Course Reserves
General information
Reserve items may include textbooks, answer keys, solution manuals, calculators, films, sample student research papers, faculty-owned resources, or items from the library's collection.
Instructors may place items on reserve for short-term loan to meet the needs of their classes. If you would like an item from our collection placed on reserve, please call the library at 360.383.3300 or email us with any questions.
Students can search for instructor-approved books and resources in OneSearch: enter your class or book name or use the filters to find your course materials.
All students can borrow Course Reserves textbooks for the day. The Reserve must be returned by the time the library closes otherwise late fees will be implemented. These textbooks are given on a first come, first serve basis. Students can use them in the Learning Commons as well as scan certain chapters to be saved as a PDF or printed out. Textbooks on reserve will have a location of ZZ RES.
Students who do not return calculators by the last day of the quarter will be charged $150.00 replacement cost plus a non-refundable $15.00 fine.
FAQ
Where do I go to check out my textbooks? You can search for textbooks at the library in the Course Reserves room. Look for these books and resources in OneSearch, enter your class or book or use the filters to find your course materials. Our books are located on the second floor of the Learning Commons. Most course materials are only available for day use, but there are a few exemptions. If you contact us by chat or phone we can help you with this.
How long can I keep Reserve materials? Most Reserve materials can be kept until end of day, although DVDs on Reserve can be kept for 7 days.
Can I take Course Reserves out of the library? Yes. Please check out Course Reserves at the circulation desk and return by the end of the day.
What are the fines for overdue Reserve textbooks? Full replacement cost will be charged to Course Reserves materials not returned or damaged. Students who do not return calculators by the last day of the quarter will be charged a $150.00 replacement fee plus a $15.00 late fine.
How do I check out a Course Reserve? Registered Whatcom Community College students and employees can visit the second floor of the Learning Commons to check out a Course Reserve for the day. Running Start and other program-owned materials can be checked out for one quarter, please check with your instructor or at the Circulation desk.
Can I make photocopies or scans of pages from reserve textbooks? Yes, you can make photocopies or scans of pages from textbooks within copyright guidelines. Please check in with the library Circulation Desk for guidance.
Where can I view the film my instructor has put on Reserve? The Circulation Desk on the second floor has day-use portable DVD players. The Help Desk on the first floor also has them. You can also go to the Media Center on the first floor of the Learning Commons which has at least 6 viewing stations.
What and where are Reserves? Instructors put textbooks and other materials on Reserve so that they are available for all students in the class. The Reserves section is to the right of the Circulation Desk in room LRN 220.
What if my textbook is not on Reserve? Please contact your instructor. Not all textbooks will be available. Course reserves are faculty-selected, and it is up to the individual instructor to decide whether to provide the Reserve collection with copies of textbooks.
What if the current edition of my textbook is not on Reserve? This can sometimes happen, so please contact your instructor. Whenever possible the library tries to get the current edition of textbooks; however, if they are not available, some instructors may allow the use of an older edition.
How soon will reserves be available after instructors place them there? Course Reserves are processed and made available as soon as possible. However, they are loaned on a first come, first serve basis. With that, some textbooks may or may not always be available. If you check out a Course Reserve book, please keep in mind that these are in-demand books and other students may be trying to borrow them.
Reserves collections
Running Start
Only registered and approved Running Start students have access to the Running Start textbook collection. Students must submit a Running Start book loan application. Running Start textbooks are loaned out for the quarter. Textbooks that are a part of the Running Start program will have a location of ZZ RUN.
BFET
Only registered and approved BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training) students have access to the BFET textbook collection. Students must email the BFET coordinator for textbook approval. BFET textbooks are loaned out for the quarter. Textbooks that are a part of the BFET program will have a location of ZZ BFET.
Health Department
Students who are enrolled in the Medical Assistant program, the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) program or other medical related programs have access to textbooks within the Health collection. Most Health books are loaned out for the quarter. These textbooks are supplied by the Health department. Textbooks that are a part of the Health program will have a location of ZZ HTLH.
Early Achievers
Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education or Education programs may have access to textbooks via the Early Achievers scholarship. Most Early Achievers textbooks are loaned out for the quarter.
Social Work Program
Students enrolled in the Social Work program have access to textbooks being used within the Social Work program. Be sure to check in with your instructor to see which textbooks are being used, as the textbooks are subject to change. Most Social Work program books are loaned out for the quarter.