Skip to main content

Alternative Format Textbook Request Process

Students who receive accommodations for Alternative Format Textbooks (AFT) can obtain a list of their textbooks prior to the next semester by following the steps outlined below. Please be aware that this process can potentially take from one to three weeks, so students should begin their AFT request(s) as soon as possible prior to the start of the term to have their materials by the time classes begin.

 

Request Process

Step 1 – Obtain textbook information from the WCU Bookstore

Undergraduate students who utilize the book rental system may contact the WCU Bookstore to obtain a list of their textbooks for the upcoming semester as outlined below:

  1. Students must be registered for classes and have paid their bill for the upcoming semester, which includes the textbook rental fee.
  2. Approximately two weeks prior to the start of term, students with an AFT accommodation can send an email including their name and student ID number to the WCU Bookstore (bookstorereport@wcu.edu) to request a list of their textbooks.
  3. Students will use the instructions posted under Step 2 - How to Obtain Alternative Format Textbooks to obtain and/or request textbooks in alternate format.

Students can buy textbooks from the WCU Bookstore for the upcoming semester approximately two weeks prior to the start of the term.

  1. Students can find their assigned textbooks for each of their classes on the WCU Bookstore Lookup Tool
    1. For a PDF format of these directions, visit How Do I Find and Order Textbooks? 
    2. If students have trouble accessing or using the online textbook finder, students can send an email including their name and student ID number to the WCU Bookstore (bookstorereport@wcu.edu) up to 30 days prior to the start of the term to request a list of their textbooks.
  2. Students will use the instructions posted under Step 2 - How to Obtain Alternative Format Textbooks to obtain and/or request textbooks in alternate format.

 Step 2 – How to Obtain Alternative Format Textbooks

Students should attempt to obtain accessible copies of textbooks through the following methods:

  1. Bookshare (bookshare.org) – requires a free membership and initial validation of eligibility from OAR.
  2. Stax CNX at (https://cnx.org/) – publishes openly licensed textbooks that are free online and low cost in print.
  3. If you are purchasing textbooks, see if an electronic version is available instead of buying a paper copy
    1. VitalSource (www.vitalsource.com) – an excellent resource for eTextbooks

For students who need assistance in obtaining accessible copies of Alternative Format Textbooks:

  1. Submit an Alternative Format Textbook Request using the button at the bottom of this tab.
  2. Textbooks received in electronic format will be shared with students through their Kurzweil 3000 account.
  3. The OAR will keep the student informed with email updates throughout the process and will seek to fulfill all AFT requests in a timely manner.
  4. If unable to attain a textbook in electronic format, the OAR will follow up with the student to determine other options on a case-by-case basis.

ALTERNATIVE FORMAT TEXTBOOK REQUEST AND AGREEMENT


Alternate format books are protected under copyright law. When you complete the Alternative Format Textbook Request and Agreement, you are agreeing to abide by these laws. You are not to share these materials with any other party nor to use them in any manner not provided for in the agreement.

All alternative format textbooks will be deleted from your Kurzweil account at the end of the semester. 

Student Resources

Office of Web Services