Place items on hold for your class
Course reserve materials are library items such as books, DVDs, streaming videos, or online articles held aside for a class. Everyone shares these items in the class, and each student has a brief time to use the materials. Their instructor determines for how long each student can use these items.
Who can request course reserves?
Stanford instructors or teaching assistants can place items on reserve for a specific course.
What to expect
- Digital access can vary. We will do our best to help within copyright restrictions.
- We will order a copy of the material if the library does not own a copy.
- You can place items you own on reserve at the library.
- If you include the date in your request, we will do our best to meet your need.
- If a digital item is unavailable, we will try to find a physical item instead.
Request timelines
Each semester we give priority to requests submitted by these dates:
- Fall term: September 4, 2023
- Winter term: December 15, 2023
- Spring term: March 18, 2024
- Summer term: June 10, 2024
Fulfillment timelines
For electronic books
- 2–5 business days for items we already own.
- 4–8 weeks for materials we need to purchase; this may vary.
For print books
- 2–5 business days for items we already own.
- This may vary for books we need to purchase.
Students needing help finding reserved items
Search for an item
- Visit the Course reserves page.
- Search by one of the following: Course ID, title, or instructor's name.
- Click the course ID to see the items list.
Reserved items are available at several locations
- Books: library’s circulation desk.
- Media: Media & Microtext Center or Art library circulation desk.
- Electronic items: linked in SearchWorks or Canvas.
Things to keep in mind
- Physical items on reserve are available to borrow for 1–4 hours or 1–3 days.
- The instructor sets how long items can be used.
- You can check the status of items on the Course reserves page.
Questions about course reserves?
Email the course reserves office or call 650-723-1493.