Course Reserves

Materials that are on Course Reserves are easy for students to access and have shortened loan periods. They are available to be checked out from our various library locations. Course Reserves include library- and instructor-owned books, videos, audio recordings, and other physical materials that support instruction. 

What Are Course Reserves?

Course Reserves are materials selected by instructors and made available to students enrolled in a specific course. Reserves may include: 

  • Physical items such as books, textbooks, DVDs, or other media
  • Copies of book chapters or journal articles
  • Links to library-licensed eBooks, streaming media, or other digital resources 

Materials are organized by course and instructor and are available for the duration of the academic term. 

 

Information for Students

Accessing Your Course Materials 

Course Reserves offer a convenient way to access high-demand or required course materials at no cost. To find your Course Reserves: 

  1. Visit the UO Libraries Course Reserves page.
  2. Search by course number, course title, or instructor name.
  3. Select your course to view available materials. 

Search for items on Course Reserves 

Physical Course Reserves 

  • Physical items are available for short-term loans (such as 2-hour, 4-hour, or 1-day checkout periods).
  • Most physical reserves are intended for in-library use to ensure equitable access.
  • Loan periods are set by the library in consultation with instructors. 

Online Course Reserves 

  • Online materials are available 24/7 through the Course Reserves system.
  • Access requires UO login credentials.
  • Materials are provided in accordance with copyright and licensing guidelines. 

If you experience difficulty locating or accessing a reserve item, library staff can assist.  

 Student request a Course Reserve Purchase

 

Information for Instructors

Why Use Course Reserves? 

Course Reserves help instructors: 

  • Ensure all students have timely access to required readings
  • Reduce the financial burden of course materials
  • Support inclusive and accessible teaching practices
  • Centralize course content in one consistent, reliable location 

Faculty Course Reserves Page

What Can Be Placed on Reserve? 

Faculty may request: 

  • Personal or library-owned books and textbooks
  • DVDs or other physical media
  • Scanned chapters or articles
  • Persistent links to licensed eBooks, journals, or streaming media 

Library staff will work with instructors to identify the most appropriate and sustainable access option for each item. 

Requesting Course Reserves

Faculty can submit Course Reserves requests using the library’s online request form. Requests should include course details, citation information, and preferred format when applicable. 

Faculty request a Course Reserve Purchase

Fill out this form to put UO-Owned materials on Course Reserves

How long does processing take?

Recommended turnaround timelines: 

  • Submit requests 2–4 weeks before the start of the term for best availability
  • Complex requests (multiple items, physical processing, or new acquisitions) may require additional time
  • Requests submitted after the term begins will be processed as quickly as possible

Visit your preferred Library location in person to drop off your physical copies of textbooks or other materials to be placed on reserve. 

A student and a librarian looking at a laptop together

 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Q: How long are Course Reserves available?
A: Course Reserves are available for limited-time loans, with loan periods typically set at 90 minutes, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 24 hours, depending on the instructor’s preference. Reserves remain available for the duration of the academic term unless otherwise specified. 

Q: Can students access Course Reserves off campus?
A: Yes—if the item is an electronic resource. Online Course Reserves are accessible anywhere with UO login credentials. 

Q: How many students can use a physical reserve item?
A: Physical reserves are shared resources. Short loan periods ensure that all students have an opportunity to access the material. 

Q: Can I reuse Course Reserves from a previous term? 
A: Yes. Faculty may request that reserves be rolled over from a prior term, though materials must still be reviewed for availability and copyright compliance. 

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about checking out Course Reserves?
A: For most questions, contact the Knight Library Checkout & Reserves desk at 541-346-3065 or libhelp@uoregon.edu. 

 

Get Help 

UO Libraries staff are available to support both students and faculty with Course Reserves. 

Course Reserves are part of UO Libraries’ commitment to access, equity, and student success.