This page is for faculty who are looking for no/low-cost alternatives for using library and open-access ebooks and eTextbooks.  It may also be appropriate for students looking for online books to use to search for a topic.

These suggestions apply to all eResources that you use to support your teaching, including: eBooks, streaming videos, and other items from the library's collection, periodical articles from library databases, open-access textbooks and Open Educational Resources, and other online resources (e.g. YouTube videos and websites). 

Link students to their program Research Guide (curated lists of best databases, search tips, and training).

If you have pre-selected course readings from library databases or websites:

• Include a complete citation when listing or linking materials on World Classroom (WCR) or the syllabus to help your students (or library staff) search for the item if the link doesn't work.
  • Many library databases have a 'cite' tool (sometimes indicated with quotation marks [" "]) which generates a citation for you.
• Scan and upload PDF files to your World Classroom course page or ask the library’s eReserves staff to scan them for you. (For the latter, allow at least 5 business days advance notice). 
• For content from a library database, the link should include the library proxy server string (library3.webster.edu) so that users are prompted to log in/authenticate into the database so access is limited.
  • The database may have a 'permalink' or 'share link' tool to capture a persistent URL that includes the proxy string.
• If you need help capturing URLs or citations, please ask our Research Librarians of the Subject Librarian for your program.
• Each term, check all links before sharing them with your students.

Follow Copyright & Fair Use guidelines when posting or distributing all content to students. Limit access to only students in your course.

Collaborate with your subject librarian to:

• Share your research assignment or design one with us in advance (1 to 2 weeks, please) to ensure resources are available.
• Link students to pre-recorded videos and training tips. 
• If your students might benefit from targeted library instruction, work with us to create and front-load it into your class to save time and student frustration.