Course Reserves


Course Reserve items are available at the Reserve Desk identified in the Quick Search Course Reserves tab.

KU instructors place materials on Course Reserve in order to better guarantee their availability for students.

Materials owned by the libraries or personal copies provided by the instructors will be available for checkout from one of the Reserve Desks in the KU Libraries.  This service is often referred to as On-Site Reserves and will typically include complete books, journals, media items, and other relevant material to support classroom instruction.  Course Reserve materials have shortened loan periods in order to ensure availability for all borrowers.

What is not included in Course Reserve?

Any item which requires copyright compliance cannot be placed on Course Reserve.  This means you will not find photocopies of articles, chapters, or other course readings through On-Site Reserves.  Many of these items are available through the KU Libraries’ Databases. Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions, or contact us.

Reserve desk locations and searching help

Course Reserve items are available at the Reserve Desk identified in the Quick Search Course Reserves tab.

What information do I need to find a Course Reserve item?

The most helpful information to locate items on reserve include:

  • Instructor’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Department name

How do I use Quick Search to find Course Reserve items?

  • Go to Quick Search, and select Course Reserve tab at the top of the browser window.
  • Enter the instructor name, course name, or other information in the search bar.
  • Be certain to make note of the call number and the Reserve Desk location.
  • Take this information with you to the designated Reserve Desk.

How do I search the Library Catalog for Course Reserve items?

  • Go to online catalog, and select Course Reserve tab.
  • Scroll through the drop-down menu and highlight the appropriate instructor, department, or course for which you want to search for items.
  • Be certain to make note of the call number and the Reserve Desk location.
  • Take this information with you to the designated Reserve Desk.

Loan periods

On-site reserve loan periods range from two hours to two weeks.  Some items are available only use in the library.  Be sure to ask when a Course Reserve item is due when you check it out.

Where should I return Course Reserve materials?

All Course Reserve materials must be returned to the service desk from which they were checked out by the time due in order to avoid overdue fines.  There is no grace period for the return of Course Reserve items.  See Circulation Policies and Procedures for additional information.