How can I 'read for a degree' if the resources aren't available???

Mike1989

Is this book what they call the core text, or course text book?

Because on my course, history, I have a module for example on African American history from about 1800 until 2000. The guy said we have a core text book, Better Day Coming by Adam Fairclough. He told us to make sure we got a copy because every week there would be reading from it, and it was key also for the essay and presentation, also general understanding of the topic. Same for other modules, they offer a core text book which your expected to purchase a copy of.

Now is this book a core text or a course text book, because if so, then your probably expected to buy it because you'll have reading from it on a weekly basis. Might be different for your course, or its just a case of one chapter from that book this week and its not used again. But if the case is its a core, then you probably should buy it because you'll need it.

Though try some online resources, or even the local library in your area. Not your uni one, but your local one run by the council as they may have a copy or could get one for you.

collingwood21

Whenever this occured at my university, we reported it to the deprtmental administrator, who compiled a list of core books in short supply. These were then passed on to the library and copies put in "4 hour or overnight" loan section to increase access to them.

Any chance you could do something similar?

princesspinchie

I know how annoying this is, OP. Just this week we had reading for next weeks seminar with one book mentioned as 'essential' looked it up on the library catalogue last week and it is out on loan until 30th October! The only copy!

Those are some really good ideas - especially the essential reading pack. I might suggest that at my uni.

Optimisticpair

Also.......we found it useful to be a group of 7 helping each other. One of us would take out one copy of an essential book and the rest of us either borrowed it that week to skim or photocopied the bits we needed while it was off the shelf but not booked out.

Make friends with your favourite librarians. On one occasion there was only one copy which had already been requested. As it was on the request shelf waiting to be picked up my favourite librarian let me take it to the photocopier to make 3 photocopies for us.

Next time you get stuck why not also find out if another uni or library nearby has a copy of a book you need because you can visit and read it there or take it to their photocopier. I went miles to get relevant material but it paid off

If you are doing essays try my standby dodge and pick a title that few others are likely to tackle. This almost guaranteed that there would be enough books to choose from.

It also pays to read around your subject not off just the recommended reading list.

This is your one shot and it is worth going that extra mile when you get your marks but do have fun as well. Best of luck.

currynchips

Have decided it is dod-eat-dog...the entire reading list is now on request for m to pick up and scan now.
It isn't a core text, however still pretty important. If I have further issue I will use all above suggestions to sort this out.
Thanks all

aloiseb

It's very awkward that your tutor has chosen 2 chapters of the same book, because under copyright law the library/ resource pack makers / whoever will only have been allowed to make a copy of one of the chapters. I used to work making up resource packs and it is a real pain when this happens. Protects the authors and book publishers I suppose, but is a nightmare for students in a hurry.

There might be an electronic version of the book in your online library, or if not, the library might be able to make some or all of the copies into short loan or ref only - if they have staff time to do this. Even this doesn't stop books "disappearing" within the library.!......good luck. My advice to you is find out what next week's reading list is and get in first.

HM-Yorks

Have you tried your local (non-university) library as they can sometimes have reference books in?

Or is there another book you can read the same material in?

Both these vary from subject to subject - I was studying law so it was fairly easy to find the same material covered in another book.

Failing that point out out to the library that there is a key text that really should have some short loan copies - get the Student's Union onto the case.

blackaqua

I'm not sure how quickly your library can do interlibrary loans (and it may charge you depending on your year/reason) but generally in 2 days you can request the relevant chapters from the british library through your university and they will email you the PDF scan of the requested info.