Library Resources

If course material you need is not available through the Library, talk to your instructor about putting the item on reserve for your class. 
Having trouble or can’t find what you’re looking for? 

Chat with a librarian 

Library Collections

See if UCSB Library already has an item in our collections (article, book, ebook, video, etc.) before you spend any money! Check 
UC Library Search Research Databases Library Hours

Options for Affordable Textbooks

Free and Shared Textbooks

The Associated Students Book Bank began as part of A.S. Student Initiated Recruitment and Retention Committee. The A.S. Book Bank was envisioned to fill the textbook need by providing free textbooks in order to support the retention efforts of UCSB students. Currently, the A.S. Book Bank is working to increase their catalog and looking towards the future to become an all inclusive support service for UCSB students.

AS Book Bank

Over the years, past students have donated old or unused textbooks, iClickers, and other course materials to our program in order to make them available to their peers. All materials are cataloged online. The catalog is frequently updated with new textbooks. Feel free to check out our selection.

 Promise Scholars Book Bank

Ondas Textbook Lending

The Ondas Lending Library offers free textbook loans to all UCSB students, providing equitable access to essential course materials. By removing the financial barrier of purchasing books, the library empowers students to focus on their studies, participate fully in class, and achieve academic success throughout their time at UCSB.

Contact: ltsc-ondas@ucsb.edu

Transfer Student Center Lending

The Transfer Student Lending Library offers free textbook loans exclusively for UCSB transfer students, ensuring access to required course materials from the first quarter on campus. By reducing the cost of textbooks, the program supports a smooth academic transition and promotes continued success through graduation.


Contact: Matthew Nunez
Programs Assistant: matthewnunez@ucsb.edu

The UCSB Campus Store provides affordable course material options through textbook rentals and used copies. These services reduce the overall cost of textbooks while offering flexible solutions that meet the academic needs of the campus community

Campus Store

Some instructors place textbooks, articles, e-books, videos, quizzes, homework solutions, and other materials on physical or electronic course reserves through the Library. 
You can borrow physical reserves for free from the Library Services Desk. Loan periods are usually 2 hours, and reserves can be booked in advance and renewed. Use free scanners in the Library to make PDFs of reserve material (within copyright guidelines). 
Log into Ares, the Library’s course reserves management system, to see a list of what’s on (physical and electronic) reserve for each of your classes and to access electronic reserve materials.

Financial Assistance For Textbooks

The AS/EOP funds are to be used to meet unusual educationally related expenses that are incurred by regularly enrolled student members of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). 

Students are asked to schedule an appointment with a Peer Mentor to discuss AS/EOP Grant eligibility, possible eligible expenses, and required documentation to apply. We ask students to gather the necessary documentation needed to apply, such as their original and itemized receipts, before scheduling a meeting with an EOP Counselor. Once a student is ready to apply, they can make an appointment to meet with an EOP counselor.

Areas covered by the grant include medical/dental/optical, graduate program testing fees, graduate program/professional program application fees, graduate preparatory exam fees, textbook and supplies (lost, damaged, or stolen), academic/research conferences and academic memberships, and emergency grants.

If eligible for the grant, students will complete the application during the meeting with the EOP counselor. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (805) 893-4758, stopping by the EOP front desk in the Student Resource Building, Suite 2210, or by visiting the EOP website staff page

 

(Re-entry/Non-traditional Students)

The UCSB Professional Women’s Association offers a limited number
of $300 grants to current re-entry/non-traditional students each year. Applications are due winter quarter, and awards are distributed before the following quarter.

Please note: past award recipients are not eligible to re-apply.
For more information, email connect-pwa@ucsb.edu.

Academic

Support

Providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities is a shared responsibility of the campus. Students with disabilities are responsible for ensuring that the Disabled Students Program (DSP) is aware of their disabilities and for providing DSP with appropriate documentation. DSP is located at 2120 Student Resource Building and serves as the campus liaison regarding academic issues and regulations related to students with disabilities. The DSP staff works in an advisory capacity with a variety of campus departments to ensure that equal access is provided to all disabled students.
Register with DSP Accommodations!

DSP engages in an interactive process (either through appointment or form) with prospective DSP students to determine an appropriate range of accommodations that facilitate equal access to education. 

Around 10,000 UCSB undergraduates utilize CLAS tutoring services every year. Benefits include increased confidence, improved grades, and completion of majors and degrees. CLAS provides fundamental support in academic skills and writing as well as lower division course-specific support in biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, math, and physics. We cover everything from time management and study planning to preparation for graduate school.


Registered UCSB undergraduate students are eligible to participate in all CLAS services at no extra cost.

Types of services at CLAS include:

  • Drop-in tutorials for biology, chemistry, economics, statistics, math, physics, writing, and several languages
  • Weekly tutorial groups for biology, chemistry, economics, statistics, math, and physic
  • Academic skills workshops and coaching
  • Writing workshops and appointments

For more information and to sign up, please visit clas.sa.ucsb.edu. Sign-ups for services for each quarter open on the first day of instruction at noon.


Location: Student Resource Building, third floor oceanside.
CLAS frequently utilizes the four classrooms located in Building 300. Building 300 is directly across from South Hall. (Building 434 is just south of Bldg 300.)

 

 

 

Advising

Academic advising is organized differently depending on your college due to different requirements, programs, and path structures. Find advising resources for your academic college:

By major, students receive guidance from departmental advisors dedicated to your major/minor who help with course planning, prerequisites, and graduation requirements specific to their field of study. 
UCSB Main Page With List of All Majors of All Colleges

Click a program below to connect with dedicated advising resources and guidance.