Course reserves

Course reserves are required readings your professor has set aside for your class. You can access course reserves online for electronic materials or at the library for physical materials.

Find course reserves

Use the course reserves search to find items assigned to your class by course or professor. Select the correct course section or professor from the results list.

Access physical materials

Physical course reserves are available at the library and may only be used in the library.

  • To request an item:
    Write down the title and call number of the items you wish to view.
  • Bring the information to the circulation desk to check out materials.

Borrowing guidelines:

  • Students may check out two course reserve items at a time for use in the library.
  • Items may be checked out for two hours and renewed at the circulation desk if needed.
  • Materials must be viewed in the library.
    Course reserve items have a two-hour checkout period.
  • Items may be renewed at the circulation desk if needed.

Access electronic materials

  • Click on the title to view the document.
    Login with your last name and SCAD ID number.
  • Request a password from your professor.

Faculty request course reserves

Faculty can request library materials be placed on reserve through the online request form. Please plan in advance: course reserves may take four weeks or longer to order and process, and out-of-print books, if available, may require additional time.

Request course reserves

Copyright guidelines

Digital materials placed on course reserve must comply with U.S. federal copyright law. It is the instructor's responsibility to ensure that all submitted materials meet copyright requirements. Materials that do not comply cannot be placed on reserve.

Required citations

  • All photocopied and scanned materials must include a complete bibliographic citation provided by the instructor.
  • Materials with missing or incomplete citations will be returned.

End-of-term removal

In accordance with copyright law, course reserve items are removed at the end of each quarter unless you request they remain on reserve.

  • Requests must be made for specific items, not entire lists.
  • Instructors will be notified via SCAD email when personal copies are ready for pickup.
  • Items not picked up within two weeks of notification will be placed in storage.

What can be placed on reserve

  • Books from SCAD Libraries collections.
  • A personal copy of a book owned by the instructor (not photocopies).
  • Photocopies of journal articles owned by SCAD Libraries.
  • Photocopies of portions of books owned by SCAD Libraries, provided the book itself is also on reserve.

Limit: Course reserves are limited to 25 items per faculty member per term.

What cannot be placed on reserve

  • Photocopies of materials not owned by the library, unless written permission from the publisher is provided.
  • Materials obtained through interlibrary loan.

Electronic course reserves

  • Electronic course reserves must also comply with federal copyright law.
    Faculty must provide a clear copy for scanning.
  • A complete bibliographic citation is required.
  • Materials with missing or incomplete citations will be returned.