We’ve already covered quite a few topics in Canvas over the last few weeks. Today, we’d like to turn our attention to the Recommended Reading Lists which may be compiled by academics, for students on different courses of study.
Previously, reading lists would have comprised of physical books and/or publications / articles (both online and in print). Currently, the majority of a reading list can be electronic and our aim today is to set out the best practices of how to link electronic reading lists in to Canvas with consideration given to both Accessibility and Copyright as legislation.
What is a reading list?
Typically, a Reading List is a list of required, recommended or additional reading resources identified by an academic for the course students are currently undertaking. The reading lists are designed to provide students with easy access to reading/additional materials for the module. For example, the reading list can include print and e-books, journal articles, websites or podcasts.
How can I share readings without infringing copyright?
Academics may have many articles or journals for students to read. As an academic, please do not share a copy of a PDF of the reading. Why? Firstly, it is bad practice as this infringes copyright as it’s not getting picked up by the Copyright License Agency database. Secondly, the PDF may not be accessible to students with disability needs, i.e., screen readers can’t read the content.
Older PDFs may be scanned as images rather than having selectable text which screen readers can view and read. These older PDFs are problematic but perhaps the library has a more accessible version of the PDF. This can be the solution to accessibility and if the PDF is linked to Canvas via the library, this also takes care of copyright and licensing. The Library at Queen’s has set up a Scanned Readings database which links up with the Copyright License Agency (CLA) which counts how many students are accessing readings.
In relation to copyright, the library can scan an article or up to 10% of a book and make it available on the Scanned Readings Database. From there, the link can be copied to your Canvas module and made available to students enrolled on the module. Students can then access the reading and every time the item is opened by students, the CLA click rate increases. Copyright infringement avoided.
How do QUB staff access the Scanned Readings database?
Academics can find Library Help on scanned readings on the Scanned Readings FAQ page.
Simple click on the Scanned Readings Database link. To access the database of readings which may be added to Canvas, click the link at the above and log in using your Queen’s credentials. (Only staff log-ins will work. Students may not use the database but can access Scanned Readings via Canvas).
How can I have readings added to the Scanned Reading Database?
We are glad you asked. The following text has been taken from the Scanned Readings FAQ page:
To have readings added to the database, please contact your Subject Librarian. When requesting readings for scanning, please provide your Subject Librarian with as much of the information below about each of the readings:
- Module/Course Code
- Book/Journal ISBN
- Book/Journal Title
- Book/Journal author
- Chapter/Extract Title
- Extract Author
- Issue
- Volume
- Page From
- Page To
- Publication Year
- Publisher
- Reading Type Book or Journal article
- Place of Publication
How do I the reading list to Canvas?
Another great question! When you access the Scanned Reading database and input your module code, click Search (as shown below):
A list of scanned readings should appear underneath. Simply follow the instructions highlighted below to add to Canvas. Highlight to select the table of scanned readings on the web page (as shown below). Copy this (CTRL/CMD C).
Go to your Canvas Module and open the Recommended Readings page. Click Edit, place your cursor where the content is to appear and paste (CTRL/CMD V) (as shown below). Remember to Save your work.
Next time
Tomorrow, we look at setting up simple quizzes and on Friday, quizzes with question banks.
Please do join us then to learn more and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @MDBSelearn.
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