks: What you need to know
Deakin Library is committed to providing academics and students with easy access to course resources. This blog post is a comprehensive guide to finding and accessing your course resources through the Library.
Read on to find the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Where can I find my textbooks and reading lists?
There are a few ways to find your textbooks and reading lists via the Library.
For Textbooks, go to the ‘Find textbooks’ page
If you want to quickly see what the prescribed and recommended textbooks are for your unit, search for your unit code on the Find textbooks page. You can find this on the Library home page and under the ‘Skills for study’ menu.
For information on the difference between prescribed and recommended texts, please see our FAQ.
Access your unit reading list
Your unit reading list can include:
- prescribed readings and resources that are essential for your study
- recommended readings and resources that are useful, but not essential,
- further resources to build your knowledge. You can find your reading list by following the ‘Access unit readings’ link on the Library homepage. View instructions on accessing your reading list.
If there is no content on your reading list, check your CloudDeakin site or ask your Unit Chair.
Can I access readings in alternative formats?
Wherever possible, the Library works to ensure prescribed readings are available electronically. This is subject to electronic availability or what’s permitted under the Copyright Act.
Deakin Library works alongside the Disability Resource Centre to support students and staff who require accessible or alternative formats of resources. For information on the support and resources available from the Library, please see the page people with a disability.
Many of the online resources available through Deakin Library have read-aloud functionality. Where this isn’t available, please check Converting text to audio. This page provides links to tools and software for converting electronic readings and other text-based resources to audio.
Why isn’t my textbook available in print?
Most textbooks used in units are available from Deakin Library in hardcopy or print format, as well as electronically. For other resources, our preferred resource format is online due to the advantages of 24/7 access, multiple simultaneous usage and ability to integrate into online course materials.
Do the e-books at the Library have unlimited simultaneous users?
Many e-books restrict the number of simultaneous users, which can be problematic during peak demand times. While we strive to provide e-book access to essential textbooks, availability cannot always be guaranteed. If you have any questions about e-book access, please ask the Library.
Can I print or download the whole e-book?
Publishers may place restrictions on e-books that prevent them from being downloaded, printed and copied. Allowances can vary depending on the type of license, publisher and platform. The platform will inform you of the specific permissions and restrictions.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to access online Library resources?
An error message such as ‘bad message’ or ‘stale login request’ means that the page hasn’t been able to load. To resolve it, clear the cookies or cache on your browser. You can find instructions on the IT Knowledge Base
A temporary solution is to use the incognito browser mode or other private browsing options in your browser.
I saw the e-book on Kindle/iBooks. Why doesn’t the library have it?
Not all publishers make their content available to libraries. For example, Google Play, Kindle and Apple Books are not library lending licenses. The existence of one of these titles available on these platforms does not indicate the likelihood of a library lending license being available. We are always happy to search our providers for any title you’re interested in. Just get in touch.
What can I do if the print copies of my textbook are on loan?
- Check if your textbook has an electronic version available from the Library
- Put a hold request on the textbook and add yourself to the queue.
- Check to see if any print copies are on two-hour loan.
- Check your reading list for digitised chapters and online resources.
- Use Adobe Digital Editions for limited access to some e-books offline.
- Ask your unit chair or tutor if it is okay to borrow older editions.
- Use Library resources to find related readings by the same author or on a similar topic.
- Check Google Scholar for more recent texts that may have cited the text.
- Look for Open Educational Resources (OERs) on your topic in our OER Library guide.
- Find someone with the textbook through CloudDeakin forums or in your tutorials, seminars or workshops and see if they’d like to join a study group to share the reading.
Does the Library have audiobooks?
We have a small collection of audiobooks available via O’Reilly Audio Books Online. If you’re studying literature or creative writing, visit your local library and ask about their audiobook options for fiction and memoirs.
I live far away from Deakin campus. Can I get a book delivered to me at home?
We are currently mailing books to all domestic students and staff at no cost.
- Select the ‘Request it’ button from your search result.
- Choose ‘Click and send’ from the dropdown menu.
- Contact Library staff to discuss this further if you are a student living overseas and for help sourcing the items you need.
Unfortunately, 2-hour loans cannot be delivered due to the time taken to deliver items. Find out more about borrowing from Deakin.
Do I need to buy a copy of my prescribed and recommended textbooks?
Many prescribed texts are available in the Library, but access may be limited during high-demand periods like exams. If you need guaranteed on-demand access, we recommend purchasing your own copy.
Deakin does not sell textbooks. You can buy textbooks online in print or e-book format from publishers or book retailers. Use the details in your reading list, such as the ISBN, to find the correct edition from your preferred provider, including second-hand options.
Before purchasing, always confirm you have the right edition for your unit. Textbook information for your unit can be found using the Find textbooks page.
If you need financial help purchasing textbooks, explore options for financial assistance at Deakin Financial assistance.
Library support is available
Deakin Library is here to help navigate these complexities. For more information or assistance, please contact Library Staff via chat, phone or email or at your campus library.