A few possible reasons...
- They have a digital copy that they access on their Bowdoin-issued iPad or laptop
- Not enough of the book was assigned for reading to merit purchasing or renting the book
- Their system for annotating or note-taking does not involve a physical copy of the book
- They have undisclosed accessibility needs that are met with a digital copy of the book
- They have disclosed accessibility needs and received a digital copy from BookShare through the Accessibility Office
- They are sharing a copy with another person in the course
- The library has an unlimited ebook license for the book
- They are relying on the library's physical reserve copy
- They cannot afford to purchase the item
- The shipping time of 4-8 business days translates to receiving it 2-3 weeks into the semester
- The book is not readily available and the price for available copies is unreasonable
