Resource Lists

When Accessing Resource Lists From Canvas

• Start a New List:

  • Click Create New List to begin a new resource list for your course.
  • This method is the most efficient if your course is currently active in Canvas.

• Use an Existing List:

  • If you prefer to use resources from an existing list, click Select Existing List.
  • Select the list you want to copy.

If you already know how you will organize your list (unit themes, weeks, etc.), use the Organize Sections tab to learn how to create sections for your list. If not, move to the Add Resources tab to learn how to add resources to the list.

When Accessing Resource Lists via Direct Link

1.   After logging in (see the Get Started tab for instructions), click Create List

2.   Enter a title for the list, and click Next.

3.   Click Default under Create Sections to get started quickly. You can organize your list easily later. 

If you already know how you will organize your list (unit themes, weeks, etc.), use the Organize Sections tab to learn how to create sections for your list. If not, move to the Add Resources tab to learn how to add resources to the list.

Adding Resources to Your List

Add resources ty clicking the +Add button on the left.

This will open a right menu where you have many options for adding resources; here are some key options:

• Search the library allows you to search the library catalog. You can add links to electronic resources; physical resources may be put on course reserve. More information below. 
• Upload files allows you to upload your own files.
• Manual entry allows you to upload links to any kind of website: Journals, YouTube videos, and many more formats. More information below. 

Using Search the Library

• Use the Search just as you would search on the Library website

• Advanced Search offers more search options.

• Limiting your search to Library Catalog will be most efficient in finding links to physical library resources to put on reserve.
• If you are searching for chapters within e-books or articles, then use Search Everything, but note that some results may only be available through I-Share. Items held by I-Share libraries cannot be put on reserve (though students can request them from the list). 

• Search for a book or article. When you find the record for a resource, click the + button. 

• More options will appear. You can choose to add the resource to the list or just make it a suggested reading.
• If you have already organized your list into sections, you can add the resource to a particular section. 
• If you would like to add the record as-is, click Add. 
• If you would like to add more details to the record for your students, click Add & Edit.  A menu will appear on which you can add a note to students about the reading, due dates, dates of availability, or you can upload a file to accompany the reading.

• Click Save. 

Using Manual Entry for Links  

1. Click Manual Entry.
2. Click on the drop-down menu for Type, and select the format that the link will direct users to. 

3. Add a title for the link. Click Next. 
4. On the next page, add the URL. Add relevant details about the link (title, author, etc.) Sometimes, Resource Lists will be able to pull data from the link, or you may need to enter the data (title, author, etc.) manually. Click Next.
5. Add any relevant assignment details, such as a due date or a message to students. If you have organized your list into sections, you can choose which section you want to add the resource to. Click Add. 

Adding Resources Using Cite It!

Cite It! is a bookmarklet that enables you to add resources from any webpage to a Resource List with a single click.

1. To install Cite It!, log in to Resource Lists.
2. Click on the settings icon.

3. Click Cite It. 

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to drag Cite it! to your toolbar. 

To use Cite It!, you must be logged into Resource Lists. While browsing the web, simply click the Cite It! button. A menu will appear, allowing you to input details about the resource, choose the appropriate Resource List, and save it to your resources.

Once you have added your resources, you can publish the list. 

Creating Sections for Your Resource Lists

You can organize your Reading List into sections, such as units, weeks, themes, etc. To set up sections:

1. Click +Add. Select New section.

2. Add the title of the section and any other helpful settings. 

3. Click Add. 

4. Repeat for each section.

Moving Resources Into Sections

• If you have not yet added resources to your list, you can choose which section to add your resources to as you add them.

• If you have already added resources to your list, you can drag them into the appropriate sections:
  • Hover your mouse over the resource until the drag option appears.
  • Click on the dotted button.
  • Drag the resource to the correct section of your list.

Publishing the list will make it available to Access Services, initiating the process of putting physical items on reserve. It will also make the list visible to students

Putting Items on Reserve

1. Digital Resources:

   • When adding digital resources, such as links to e-books and articles, they are automatically set to "complete" status. There is no reserve system.

2. Physical Library Items:

   • Physical items go on reserve at the Library Circulation Desk unless you specify otherwise.
   • Important: If a record links to a printed copy of a book, DVD, or other physical resource, the item will be on reserve for the entire semester unless a digital copy is available or you note otherwise.
     • Reserves default to a two-hour period with one renewal.
     • Faculty can request a three-day reserve period in the Library Discussion field.

3. Communicating with the Library:

   • You can make notes to the Library pertaining to the entire list or specific items.
   • To discuss the list with the library, you can (1) click the comment button in the top-right menu

Or, (2) click Full Details on the record for the item. 

• Click Library Discussion. Type your message, and click Send. 

If a list includes a link to an item that the library does not own, use the Library Discussion field to request the item. The request will be sent to your Subject Librarian, who will evaluate the purchase. Priority will be given to acquiring digital copies of books unless otherwise noted.

Completing the List

• A list is completed by submitting it to the Library for review. The Library will review the list for physical reserves, and the list will now be published for students to see. 
• If the list is not already associated with a course, that step must be completed for the list to show up within the course in Canvas. 

Submit List to Library

To publish a list list, click My List Is Ready at the top of the screen.

• When a record links to a printed copy of a book, the item will go on reserve unless a digital copy is available or you note otherwise.

• You can make notes to the library for the whole list or specific items. Click the ... at the top of the list or next to a specific item to access the Library Discussion field.

• Confirmation: When your list is complete, you will see a notification at the top of the screen indicating that the list is published.

Associate List with a Course

If your list is not yet associated with a course, it must be linked to ensure visibility to students in Canvas under the Resource List tab.

• If you created the list within Canvas, it is automatically associated with the course.

• Multiple Course Sections: For courses with multiple sections, you'll need to link each section using the Link to Course process outlined below.

• Linking Process:

  • To link your list with a course, click Link to Course and search for the course number/section. Courses that are active in Canvas will show up.
  • If the course is not currently available in Canvas, you can associate the list with the course later when it becomes accessible.

Editing a List

You can edit your list by editing individual item properties or editing the list by rearranging items or moving them up or down on the list. 

To edit an item: Click on the resource on the list, and then click the Options menu at the top right of the item record [...]. Click Edit. 

To edit a list: Click the [...] menu at the top of the list [...]. Click Edit list. 

To move an item: Hover on the item until you see the drag button appear. Drag and drop the resource as desired. 

To rearrange sections: Hover on the section until you see the drag button appear. Drag and drop the section as desired. 

Teaching Assistants (TAs) can create and manage Resource Lists.

If you are a Teaching Assistant (TA) within Canvas but not enrolled as a student, like an Office Coordinator, you might require one-time assistance from AIT to access Resource Lists. If you find yourself unable to access Resource Lists within a Canvas course, please reach out to ait.service.desk@wheaton.edu. Request an SSID (a unique identifier) so that you can access Resource Lists.