Desk Copy Policy

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Faculty desk copies of textbooks – Most publishers provide complimentary copies of textbooks for instructors who adopt their books for a class, and many provide review copies for possible adoption.

These “free” copies should be requested by the instructor directly from the publisher.  Most publishers prefer that the Bookstore not be involved in procurement of these “free” books, and they are normally shipped to your division office, unless other arrangements are made.  The Bookstore does not provide free copies of textbooks.

If you need a copy of the book before receiving your desk copy, you may purchase one from the Bookstore and receive a full refund upon returning a salable copy of the same book.  In “emergency” situations, the division office may authorize the book to be charged to the division, pending replacement.  Instructors are responsible for requesting copies from the publisher (be sure to specify that a saleable replacement copy is needed for the bookstore) and the replacement of charged copies, or returns for refund to the Bookstore.  The Bookstore does not normally track or follow up on desk copy requests.

A Desk Copy Request form is available from the Bookstore.  However, it is usually faster to contact the local publisher’s representative or the publisher’s faculty services office via telephone or e-mail.  Most publishers have web sites that provide easy access to contact e-mail addresses and phone numbers.  Check the Bookstore’s For Faculty page, or call or e-mail the Bookstore for assistance with web sites or phone numbers.

Through the Internet the bookstore provides a valuable textbook research tool: www.facultycenter.net.  This free service can provide you with information about textbooks used across the U.S., and links to publisher sites that include online review copy and desk copy requests.  Call the Bookstore or your department office for the current “new user” name and password.  Then establish your own personal notebook on the site, with a password of your choice.