As you begin your studies at Fuller Seminary you will notice that your course syllabi list a number of required text book and article readings. Where can you find these resources in the Fuller library?
There are three main locations:
1. Canvas Course Links
All faculty are encouraged to directly embed electronic access links for required readings in their syllabi and modules, when available. For example:
In most cases these links will be for eBook texts and eJournal articles available through the library catalog or databases. In some cases, however, these links will be for scanned PDFs of print material owned by the library or provided by the faculty member. These scans are provided through fair use or Fuller's annual copyright license.
Our faculty and TAs do their utmost to provide all available electronic access links for required texts directly in Canvas, but missing and mistaken links do happen. If you are uncertain about an item's electronic (un)availability, you will always be able to search for required electronic texts through the library catalog. This is also best practice to determine whether an eBook's user level will be sufficient for the needs of your class and for you personally (see #3 below for more info).
2. Course Reserves (@ the Circulation Desk)
In many cases, the Fuller library will have print copies of required course text books available for checkout. The library cannot guarantee, however, that all required books will be available in print. Because these resources are always in-demand, the library holds them 'in reserve' at the front circulation desk and makes them available for 2 hour check out. If a book is on reserve it will be labeled as such in the library catalog (see screenshot below).
Students are welcome to utilize the free scanners in the library to create their own PDF copies of weekly readings (these do not need to be returned). If no other student has placed a hold on the item, there is no limit to the number of times a book can be checked back out to a student for additional time. If a student checks out a reserve book within two hours of library closing, they can keep the book overnight. It will be due back within two hours of the next library opening.
3. eBooks through the Library Catalog (Suggest a Book)
The Hubbard Library at Fuller acquires new resources with a preference for e-formats. It is also general academic policy that required text books should be available online when possible. If you suspect a required text may be available for online purchase, but is not yet available in the library, please feel free to use or our suggest a book form to confirm.
We hope these policies will ensure an increasing percentage of required textbooks are available online for students without any viewing limitations. That being said, students should be aware that some eBooks may not be available in an unlimited user format.
- If an assigned text is only available as a limited user eBook, students should plan accordingly by providing additional time to complete their reading assignments online, or purchasing a personal copy of the work.
- You can see whether an eBook has this restriction by looking under "Concurrent User Level" (EBSCO) or "Availability" (ProQuest) on the eBook's record. If you see the phrase "unlimited" in the description, this should not be an issue for that eBook.
EBSCO:
ProQuest:
- If a student would like to utilize a particular eReader with library eBooks, it may also help to know other possible eBook vendor restrictions that may influence your decision to purchase an individual copy of a required text.
Online and regional campus students have additional resources available to help provide them with library materials. You can review all of your access options in our Library Services for Online Users guide.
Please Note: The Hubbard library works hard to freely provide required resources for you where possible, but it is still recommended that students purchase required text books when they are able. The final responsibility for obtaining required resources lies with the student. That being said, we are happy to help find creative solutions for accessing resources. If you are having trouble finding resources online or internationally, please contact us at lib-systems@fuller.edu