Textbooks & course readings
We help students access reading materials for classes through course reserves (also called course readings) in Brightspace and free textbooks for some courses.
Most materials are available online. Occasionally, physical books are placed on print reserve.
Textbooks through the library
Did you know that you can access many course textbooks for free through the library?
Before you head over to the UVic Bookstore to buy your textbooks for the term, check if they're available on the ZTC for Students list.
ZTC stands for "Zero textbook cost".
Each term, the library works with the UVic Bookstore to create a list of the required digital and print textbooks that are also available at the library, at zero cost to you!
- You may need to log in with your NetLink ID before you can access the list.
- Browse by department or search by textbook title or author.
- Access online materials directly from the ZTC list.
- Get ZTC books and print materials from the course reserves shelf near the Ask Us Desk.
Since 2021, this program has saved students over $3,445,000!
Course readings
Course reserves, also called "course readings", are learning materials chosen by instructors.
- They can include books, articles, websites, videos, and more.
- Nearly all of these materials are available online.
Follow these steps to find the readings for your course:
- Log in to Brightspace and choose a course.
- Navigate to Course Tools and select Course Reserves from the drop-down menu.
- A new tab will open with the course reading list.
Print reserves
For courses with print books on reserve, visit the course reserves shelf:
- near the Ask Us desk on the main floor of the Mearns – McPherson Library
- at the Priestly Library front desk for law courses only
Print course reserves are available for a shorter loan period than regular print materials. This makes sure all students can access them.
Support for instructors
UVic Libraries provides training and support to help instructors create and manage reading lists.