Instructor Guide: Penn Libraries Course Reserves

As an instructor, the Course Reserves service allows you to allocate books, films, or audio recordings for your class and provide electronic access to articles or book excerpts on Canvas. This service typically encompasses both required and recommended readings for a course.

Visit Penn Library Course Reserves for detailed video guides on how to complete the following:

Creating and Structuring Reading Lists: Once "Course Materials@Penn Libraries" is enabled in Canvas, create a reading list for your course, add sections with titles, descriptions, and dates, and organize items accordingly.
Adding Items: Add items to your list using the Library Catalog or the Cite It extension for web resources. This system allows immediate access to electronic resources like ebooks and journal articles.
Tagging and Processing: Optionally tag citations for easy filtering. After submission, librarians will process the items, handling tasks like setting aside copies, scanning, and clearing copyright issues. You’ll receive updates via email notifications.
Finalizing the List: Once processed, the list is ready for student interaction, with features like marking citations as done and viewing usage statistics. Lists can also be exported as bibliographies.
Reserves via Email or In Person: For physical materials or existing electronic documents, materials can be brought or emailed to your reserve location. Include complete citations and course details for all communications.
Using Personal Copies: Personal books or films can be placed on reserve by bringing them to the reserve location. Desk copies of textbooks are also accepted.

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