Do I have to use Course Resources to make course reserve requests?
Yes. If you are not using Canvas, you should still create a Course Resources list in Canvas to request any materials for your students. This will allow us to purchase any material we don’t own and make sure links are working on and off campus.
I'm preparing to teach, but when I log into Canvas I do not see my course. What do I do?
Canvas site are available a few months before the semester starts. If you do not see your Canvas site, email canvas@bc.edu. You can start a reading list anytime by going to bc.edu/courseresources and later associate your list with your course.
How do I communicate with the library staff?
Use the Library discussion to ask questions and someone will reply.
How can my Teaching Assistant (TA) edit my reading list?
First, you may need to Add your TA to your Canvas course. Then add your TA to your Course Resources list as a Collaborator.
How do I see my List in student preview mode in Canvas?
While viewing the Course Resources list, use the list's menu and choose the “View list as a student”. The Canvas “View as Student” will not display Course Resources.
Do I need to update links in Canvas to my Course Resources List each semester?
No, but each semester you need to send your list to the library so that it is visible to students. Links created using the Canvas External Tool and from the Share option in the List will continue to work the next time the Canvas site is rolled over if you have clicked “My list is ready”.
Students can't access the full text of a resource, what do I do?
Open the full details of the item and click the 'Mark as broken' option. The library will be alerted to fix the link.
How can I convert a 14-week list to a 7-week list?
Copy your full semester reading list and then drag the readings into the first 7 weeks and then delete the sections 8-14 that you no longer need.
Why isn't the Cite it! browser bookmarklet working?
After you've installed Cite It! in your browser, try clearing your cache, and check that your browser settings are not blocking third-party cookies or that the website is blocking Cite it! Some websites are now blocking Cite it! functionality. The sites we know are impacted are: YouTube, Wiley, and Elsevier. You can still add items from these sites using the "Create your own" option.
What are Favorites?
Favorites are a personal list of saved resources you can add or suggest to lists. To see your Favorites, if you are in Canvas, click the “Open in new tab” link from your list. A link to Favorites will appear in the left menu.
What is the Public Annotations feature for uploaded PDFs?
Enabling Public Annotations allows for the use of My Notes and Class Discussion on uploaded PDFs. Teachers and students can markup the PDF to share comments, questions, feedback and add private notes.
I am teaching 2 sections of the same course, how do I re-use the same reading list?
Associate the existing List with additional courses/sections. Use the Manage course association link in the List menu.
How do I move items on my list to a Module in Canvas?
See instructions for linking in Canvas Modules
What types of items can be added to Course Resources?
Any material you want students to use for your course including required or recommended readings, books, articles, chapters, case studies, films, blog posts, podcasts, websites, etc.
What if the Library doesn't have the book I'm using for my class?
Add the book to your Course Resources list and we will let you know if it is available for the library to license with unlimited users. If we cannot license it we will let you know. Options might include the library purchasing a print copy for Reserves and students buying their own copy from the bookstore or another online source.
How does Course Resources help students with affordability?
If you are using library resources for your course, all students should be able to access these at no additional cost. We can get articles from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan and we will also try to purchase books if they are available. This can save students from having to purchase their own copies. Some courses require students to have their own print copy of a book. If that is the case, the library can purchase a back-up copy in case a student misplaces their personal copy.
Is there course material that the library cannot supply?
Yes, some publishers do not allow institutions to license their online content. This includes some textbooks that require students to buy or rent their own copy. It also includes content on commercial streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, etc. and specific content such as HBS cases.
Can I add my own personal files?
Yes, you can add PowerPoints, videos, notes, documents, etc. Click on +Add and choose Upload files. You can drag files into the provided box. We will confirm that your files are copyright-compliant (see Guidelines for E-reserves).
Can I add an article we don't have access to in my Course Resources list?
Yes. Add an item with the details of the article and we will request a copy from another library. The scanned PDF will appear in your list.
I've got the full text PDF of a resource, can I upload it to my Resource List?
Yes, you can upload a PDF and we will check for copyright compliance before making it available to students. We may replace your PDF with a link to an electronic database, e-Book, or an OCR-compliant PDF.
How do I request a scan of a chapter for a book in the library?
Add the book to the List, change the type to 'Book chapter', and fill in the chapter details. We will either scan the chapter and link the PDF in your list or add a link to the online chapter.
Should I expect to get a PDF when I request an article or chapter?
Most of the time articles and book chapters will display links that say "View Online" or "View PDF" and take you to a PDF that you can download. If you do not find a link to a PDF and need a PDF to upload elsewhere in Canvas or in Perusall, use the Library Discussion to let us know.
