TextbookForward is a pilot initiative launched in Fall 2025 by the NYU Shanghai Library, in partnership with Student Affairs, to reduce textbook costs for students while promoting sustainability and resource sharing across campus.
Get Involved
- Click Borrow a Textbook to learn how to save on textbook fees.
- Click Drift a Textbook to join our donation drive to give your books forward.
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must:
- Currently enrolled in the course requiring the requested textbook
- Agree to the Policies & Guidelines
*Priority will be given to students enrolled in the EmpowerU program by the Center for Student Belonging.
Important Dates
Spring 2026 Access Phases
Phase 1 (now to Jan 16): Priority access to EmpowerU program.
Phase 2 (January 19 - January 29): Open access to all students.
Return Deadline
Final day of the semester (specific date on your loan receipt)
Phase 1: Open to EmpowerU
- Browse the Available Textbook List.
- Apply online and sign a user agreement through the Textbook Request Form.
- Library staff will confirm your eligibility. If approved, you’ll be notified to pick up your textbook at the Library Circulation Desk (5th Floor).
Phase 2: Open to All Students
- Browse the Available Textbooks List in advance to see what’s currently in stock before coming.
- Complete the user agreement on-site.
- Borrow up to two textbooks from the library on a first-come, first-served basis —no holds or reservations will be provided during this phase.
Dates & Hours: Jan 19 & 20 | 12 PM – 4 PM: Visit our Borrowing Table at the library
Jan 21 – Jan 29: Visit the Library Circulation Desk during regular library hours
By borrowing through TextbookForward, you agree to the following:
- All borrowed textbooks remain the property of the NYU Shanghai Library.
- Textbooks are loaned for one academic semester and must be returned by the due date in the same condition as borrowed.
- Missing, lost, or damaged items will result in replacement fees.
- Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of borrowing privileges from TextbookForward.
- Students must be enrolled in the course that requires the requested textbook, and the book may only be used for verification by the student who borrowed it.
- Borrowed books must still go through Academic Affairs textbook verification by their deadline in order for textbook charges to be waived from your bursar account.
* While the Library strives to provide the required edition of each textbook, we cannot guarantee that all copies will meet the specific verification standards set by Academic Affairs.
Drop-off Locations
We welcome donations to keep the program growing! Books can be dropped off the following locations:
- Library Circulation Desk
- Tower 5 Resource Center, Jingyao Residence Hall
More ad-hoc donation locations may be added before the end of each semester.
As a token of our appreciation, you can choose to receive a digital donation certificate from the Library - just indicate that on the donation form. You'll also have the option to leave a message for the next user of your textbook(s) - a small gesture that can make a big impact!
What Can Be Donated
We accept textbooks that:
- Have been used for courses at NYU Shanghai
- Are still in reusable condition
* We cannot accept GPS coursepacks, as they are customized for specific semesters and cannot be reused in future classes.
Faculty:
- Inform students about the donation opportunity at the end of the semester.
- Donate spare desk copies to expand access.
Students:
- Donate your used textbooks to help peers in need.
- Spread the word about TextbookForward in your networks!
Contact us at shanghai.reserves@nyu.edu or visit the Library Circulation Desk for more information.
TextbookForward is made possible through the collaboration and support of the following departments and offices: Office of Student Affairs, Residential Education and Housing, Center for Student Belonging, Center for Student Involvement, Academic Affairs, Chinese Language Program, Development Office, University Communications, and Interactive Media Arts.
We thank all partners for their dedication to improving textbook affordability, campus sustainability, and student success.