Choosing the best materials engineering books is all about finding the right fit for your needs. There are instances where you might have a lot of freedom in this decision or circumstances that might limit you in choices. Also, factors like financial constraints or current level of understanding in the field may result in a limitation of choices. You should be sure that your book addresses your needs, doesn't interfere with budget constraints, and is comprehensible for someone at your level of education.
The best way to ensure that the materials engineering books you are purchasing will address your needs is to map out exactly what you are looking for. Ask yourself what topics need to be covered, and determine if the materials engineering books will cover them. If the answer to this question is no, then you should try to find the book or books that can help you move along in the field of materials engineering.
Sometimes, classes require specific books to complement course work. If this is the case, then your decision should be very easy. Be sure to browse for used books, too, because oftentimes brand-new versions of textbooks are outrageously expensive. There are many social networking groups and websites that try to connect used booksellers and buyers to help students avoid the expense of buying new books from large companies.
Think about what kind of learner you are too before committing to certain materials engineering books. Some books are strictly text dense, while others might provide some illustrations and diagrams. There are also books that are broken down into very small chapters, while others may focus more on large concepts.
An additional consideration should be the learning exercises included in a textbook. Some books give the student or reader the opportunity to work alongside of their learning. At the end of each page or section, for example, there may be a sample set of questions with answers provided in a different portion of the book. If you are the type who benefits from trying a few problems here and there as you learn, be sure to choose a book that has this feature. If you believe that this type of student-book interaction is simply a waste of space, perhaps you are better off with the text-dense variety.
Another good idea is to speak with former users of the book or instructors in your field. They may be able to help tell you what they liked and disliked about materials engineering books or give you recommendations for other options. If you don't know any of these people, try to browse online resources that give you reviews. Make sure that you read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.