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How to Find Free/Cheap Textbooks: Start Here! Trinity Library Resources

Here are some avenues to help students locate course materials for free or cheap.

Reserves and Catalog

Step 1

 
Reserves: Textbooks held on a shelf behind the library's Reference desk, so that all students have an equal opportunity for access. These books are not able to leave the library but students may copy pages or scan chapters to their Trinity email.
Catalog: While newer versions of a textbook are on Reserves, sometimes older editions can be found on the regular shelves. Be sure to check with your Professor that previous editions are acceptable. Use the Primo search to locate a book. You may either click the hyperlink or go to the library's homepage under Trinity Library and WRLC Resources, click At Trinity (Library Holdings).

Access your Trinity Library Account: Here you can see due dates and request renewals.  

eBooks

Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC)

 

Step 2

 

The Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) provides access and borrowing privileges to a catalog of more than five million volumes in the libraries of American University, Catholic University, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Marymount University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Sign-in with your Moodle login in order to:

  • Renew books and other materials
  • Save and organize your favorite search results
  • Export citations to Refworks and Endnote Web
  • Place holds on materials at other libraries and have them sent to Trinity's Sheehan Library. Delivery 1-3 days.

Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

 

Step 3

 

Interlibrary Loan: Book or Journal Request: Complete the form by proving as much information about the article or book as possible. Delivery for books is between 1-3 weeks due to transit, while articles usually arrive within days. This link can also be found on the library's homepage under Trinity Library & WRLC Resources.