Student Handbook 2025-26 > Student Affairs and Resources > Olin Library > Collections & Borrowing > Course Reserves

Course Reserves

Access required and recommended course books for 3-hour checkout periods without purchasing them.

Overview

Find your book on the Reserves shelf (organized by instructor last name), fill out the paper sign-out sheet, use it for up to 3 hours, then return directly to the shelf and write return time on the sheet.

Course Reserves use paper sign-out rather than self-checkout kiosks to ensure access during unstaffed hours. Never leave Reserves books in the Returns Cabinet.

Find a Course on the Shelf

Books are organized by the instructor last name. Group-taught classes like ModSim and QEA 3 are placed after the final alphabetical instructor name.

Digital Versions

The Library proactively licenses available digital versions of physical course books. Many textbooks are not available electronically due to publisher restrictions. All ebooks and audiobooks are linked from individual course reserve lists at library.olin.edu/reserves and are sent to instructors at the beginning of the year.

For further access accommodations, including scanning requests, contact Disability Services.

If Books Are Missing

Tell Library staff immediately if books are not on shelf or consistently unavailable. We'll get additional copies as soon as possible. You may also notify your instructor if this affects your coursework.

Mid-year policy updates: Current policies and Library updates are posted at library.olin.edu. Contact us any time with policy questions or clarification requests.