Course Reserves

Course Reserves is a collection of physical materials  (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.) to be used for a specific course by students. Instructors may request materials from the library's general collection or lend their own personal copies of materials as described below.

The loan period for course reserve items is determined by the instructor and is one of the following options: 

2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours 

• Library-owned materials from the circulating collections.
• Instructor- or department-owned materials including books, textbooks, VHS tapes, and DVDs
  • NOTE: If you are submitting a personal item for course reserves at Cabell Library, please drop it off at the front desk of Cabell Library.
• Reproductions of materials with copyright permission, such as journal articles, chapters from books and music pieces from sound recordings
• Instructor- or department-owned textbooks marked as instructor or desk copies, as long as the instructor provides the written policy or permission of the publisher that would permit the textbook to be placed on reserve
  • More Information on this can be found under the "Copyright Information" tab.

*Disclaimer: Please note that VCU Libraries assumes no liability for damage to or loss of personal items placed on reserve.

VCU Libraries reserves the right to reject any material that it deems violates copyright law. Faculty members are responsible for acquiring permissions beyond those provided by the Copyright Act.

Collection Management will consider purchasing suggested materials that are not in the Libraries' collection.

Materials are processed in the order of receipt. A confirmation email will be sent to the instructor when processing is complete.

Processing time:

• 1 week at the beginning of a semester
• 3 business days during slower periods 
• Longer time periods may be required for recalled materials or new purchases

*Please be sure to read the prompts in the submission closely, as incomplete information can delay processing time.