Course Materials

Instructors should order all of their course materials via the "Course Works Order and Request Form". This electronic form can be found on the Course Works site under Faculty / Staff Resources. The University Bookstores, Campus Stores, and Libraries will work together to obtain your course materials. Contact [email protected] with any questions, or contact the Bookstores or Libraries directly. 

Instructors who would like to add to their reading list in Canvas - in the Library Course Materials tab - should use the "Course Works Order and Request Form" to do so. The materials should not be uploaded to Canvas by the instructor. 

University Bookstores ([email protected] or 612-626-9484)
Textbooks, eBooks, online homework systems, supplies

University Libraries ([email protected] or 612-624-3321)
Reading lists, eBooks, journal articles, streaming videos, book chapters

University Bookstores

• Materials with digital offerings will be provided unless print/physical copies are necessary for pedagogical reasons.
  • Digital delivery helps to keep the program fee affordable for students each semester and to guarantee student access to the material by day one of class.
• Digital materials will be made available to students via Canvas.
• If print copies are necessary for a course, instructors should indicate that in their request, and print will be provided instead of digital.
• Print/physical materials are to be picked up by students at the UMN Bookstore in Coffman Memorial Union.
  • This is the most convenient location for students to obtain all of their course materials, and students can charge their materials to their student accounts and use their financial aid to pay for their purchases.

University Libraries

• Their free course materials page contains a list of electronic textbooks free for UMN students.
• Digital materials will be made available to students via Canvas.
• Library guide on using Course Works, finding textbooks and course readings

UMN Policy: Educational Materials Conflict of Interest
The process for selecting course materials must avoid conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest.

Course Works ([email protected])
Student payment plan for course materials 

There are two plans:

• Course Works Complete: All degree-seeking undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in it but may opt out of it. Provides students their required course materials for one flat rate for the semester.
• Course Works Select: Students see the cost for the required materials for the courses they are enrolled in and have the option to choose which to acquire through Course Works and which to acquire on their own. Graduate and professional students may purchase materials through Course Works Select, but they are not eligible for Course Works Complete. 

To request an instructor copy of a print or ebook, instructors should request it from the publisher. 

• The process may vary by publisher. Try visiting the publisher's website, searching for the book, then look on the page that comes up for the book for the option to request a copy. Or, try searching the site for instructions on how to request an instructor/desk/exam copy.
• The UMN Bookstores currently orders ebooks through RedShelf. However, RedShelf is not able to provide instructor copies, because they don't own the content. Instructor copies must be requested from the publisher.   

Large Print/Copy Jobs

Instructors are encouraged to use UMN's Printing Services for large print/copy jobs. 

Small Print/Copy Jobs

The Department of Psychology has a copy machine and printers that may be used for small copy/print jobs. Information is located on the Central Office page. Copy machine code 1399-0000 should be used for instructional copying.