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Textbook Options and Free OER (Open Educational Resources)

Our best bets on how to get the textbooks you need for class.

What is an ISBN?

ISBN.

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number):is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products.

 Each number identifies a unique edition of a publication, from one specific publisher, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.

Online Textbook Stores

There are a growing number of online sites to buy new and used textbooks.  The following seem to be legitimate.  When buying online, keep in mind shipping time and delays.  Also, check return policy, pre-pay returns, and rental and buy-back options.

The following links are for informational purpose only: Rio and Davis Library do not endorse or affiliate with any site, nor assist with customer service issues.

OhioLink Central Library Catalog

OhioLINK logo.

Central Library Catalog

A good option: Use to borrow books from other Ohio college libraries and sent to Davis Library within 5 to 7 business days.  The issue here is that the textbook that you are using at Rio may be the same being used throughout the state and country thus in demand.

SearchOhio

SearchOhio logo.

Great for ordering recreational and test books from big Ohio public libraries, but they may not have the resources you need for class.

Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, they provide free access to researchers, historians, scholars, the print disabled, and the general public. The mission is to provide Universal Access to All Knowledge.

Image result for internet archive

RioCat - Books Owned by Davis Library

Davis Library Top Floor Book Collection.

Davis Library strives to supplement the curriculum, not duplicate it.  Alas, we may not have the print books you need for class.

MBS Direct & Rio Grande Bookstore

MBS Direct

MBS Direct logo.

Rio Bookstore.

Rio Grande has made arrangements for students to order textbooks at MBS Direct.  For questions: Contact the Rio Bookstore at 740-245-7274.

Alternatives to MBS Direct

Rio's Bookstore and MBS Direct are great.  But there are other options to getting textbooks

Reserve Materials in Davis Library at Circulation Desk

Davis Library Circulation Desk.

Sometimes the Book Store or professors will put textbooks on Reserve at Davis Library's Circulation Desk as a service to students.  Generally, these things must be returned in two hours and stay in the Library.

eBooks

OhioLINK EJC logo.

 

OhioLINK Electronic Book Center.  Use and read online books on any device, anywhere, anytime.  "Connect" through the title record.  Use the "Search This Book" feature to find specific information quickly.  See our Find eBooks LibGuide.

Off Campus Access:

1.  Choose the "Off Campus" Link.

2. Select Institution: University of Rio Grande & Rio Grande Community College.

3. Enter Your First and Last Name.

4. Your Student ID Number is an "s" followed by your Student ID (Example: s300123456).

5. If you need a Library PIN: It is the last four digits of your Social Security Number (Example: 1234).

WorldCat - Borrow Books Owned by Libraries Around the World

WorldCat logo.Use Traditional Interlibrary Loan Services to order books that may take one to two weeks to arrive in Davis Library.

Google Books

Google Books

Read books, download them, and cite them. Some books are provided by publishers, while others are scanned as part of the Library Project.

Google logo.