What is the Textbook System?
The Textbook System was developed to ensure Ohio University's compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). The Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137 Sec. 133) requires universities that receive federal funding to provide students with the approximate prices of required textbooks and materials before course registration.
Do I have to do this every semester?
Yes. Each term, every class section must be verified to ensure the assigned textbook and material information is accurate for that term.
Do all instructors have access to do this?
All instructors can view textbook information for their class sections. Each department or school determines whether instructors may update materials themselves or if staff should enter the information. Contact your department chair, school director, or regional campus dean to confirm your process.
How does the Textbook System interact with the bookstores?
Information entered in the Textbook System is automatically sent to local Athens bookstores as well as regional campus bookstores. An initial file is provided, followed by periodic updates.
What if there are no books, materials, or notes for a class?
If no materials are entered, the Course Offerings system will display "To Be Determined." To prevent this, enter a note such as "No textbook or materials required for purchase."
When are entries due in the Textbook System?
Ideally, materials should be entered before the start of priority registration:
- Fall - March 15
- Spring - October 15
- Summer - February 15
Please also work with your department chair, school director, or regional campus dean to follow any additional deadlines set by your department, school, or campus. Deadlines are published on the Scheduling Dates and Deadlines production calendar .
If the bookstores have questions, whom do they contact?
Bookstores will contact the instructor or the designated departmental contact.
What if I miss the deadline for adding material? When does it get locked?
The Textbook System remains open until the start of the term. However, late entries make it more difficult for bookstores to secure materials. To remain compliant with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), please enter textbook information before priority registration whenever possible.
How can I tell if materials for a class have been recently changed?
The Course Offerings system displays the most recent update date for each section's textbook or materials.
What access does each role have in the Textbook System?
- Faculty (Instructor of Record):Automatic read and edit access for all class sections where you are officially assigned in the Student Information System.
- Co-Instructors:Automatic read-only access for all class sections where you are officially assigned in the Student Information System.
- Department Chair/School Director:Read and edit access for all class sections in your department or school, with approval.
- Department/School Staff:Read and edit access for all class sections in your department or school, with approval.
- Regional Campus User:Read and edit access for all class sections at your campus, with approval.
For roles requiring approval, access is not automatic and must be requested by emailing scheduling@ohio.edu . All roles include eligible class sections in the list view and provide the option to use the green plus button to edit or add textbooks.
What about textbook prices? Who determines them?
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires that an approximate price be listed before registration. The person entering the textbook and materials information, whether a faculty member or designated staff, must include an approximate price. This estimate may be provided by the publisher, a bookstore, or another reliable source.
Prices are intended only to help students plan and may change. A Textbook and Materials Disclaimer displays in Course Offerings to notify students that textbook and material information, including pricing, is subject to change.
What does the search for an ISBN return?
International Standard Book Number (ISBN) searches use the Open Library database and Ohio University's database of previously entered ISBNs. Results may include author(s), title, edition, and copyright date, depending on available data.
How do I handle dual-listed or multi-campus classes?
The Textbook System allows you to assign the same materials to multiple class sections by using the green plus icon to add each section to your list of Selected Classes.
Will approved course fee amounts show in the Textbook System?
Sections with approved course fees display a yellow coin stack icon in the Textbook System . While fee amounts do not appear in Textbook, they are visible in the Course Offerings system .
A standard fee note is automatically associated with each class section that has an approved fee. You should verify that the assigned fee note is appropriate and, if necessary, replace it with another standard fee note. A full listing of approved fees is available on the Registrar's Tuition and Fees website .
Can I see what textbooks were used in a previous term?
Yes. The term filter in the Textbook System can be adjusted to a previous term. Using the magnifying glass option will display the assigned resources. Please note that the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) does not display.
Can I copy textbook information from a previous term?
All textbooks and materials information must be entered into the Textbook System manually the first time a course is set up. The system does not have the ability to copy materials forward from prior terms.
However, defaults can be set up and applied each term for a specific class. For example, if all IHS 2220 sections use the same textbook, a default can be created and applied each term to all IHS 2220 sections.
How do I find my textbooks for my classes?
Textbook details are available in the Course Offerings system by expanding class section information. Author(s), title, publisher, and estimated costs are listed. Details may change.
Is textbook information available in MyOHIO Student Center?
No. Textbook information is available only in the Course Offerings system .
Can I be reminded when it's time to add or review textbooks?
Faculty and staff receive an email notification when it is time to enter textbook and materials information. Department chairs and directors also provide reminders, and all deadlines are published on the Scheduling Dates and Deadlines production calendar .
What training resources are available? Who do I contact if I need help?
Reference materials and tutorials are available on the Registrar's Textbook website . For additional help, contact Scheduling at 740.593.4188.
Do I have to do anything special for textbook information to show in Course Offerings?
No. Entered textbook information automatically displays in the Course Offerings system .
What do I do if the ISBN search returns nothing?
If the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) search in the Textbook System returns no results, you must manually enter the author(s), title, edition, and copyright date.
What if a textbook is available only at one bookstore or website?
If a textbook is available exclusively through a specific bookstore or website, note that in the comments section. Otherwise, information is sent automatically to all participating bookstores.
What is the Digital Course Materials: Inclusive Access Program?
Inclusive Access is a program that provides students in participating courses with digital content (eBooks or courseware). Students access these materials through Canvas on the first day of class, and their student accounts are billed at a significantly reduced price. Ohio University partners with publishers to offer this program. More information is available on the Inclusive Access Program details page .
How can I troubleshoot materials in the Inclusive Access Program?
Troubleshooting resources are available on the Inclusive Access (Instructors) page , including instructions for enrolling courses, setting up Canvas access links, and reviewing important semester dates.