Many library services and resources are now accessible directly from Canvas, the learning management portal through which students can access course materials and submit assignments. UT Libraries also has partnered with the VolShop to provide students with affordable course materials at the lowest possible price.

From the “Resources at UT Libraries” page in Canvas, students can access free e-textbooks for many courses being offered this academic year.

The Libraries’ page in Canvas also provides direct links to databases and research guides. Hundreds of research guides are available online to direct students to the best library resources. The library’s Canvas page lets students: chat online with a librarian; find answers to frequently asked questions; and link to tutorials on using library resources, evaluating information, and the basics of conducting library research.

In addition to freely available e-textbooks accessible through the Libraries’ Canvas page, other required course materials, available through the VolShop’s Total Access program, can be accessed from the “VolBooks Course Materials” page within Canvas.

Total Access offers undergraduates one flat fee per term for all required course materials ($249 for this Fall Semester) and gives them access to all required course materials. All undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in Total Access, and the fee is processed to the student’s account. Students may opt out of the program, as long as they do so by the August 26 deadline. A different program, Inclusive Access, is available to graduate students.

Students can easily access all of their digital materials by logging into their Canvas account. If there are any non-digital course materials, undergrads enrolled in the Total Access program can visit VolBooks in the Student Union and receive a print copy at no additional charge.

If a resource is freely available through UT Libraries, it is not included in the Total Access program — which helps to keep the student fee as low as possible.