Course Reserves

Last updated September 25, 2025

Course Reserves is a library service that provides access to course-related materials, either electronically or physically. Through the Libraries’ program, instructors can request library materials to be set aside for students to borrow for short periods as an alternative to purchasing.

Search the Course Reserves list for course-related materials available for loan in the current academic term. Materials are searchable by keyword, course name and number, and instructor name. For a list of past courses, visit the Libraries’ Low/No-Cost Course Materials List.

For Students

The Libraries house course-related materials selected by faculty as required or recommended reading for their courses. Materials placed on Course Reserves can be checked out from our Check Out Desks.

• Current academic term Course Reserves
• More information about borrowing Course Reserves materials

For Faculty and Instructors

Course Reserves provides UC Irvine students access to required and supplemental course readings and other materials while complying with copyright laws. The Libraries can help instructors provide access to electronic and print course materials — books, articles, media, and more. 

Course Reserves requests and copyright permissions (when appropriate) should be submitted by the following deadlines to allow adequate time for processing:

• Fall Quarter: September 1
• Winter Quarter: December 1
• Spring Quarter: March 1
• Summer Sessions: June 1

We are happy to accept requests submitted at any time. However, note that requests submitted after the deadline will be processed as time allows, and we cannot guarantee materials will be ready for students at the start of the quarter if a request is submitted after the deadline. All requests are processed strictly in the order in which they were received. 

Print Books and Scans of Books, Chapters, or Articles

For both prints books the Libraries own or that you would like us to consider purchasing, please review and follow these steps:

• Fill out the Course Reserves Request Form.
• You can also request a scan of a book/chapter or article to post in your Canvas site. Place your requests through UC Library Search. The Libraries will then follow the UC Fair Use for Teaching and Researching Guidelines when evaluating your request.

Electronic Books

For both electronic books the Libraries own or that you would like us to consider purchasing, please review and follow these steps: 

• Fill out the Course Reserves Request Form.
• If we do not own the book, we will investigate options for purchasing electronic version(s).

Other Books

For books owned by the instructor or department, please review and follow these steps: 

• Fill out the Course Reserves Request Form.
• Print the form and send it with the materials to be placed on Course Reserves to the Langson Library Reserves Services or Science Library Reserves Services.
• Include a signed permission form with unpublished works that were made by students, other faculty, or staff.
• In accepting these copies for Course Reserves use, the Libraries staff believes that such copies are in compliance with the Fair Use provisions of Section 107 of the US Copyright Law (17 USCS 107).
• UC Irvine Libraries are not responsible for damage or loss of these materials.

Media

• For media the Libraries own, please fill out the Media Course Reserves Form.
• For media you would like the Libraries to consider purchasing, please contact your subject librarian so we can investigate options for media purchase.

Related Links and Resources

• Course Reserves Request Form
• Media Course Reserves Form
• Additional Course Reserves information and policies
• Copyright Guidelines for Course Reserves
• Creating Links from Your Course Webpage to Course Reserves Materials and Articles
• Film/Video Classroom Booking
• Request/Waiver for Placing Media Materials on Course Reserve

Check Out Desk Locations