A desk copy is a complimentary textbook provided by a publisher for instructors who have chosen that specific text for their class. Instructors must request the text directly from the publisher, and are often asked basic questions about their class before the request can be completed.
Desk copies are not the same as review or exam copies. A review copy is a copy of a book that has been given with the intention that the receiver will review the book for the publisher. An examination copy (also known as an inspection copy) is for an instructor who may be considering incorporating a certain text into their classes and has not yet done so. Each publisher will use different language to describe books they provide free of cost to instructors, so it is important to pay attention to the limitations of each to determine what kind of use it will have.
Most publishers will have information on their website on how to obtain desk copies. See below for links to some popular publishers.
Note: When contacting a publisher about obtaining a desk copy, be sure to use your AMC email and be prepared for a representative to contact you directly. If you are not listed in the college's online directory, you may need your program director to verify with the publisher that you are an instructor.
Information publishers will typically need is: Course title, semester the course will run, how often the course repeats, if the text has been officially adopted, and number of students in the class. Some publishers require that you create an account/register in order to request copies of textbooks.
Desk copies can be placed on course reserve as long as they comply with current copyright law and publisher requirements. Some publishers have set in place specific policies that prevent donation of these books to libraries. For example, if the publisher includes use language such as "For instructor use only" in their terms and conditions, the item cannot be placed on reserve.