Common forms of course readers include photocopy packs or PDF documents.
[1] Course readers are distinguished from sourcebooks in that they are typically compiled by simply photocopying or scanning the selected materials and then adding covers, front matter, tables, and pagination.
Thus, there is usually significant variation from one text to the next in a course reader because each document retains its original layout and typefaces.
In contrast, the texts selected for inclusion in sourcebooks are usually edited, laid out, and typeset in a uniform format.
Course readers are usually bound as softcover books and are intended only for use in the specific courses for which they were prepared, while sourcebooks are often bound as hardcover books similar to textbooks.