Finding Resources by Format

Whether you're studying on campus or learning remotely, the TRU Library offers access to a wide range of books in both print and online formats. Print books are housed at the House of Learning and Law Libraries, while thousands of eBooks are available anytime, anywhere through our online collections.

TRU students, faculty, and staff can borrow print materials directly or request items via interlibrary loan if you're off campus. Loan periods and renewal options vary depending on the item and your borrower status. Check our borrowing guidelines to make the most of your access.

Why books?

Books provide in-depth, well-organized, and often peer-reviewed information that can help you build a strong foundation for your research. Unlike articles, which tend to focus on specific studies or narrow topics, books often offer:

• Comprehensive coverage of a subject, including background, theory, and context.
• Historical perspectives that help you understand how ideas and practices have evolved.
• Authoritative voices, often written by experts in the field with years of experience.
• Structured content, making it easier to follow complex arguments or trace developments across chapters.

Books are especially useful when you're exploring a new topic, looking for theoretical frameworks, or needing detailed explanations that go beyond what you might find in a journal article or website.

Print Books

1. Use the search bar on the library website or navigate to the advanced search page.
2. Enter your general keywords, author(s), or title into the search and run the search.
3. Click the All filters button. Use the Location filter to specify the campus library where you want to find the book(s). This is the easiest way to limit to print books only.
4. Select a title of interest and review the item details by opening the title link. 
5. Review the location details and status (available, on loan) and retrieve the book or request the item if you are not on campus or want to place a hold on the item.

Note: This video does not contain audio.

eBooks

1. Use the search bar on the library website or navigate to the advanced search page.
2. Enter your general keywords, author(s), or title into the search. Run the search.
3. Click the All Filters button. Use the Source Type filter to specify eBooks. Click Apply.
4. Select a title of interest and review the item details by opening the title link. 
5. Click the Access Now button to read the full text online or the Download button to download the eBook to read offline.

Note: This video does not contain audio.

Explore these databases and collections featuring exclusively or primarily eBooks.