VolBooks
Who We Are
VolBooks, a department of the VolShop, specializes in providing course materials and supplies to our campus community. Our mission is to equip all students for academic success through affordable, sustainable, and accessible course materials.
Our course materials programs are built upon these three pillars and align with UT’s mission to empower learners of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their dreams through accessible and affordable education.
Book Adoption Site Closes
Winter Mini Term
November 1
Spring Term
November 1
Summer Mini Term
April 1
Summer Term
April 1
Fall Term
July 1
Total Access
Course Access
Total Access
Total Access is a course materials program tailored for undergraduate students at UTK, offering all required textbooks for a single flat fee per term. Under Total Access, digital content is prioritized, with physical materials provided when necessary. Digital materials are easily accessible through Canvas and print items can be picked up at VolBooks or shipped.
Designed exclusively for undergrads, Total Access simplifies the process of obtaining essential course material and supports a seamless academic experience.
Course Access
Course Access is a course materials program for UTK graduate students, offering required textbooks in a digital format for individual fees per item. Digital materials are easily accessible through Canvas, while print items can be purchased separately outside of the program.
With fewer course materials than undergraduates, graduate students benefit from Course Access as an affordable and efficient way to access essential resources.
Need Your Total Access Materials Shipped?
Click Here!Student Deadline Information
| Winter Mini Term | Spring '26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Opt out deadlines for the term | January 7 | January 27 |
You should wait until attending class to make an decision on opting out. You may opt out in the VolBooks/VitalSource tool in Canvas, or by clicking on the link in the Welcome email that you receive. If opting out, you will need to purchase your course materials from another source.
You may opt out in the VolBooks/VitalSource tool in any Canvas course. Fees will not be refunded to your account until after the opt out deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Access Information
What is Total Access?
Total Access: one price, zero hassle, and everything you need to succeed—delivered on day one.
Total Access makes getting your course materials simple, seamless, and stress-free.
For any course level 499 or below, you’ll pay one flat fee per term—similar to a subscription—and receive all your required materials automatically on the first day of class.
Because Total Access is a digital-first program, most materials will appear right in Canvas in the VolBooks/VitalSource tool, or a publisher tool, ready for you to use on the first day of class. If course materials are not available digitally, a print will be provided and available for pick up in VolBooks. Print materials are included in the Total Access fee.
For courses at the 500 level and above, materials will continue to be offered through the Course Materials Digital Program and will be charged individually. (Print items are not included for these courses.)
Course Access Information
What is Course Access?
Course Access items are digital course materials available to graduate students on the first day of class. The cost of the material is charged to the student account (via "MyUTK" account) for all students who are registered for a participating Course Access course. The cost is reduced through negotiation with the publisher due to the participation of the class, section or course in Course Access.
Learn More
Textbook & Ebook Information
What is a course material?
A Course Material is a textbook or other instructional tool, such as courseware, that is used for or in conjunction with classroom instruction and is adopted for academic use by faculty members, instructors, or the person or entity in charge of selecting learning materials at the state institution of higher education.
What is a digital course material?
A Digital Course Material is an ebook, courseware, or ebook+courseware that can be accessed from a mobile device such as a computer, laptop, iPad, or phone.
What is the difference between required, optional (recommended), and choice course materials?
- Required indicates the material is essential for success in the course - as specified by the instructor.
- Optional indicates the material is not required, but recommended, and may be useful or helpful for some students.
- Choice titles are part of a group of titles from which you can select. There is a requirement to purchase, but you can choose your preference from the choice titles listed.
My course indicates “No Text is Required”. What does this mean?
Your instructor has indicated that no materials need to be purchased for the class.
My course indicates “No information found”. What should I do?
This indicates that the instructor or department has not yet submitted course material information. Please check back in a few days or check with your instructor.
Where do I find my course packet?
Course packets are submitted to VolBooks in the same way as other printed materials and will be listed on our site under the course/section. These items can be purchased from our website and picked up in the store, delivered to a campus locker for pickup or shipped to your address.
Can I use a clicker for more than one class?
Yes. You can purchase and use a clicker from the VolShop or utilize the PointSolutions app on your phone. Only one physical clicker (if requested by your instructor) is needed for all your courses.
When is the last day I can return my books for a full refund?
Please see the refund deadlines listed above.
When will I receive access to my ebooks?
Digital materials will be available in Canvas on the first day of class or when the instructor makes them available.
Accessibility Compliance Information – DOJ ADA Title II Ruling
As a provider of digital course materials (eBooks, courseware, or EdTech tools), we want to share important information about the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) ADA Title II ruling, published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2024. Most institutions must be in full compliance by April 24, 2026.
This ruling requires that digital assets used by public entities—including most libraries, K–12 schools, and higher education institutions—meet the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. WCAG is the globally recognized minimum standard for digital accessibility.
As a consumer of your products, VolBooks requests your assistance in meeting our ADA Title II obligations so that we may continue our business relationship with you.
Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards enables VolBooks to serve all students, including those with disabilities. One large research university reports that nearly 50% of its student population has a diagnosed disability. While we understand that each partner operates differently, we respectfully request that you consider the following steps (if you have not already):
- Set goals to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.Develop internal processes and educate your product teams to incorporate accessibility throughout design, development, documentation, and maintenance.
- Ensure all content complies with accessibility standards.All content—including electronic documents such as PDFs—must conform to WCAG 2.1 AA. If you aggregate content from other publishers, please ensure your agreements include accessibility requirements.
- Prioritize born-accessible content.Encourage content providers to create digital materials that are accessible from the start. Consider programs such as Benetech’s Born Accessible Initiative.
- Include accessibility language in contracts.Contracts should state that your products meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for U.S. compliance.
- Provide a dedicated accessibility contact.Accessibility contact information should be publicly available, with clear and timely responses (the ADA suggests within five business days).
- Publish public accessibility statements.Statements should include contact information, required technologies, and any known accessibility limitations. Resources such as ASPIRE may help you develop these statements.
- Publish accurate ACRs and accessibility remediation roadmaps.Each product version should include an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). Reports should accurately reflect testing results and be completed by technical experts.
VolBooks believes that beyond legal compliance, all educational partners share a responsibility to ensure equitable learning experiences for all students. This requires a joint commitment to accessibility excellence.