Course reserves
Course reserve materials are items that the library holds aside for a class, such as books, licensed electronic resources, or media. These items are shared among everyone in the class, and each student has a limited period of time to use them. The borrowing duration is determined by the instructors and may vary from a few hours to a few days.
For instructors
Instructors and teaching assistants at Stanford University have the option to reserve items for a specific course. We will typically purchase (or license) any book/e-book/streaming movie that is requested that we don't already have.
More information for instructors
Request print or electronic reservesRequest video or audio reserves
For students
Students can easily search for course reserves by entering the course ID, the instructor's name, or the title of the item. Availability status is also shown.
More information for instructors
Instructors must request course reserve items. The Libraries do not automatically purchase course materials.
Requests may include the following materials:
- Books, textbooks
- E-books
- Streaming video or audio
- Blu-Ray/DVDs/CDs (we have players to offer for checkout)
- Instructor’s personal books/media
Some considerations exist when requesting course reserve materials.
- The libraries determine the number of copies to purchase and may deny some requests when we already own the item in another format.
- The availability of digital content may differ. We will make every effort to assist you within the limits of copyright regulations.
- If a digital item is unavailable, we will attempt to locate a physical item as a replacement.
- Article, book chapter, and books received via interlibrary loan cannot be placed on course reserve or shared on Canvas.
Important dates
Priority is given to requests submitted by these dates:
- Fall term: September 4, 2024
- Winter term: December 13, 2024
- Spring term: March 18, 2025
- Summer term: June 9, 2025
Please be aware that if you are requesting electronic or print materials that are already owned by Stanford Libraries, the fulfillment timeline is expected to be from 2 to 5 business days. However, if any electronic material needs to be purchased, it may take approximately 1 to 3 weeks to fulfill your request, and up to 6 weeks in some cases. If you are requesting print materials that need to be purchased, it may take approximately 4 to 8 weeks to fulfill your request. Media fulfillment timelines may vary.
More information for students
- Physical items, such as books, are available to borrow from one of the Stanford Libraries locations. The borrowing time for these items can range from 1 to 4 hours or 1 to 3 days. Both location and borrowing duration are set by your instructor. Renewals are not permitted.
- Media items can be borrowed from the Media and Microtext Center or Art Library circulation desk.
- Electronic items can be accessed via SearchWorks, the Stanford Libraries catalog, or Canvas.
- To find a reserved item or check its availability status or pickup location, go to the course reserves in SearchWorks.
- Items must be returned directly to the circulation desk of the library from which they were borrowed.
Questions about course reserves?
Email the course reserves office or call 650-723-1493