Textbook Assistance

Textbook Assistance Program (TAP)

The Textbook Assistance Program (TAP) contains a collection of books from the Rutgers University - New Brunswick community that our current students can borrow for free for the duration of the class/classes that require the borrowed books. Books offered are based on availability.

To borrow a book, students must be registered in the Textbook Assistance Program. They must also complete a financial literacy course, return the book(s), and complete a survey at the conclusion of the semester.

APPLY HERE

Please check if your textbook(s) are available through the online textbook library

Did your book(s) show up on list? Should your book be available, kindly complete the textbook application and request to borrow. Any queries should go to basicneeds@echo.rutgers.edu

Book Borrow Eligibility

To be issued a textbook from the Textbook Assistance Program (TAP) borrowing collection, students must meet all the eligibility criteria listed below:

1. Must be a current Rutgers University - New Brunswick student registered for Fall 2024.
2. Must be enrolled in at least 3 credits at the Rutgers University - New Brunswick campus.
3. Must be impacted in a way that prohibits your student success.
4. Must have completed the Textbook Assistance Program (TAP) application. Incomplete forms will not be processed. 
5. Participants are asked to complete at least one (1) financial literacy course as part of their application. Approved free course(s) can be found here. Please upload your course certificate as part of the complete application. 

Book Borrow FAQ's 

How many textbooks can I borrow?
There is no limit on borrowed textbooks. Borrowing is dependent on availability.

How can I receive the textbooks I want to borrow if I can't come to campus?
Please indicate this in the Textbook Assistance Program (TAP) Application to coordinate arrangements.

Can I keep the textbooks I borrow?
No, textbooks must be returned at the end of the semester.

Textbook Resources List 

*Before searching any website, go onto the Google search bar and type in "filetype: pdf + book name"

Free PDF Textbooks

• Z-Library
• Library Genesis
• Open Textbook Library
• Bookboon
• Bookyards
• Free Computer Books (STEM majors)
• Textbook Revolution
• Mobilism
• Project Gutenberg
• IntechOpen (Science majors)

Low-Cost Textbooks

• BetterWorldBooks
• Thrift Books
• Vital Source
• Chegg Books
• AbeBooks
• eCampus
• Biblio
• Amazon (rentals and kindle are the cheapest)

Accepting gently used books to help students in need. 

Time to clear out your bookshelves & cabinets! Donate your unwanted books to the future student basic needs center’s library (Spring 2025). We prefer gently used, undamaged books that are not dirty or moldy.  Books will be used to assist Rutgers students in need and unable to afford textbooks.   Drop-off locations are at the information desks of the following locations:  College Ave. Student Center   Livingston Student Center   Douglass Student Center   Cook Student Center   Busch Student Center   Donations we accept:  New or used textbooks  Scientific or graphing calculators  Clickers or other course technologies   Other course supplies or materials, in good shape  If you have highlighted in your book or written on worksheet pages, we'll still accept them.