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Save Money Using Library Resources (Free Textbooks!?)

This guide collects information about services the library offers that can save you money.

Textbooks at the Learning Commons

We understand that textbooks can be a real financial burden. Although it's not always possible to provide free (and legal) copies through the Library, we do try when we can. We care about affordability because we know it matters to you. 

Some textbooks assigned in Western courses are:

  1. Available as Library ebooks that Western students and staff can access for free
  2. Open Educational Resources that anyone can access for free 
  3. Available in the print Course Reserves collection behind the desk (these are available for use in the Learning Commons)

Browse the list below or search the library catalog by textbook title or course number to see if we have your textbook available. You can also stop by the Learning Commons and ask a staff member for assistance.

All Library Ebooks Available on Electronic Course Reserve (Free for Western Students and Staff!

All of the library ebooks listed below are available for unlimited use by Western students and staff, although you may need to log in with your student ID number and MyWestern password in order to access them.

Unfortunately, only certain publishers allow books to be licensed by libraries in this way, so it's a somewhat uncommon situation. However, we are always exploring and trying new options!

Business and Professional Services

Design and Construction Technology

Education and Human Services

Health Sciences

Open Educational Resources (Free for Everyone!)

Some courses at Western use Open Educational Resources, which are materials that are either in the public domain or that have an open license that permits free reuse, modification, and distribution. OER are free for everyone, not just Western students and staff. 

The video below gives an overview of OER. For more information about OER and OER work at Western, please visit this guide

Links to OER Assigned in Western Courses

10102134 - Principles of Management (OER*) and Principles of Management (OER*)

10102137 - Blueprint for Success in College and Career (OER*)

10104114 Principles of Marketing (OER*)

10104172 - Retail Management (OER*)

10152185 Google Android Developer Training (OER*)

10801136 The Word on College Reading and Writing (OER*) and Writing for Success (OER*)

10801196 - Communication in the Real World (OER*)

10801197 - Technical Writing (OER*); Technical Writing (OER*)

10801198 - Stand Up. Speak Out (OER*)

10801199 - Technical Writing (OER*)

10806177 - Anatomy and Physiology 2e (OER*)

10809159 Abnormal Psychology, 2nd ed. (OER*)

10809188 - Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective (OER*)

10809198 - Psychology, 2e (OER*)

10809199 - Principles of Social Psychology (OER*)

10809199 - Human Relations (OER*)

10831103 - The Word on College Reading and Writing (OER*) and Writing for Success (OER*)

10890102 - College Success (OER*)

20806280 - Essentials of Environmental Science (OER*)

20806209 - Chemistry: Atoms First, 2e (OER*) and Chemistry Library (OER*)

20806280 - Essentials of Environmental Science (OER*)

20809231 - Psychology, 2e (OER*)

20810201 - Stand Up. Speak Out (OER*)

20890200 - College Success (OER*)

20890202 - College Success (OER*)

77856761 - Concepts of Biology (OER*)

77856761 Chemistry: Atoms First, 2e (OER*)

Looking for more OER?


Western Technical College

Western Technical College Learning Commons
Student Success Center, Room 201
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
learningcommons@westerntc.edu
State Relay: 711
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