Yes, books and computers count toward the Lifetime Learning Credit which is 20% of your qualifying expenses. It is a non-refundable credit and can only reduce your tax liability.
You school is not telling you that you don't qualify, just that they will not send you a form 1098-T. You can claim the credit without it.
In TurboTax (TT), enter at:
Federal Taxes Tab
Deductions & Credits
-Scroll down to:
--Education
--Education Expenses
