Single Volume or 2-Volume Textbook?

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Would you guys go with a 2-volume text, if it was available? Our required med-surg book for the upcoming semester has the option of a two volume text, but since we haven't gotten our syllabus yet, I'm not sure if there will be a lot of "jumping around," which, in my opinion, would negate having the book in separate volumes.

Since the single text is 2000 pages, I can still see the benefit of having (2) 1000 page books rather than one monster, but I'm also wondering if it would pose a nuisance, having to scour two indexes for any given topic rather than one.

Anyone have any experience, good or bad, with 2-volume textbooks?

I would definitely appreciate any information. Thanks! :)

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I enjoyed having to separate volumes. Our class was structured well and the exams were clustered into one volume or the other. I say go for it.

Would you guys go with a 2-volume text, if it was available? Our required med-surg book for the upcoming semester has the option of a two volume text, but since we haven't gotten our syllabus yet, I'm not sure if there will be a lot of "jumping around," which, in my opinion, would negate having the book in separate volumes.Since the single text is 2000 pages, I can still see the benefit of having (2) 1000 page books rather than one monster, but I'm also wondering if it would pose a nuisance, having to scour two indexes for any given topic rather than one.Anyone have any experience, good or bad, with 2-volume textbooks?I would definitely appreciate any information. Thanks! :)
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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

My friend's class offered the single or two volume. She really liked have the two volume, but I have no idea how the classes were structured.

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Specializes in ER.

I have the single huge one, but I wish I had bought the 2-volume. Less weight to carry around and it would be easier to read in bed! I'd be willing to put up with 2 indexes for that convenience.

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Thank you, everyone! After reading your comments, I decided to take the 2-volume plunge. :)

I thought about it for a bit, and it makes more sense to have the two textbooks, which provides the option to carry/use one or both of them, should the need arise. It seemed like a better option than having no choice other than to carry around the huge single volume book and regretting not getting the 2-volume later.

You guys are awesome! Thanks again! ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Care.

Our two volume set had indexes for both volumes in the back.

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We also had the option of the 1 or 2 volume book. I went with the 1. My reasons were I don't bring my book to class so it didn't matter how big or heavy it was.

Our class jumped around a lot. Exams would include multiple chapters scattered throughout the book. I noticed that sometimes in the chapter reading it would mention something and say (see chapter XXX). Well most times chapter XXX wasn't in the part of the book that people who had the 2 volume book had with them. Since we only have this one class for the semester it wasn't like there would be other books needed in a backpack.

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