Answered By: Samantha Martin
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2024     Views: 22

Students can find information on their assigned course texts through the virtual bookstore: https://bncvirtual.com/washjeff. Once you find your class, make a note of the title, ISBN, and edition information.

Our library typically does not purchase true textbooks (ex: Introduction to Psychology, 9th Ed.) but we will purchase other course materials (ex: The Basic Writings of Sigmund Freud). The library attempts to purchase course materials in electronic format to maximize the number of students who can access them.

To search our library holdings, use our discovery tool, here: EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). Change the search indicator from "Keyword" to "Title" using the drop-down menu and then type in the title of your book. Here's a screenshot demonstrating how to make that change.

Screengrab of W and J Discovery Search Tool showing how to switch from Keyword to Title search.

If we own it as an ebook, you'll be able to access the material from the link in the search results. If we own a physical copy of the book, you can place a request to have the item put on hold for you to pick up. Our check-out period is 16 weeks, which is equal to the length of the semester. 

If you cannot find your course material in our library, our students can also borrow from other libraries across PA, WV, & NY through a service called EZ Borrow. If you find your materials on EZ Borrow, they'll be shipped to our library for you to pick up and the check-out period is also 16 weeks. Search EZ Borrow here: https://ezborrow.reshare.indexdata.com/

In order to access an ebook or place a request for an item in our library, or through EZ-Borrow, you will need your W&J user ID and password. If you have any trouble finding materials or accessing them, please feel free to chat with a librarian or email asklib@washjeff.edu for more help. 

Please note that if your professor requires the use of an online component of the textbook, even if you are able to find it at our library or through EZ Borrow, you probably will not have access to the online component. In this scenario, you may still need to purchase the textbook or access to the online platform.

Sometimes your professor will tell you that an item is on Course Reserve in the library. That means that we hold a copy behind the desk that is only for students in your class to use in the library. You can access the material by coming to the front desk and asking for the materials on reserve for your class. It's helpful if you know the department and course number, for example PSY 101. If you can't remember that we can also help you locate the materials under your Professor's last name.