Choosing resources
Select the right materials for your unit with the help of the library.
Whether you're planning a new unit, refreshing your reading list or choosing a prescribed textbook, we can help you find options that work for your teaching and your students.
Choosing a prescribed textbook
From 2027, prescribed textbooks should be provided in digital format.
Before choosing a new textbook, check with the Library. Not all textbooks are available under a library licence for student acces, and some licences limit how many students can access a book at the same time. Check with us early and we’ll investigate what’s available and help you find an option that works for your class.
Not sure what’s available? Contact the Library Acquisitions team at acquisitions@federation.edu.au to discuss your options.
Before choosing a textbook
- Review your current prescribed textbook and recommended readings.
- Check Library Search to see if your preferred textbook title is available digitally.
- Before you commit to a textbook, check with Library Acquisitions to make sure suitable access is available for your students. Let us know about anything that could affect access, such as a large class.
- If your preferred textbook isn’t available, we can help investigate newer editions or alternatives.
- Once the textbook is available through the Library, add the title, author, edition, publisher and ISBN to your unit readings list.
- Finalise your prescribed textbook.
- Make sure the details in Unit Readings and your teaching materials are correct.
- Add your Unit Readings links to Moodle where appropriate.
- Remove outdated textbooks and links.
- Test your Moodle and Unit Readings links.
- Make sure students can access the digital textbook.
- Contact the Library if something isn't working.
Frequently asked questions
A digital textbook is a textbook you read online on a computer, tablet or other device. Publishers may call it an eText, eTextbook, eBook, ePub, digital edition or online book. These terms generally refer to the same type of resource.
The University pays for licensed access to eBooks through the Library. Students may also be able to buy their own online access copies, and if published as an open textbook, it may be available free of charge.
No. It depends on the publisher and the licencing options available to the Library. If you're considering a new textbook, check with Library Acquisitions before you commit.
It depends. An ebook available for individual purchase isn’t aways available under an institutional licence, and some licences limit how many students can use a book at the same time. Contact Library Acquisitions and we’ll check what’s available.
Some licences limit how many people can use a digital textbook at the same time. Let Library Acquisitions know your expected class size when selecting a textbook and we can advise on the available licencing options.
Yes. An open textbook is an Open Educational Resource (OER) published under an open licence. This means it’s freely accessible, without limits on how many students can access it. Explore the OER guide to find out more.
Many eBook platforms include accessibility tools. If you have questions about the accessibility of a particular resource or platform, contact the Library. For individual student accessibility requirements, visit Accessibility Services.
Contact Library Acquistitions at acquisitions@federation.edu.au. We can help investigate availability, licensing and access options for your class.
Curriculum support resources
Select high-quality resources
Select quality resources for your teaching while maintaining principles of academic integrity and student accessibility.
Use Open Educational Resources (OERs)
OER materials are freely available online, with open licences that make access and adaptability simple. Find, adapt or create an OER for your unit.
Integrate Indigenous Knowledges in your curriculum
Explore the tools, resources and services to help you integrate Indigenous Knowledges into your curriculum.
Suggest an item for purchase
If you teach at Federation, you can submit an order request for books, journals, databases and other materials that support the University's teaching, learning and research activities. We prefer to order digital resources if possible so we can provide 24/7 access on and off campus to multiple simultaneous users and integrate resources into online course platforms.
Need help choosing resources?
Choosing resources for your teaching? Book an appointment with your institute's liaison librarian for advice or support.
Choosing a prescribed textbook? Email acquisitions@federation.edu.au to discuss availability, licencing and access options.