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Barker Library Course Reserves:
Faculty Questions/Putting Items on Reserve
See also: Student Questions
- How do I place materials on reserve at Barker?
You can submit reserve lists for your course through the Libraries’ Reserves Request web form. The form offers a couple of options for submitting a reading list or syllabus. You may either attach it to the form (preferably as a Word document or PDF), or you can enter it into the text box. Be sure to identify which books are required for the OTI project.
- What is the Online Textbook Information (OTI) project and how does it affect my course reserves?
The Online Textbook Information project makes textbook information available in Stellar, providing students with an easy means to identify the required textbooks for their courses as soon as possible. This initiative helps students reduce their book expenses by allowing them to compare various book retailers, or by planning their course load to spread out the cost of texts. When submitting your reserve request, you must identify which books are required so that the information for your course can be updated in Stellar.
- How do I submit a request for electronic reserves?
You can submit your electronic reserves request through the Libraries’ Reserves Request web form
- May I place my own copy of a book on reserve?
Yes, we'll be glad to place personal copies on reserve. When submitting a request using the Libraries' Course Reserves Requests web form, be sure to indicate that you will be providing a personal copy, and bring your copy to the Barker Service Desk. In order to facilitate the return of the book to you after the semester, be sure to write your name and contact information in the book.
- May I place copies of articles or a course reader on reserve?
We encourage the use of electronic reserves over photocopied materials, as electronic reserves allow students simultaneous access to the material, both during and outside of library hours. However, if you do not wish to use electronic reserves, you may bring copies of articles or a course reader to the Barker Service Desk. We ask that you place loose-leaf articles in a binder or folder - be sure to also mention these materials when submitting a request using the Libraries' Course Reserves Requests web form.
- When should I submit my course reserve list for next semester?
Ideally, we would like your lists by December 1st for the Spring term, and by June 1st for the Fall term. Keep in mind that it can take up to 5 business days to process your request. If the library does not own the book and it must be purchased, this process can take 4-6 weeks, and early submission will ensure the material is available before the term begins. For items that are owned by the Libraries, it may take 8-10 days if the book is checked out and needs to be recalled. The earlier we receive reserve information, the earlier students can find out about required textbooks in Stellar through the OTI project (see question 2 above) .
- Can additional items be added after the semester begins?
Additional items can be put on reserve anytime during the semester. Please use the Libraries’ Reserves Request web form to submit the additional request.
- I want to put a book on reserve but the Libraries don't own it. How do I go about doing this?
We can order the book for you. When submitting a request through the Libraries’ Reserves Request web form, be sure to include the ISBN and as much information about the book as you can. Please remember that it can take 4-6 weeks for new book orders to arrive, so the earlier we get your request, the more likely it will be processed in time for the term.
- I just sent my reserves list to the Coop. Won’t they send you a copy?
The Coop no longer forwards copies of reserve lists to the MIT Libraries. You must submit your reading list through the Libraries’ Reserves Request web form.
- Does Barker have a record of the books I placed on reserve during a previous semester?
No, Barker does not keep a record of reserve requests for all courses. However, if your reserve request was made over the past couple of semesters, it may be possible to retrieve that information. Please contact the Barker Reserves Team (barker-res@mit.edu) for assistance.
- I submitted a list of books to be placed on reserve, but my students tell me a book is not on reserve at Barker. What can I do about this?
Contact the Barker Reserves Team (barker-res@mit.edu) and we will do our best to rectify the situation.
- Who should I talk to if I have reserves questions?
If you have any questions about reserves, please contact the Barker Reserves Team (barker-res@mit.edu, 617.253-2283).
