First Generation/Student Success: Fondren Library Resources and Support: Helpful Tips

For research information on specific disciplines, consult Fondren's subject research guides.

Library Catalog - enter your keywords below.

We welcome suggestions for purchase of library materials. Suggestions are reviewed by a subject librarian, and if we have available funding, can acquire the material, and it is appropriate for the library, we are very happy to add it to the collection! 

Here are some suggestions that Fondren Library hopes you will use to find the best prices on textbooks! 

Find the ISBN and use it to search (this is a unique number used by bookstores and libraries). If you are on Amazon,  look under Product Details, or use Worldcat.org. This is the best way to make sure that you have the right book you need! (There are different editions, and hardcover, softcover, etc.-they all have their own ISBN!) 

Cheaper Options: 

• Compare prices! Use sites like www.addall.com to find the best deal. This site shows you multiple online vendors that have the book you need, with information on Order Processing Time, Shipping Time, and what the added Shipping cost will be! Buy smart! 

Free (to you) Options: 

• There are lots of ways to approach getting your textbook at no cost to you!
• Does Fondren own it? Check OneSearch, and ask your professor to put a copy on reserve. 
• Use Interlibrary Loan to borrow a copy for up to 16 weeks (this may be enough time until Plan B goes into action!)
• Use Fondren's Suggest a Purchase and Fondren may be able to buy a copy for the library. 
• Ask for help from SSI or the Rice Access and Opportunity Portal! 
• Think about all the workarounds!  Should you buy/rent a brand new book or is a well-maintained used copy a viable option? Is it realistic to share a textbook with a classmate and, if so, how will you make sure you both have the book when you need it? Is this a book that could be on reserve at the library, and you can access it when you need it? Would your professor allow you to use an older, possibly cheaper edition of the textbook? Is your professor open to using "open access" materials, for example Rice's OpenStax?

​If you need accessible reading materials as an accommodation for a disability, regardless of whether you're looking to rent or buy them, the Disability Resource Center will help you to acquire the titles and technology you need.

Contact a Subject Librarian for more help or to answer any questions!