Make a list of your required textbooks for the semester. Include the full title, author and date of publication. Visit the college library about a week before classes start.
Enter the title and any other relevant information into the library's online catalog, which will tell you the book is located in the library. Ask the librarian if the books can be checked out or if they are for use in the library only. If they are available for private use, check them out and write their due dates on your calender.
Look for textbooks at your local county or city library if what you need is not available at your college library. Also try asking the librarian if any nearby affiliate colleges carry the required textbooks.
Renew the textbooks on their due date. If there is no wait for the books you will probably be able to use them for the duration of the semester, however, if the textbooks are popular, look into other inexpensive options for procuring textbooks, such as swapping books with other students at your school or online using Text Swap.