VMSS Launches the Textbooks for Tiger Veterans Lending Library

August 27, 2019 - Starting Fall semester 2019, UofM veterans and military-connected students will be able to borrow textbooks housed at the University Libraries in the reserves section.

The Veterans & Military Student Services Department (VMSS) and University Libraries have collaborated to offer students a resource that helps defray the cost of textbooks. By reducing these expenses, students have an opportunity to save money and reallocate funds for other obligations they have like family, food and housing.

Recognizing an increase in the number of student veterans seeking textbook resources last year, VMSS Coordinator, Marcallina James (MJ) and Graduate Assistant, Sydnie Roberts decided to revive the book lending program started by the UofM Student Veteran Organization (SVO) in 2016.

Students who receive GI Bill education benefits and book stipends of $500 per semester either fall short of the total costs to cover textbooks, or they are not able to buy books in time for classes when stipends get delayed during VA processing. James said:

This summer, Roberts met with University Libraries staff to discuss how to expand the program and reach the 645+ military-connected students who enroll at the University each semester. University Libraries staff enthusiastically responded and agreed to move the collection of textbooks to their reserves, catalog the selections, and use the established library system to help students easily access available selections on the Library database.

Roberts shared her experience regarding the VMSS and University Libraries partnership:

Over the summer I was able to collaborate with many amazing staff members at the library such as, Rachel Scott, Sheila Gaines, and James Hudson to breathe new life into this program. We knew that we needed to maximize our efforts to bring military connected students the resources required to be successful and I believe this is a step in the right direction. This collaboration brings more accessibility to our Textbooks for Tiger Veterans program and allows students the flexibility they need when juggling school and other post-traditional student obligations.

Military-connected students can view the list of available textbooks and instructions on how to reserve them at: https://www.memphis.edu/veterans/resources/textbooks.php

For further questions or assistance contact the VMSS staff at 901.678.4269.