U of A libraries introduce new reading list system
The U of A’s libraries are the first in North America to use this system.
Alex CookThe University of Alberta libraries have released a new reading list system for instructors and students.
The new reading list service is primarily designed for instructors, however it can also be used by students for personal reading lists. The U of A’s libraries are the first in North America to use this system, which helps instructors provide clear resource lists with links to all kinds of materials — not just those in the library system. The new reading lists help to streamline many processes, and helps instructors and students to access materials more efficiently.
The platform that provides the reading lists also provides some useful features for students such as creating bookmarks, adding notes, and downloading Research Information Systems (RIS) files.
Students also have the option of adding the Talis Aspire Reading List Extension to their browser. This extension makes it easy to add items to a reading list.
The reading lists can contain many kinds of resources such as textbooks, articles, videos, podcasts, music, and more.
Heather Brown, associate professor in the department of educational psychology, utilizes the new reading list system.
“I love the new reading list service because the new system makes it so much easier for me to keep all of the required materials organized and clear for the students,” Brown said.
“The reading list service enables me to organize the links to all of the videos and readings, seamlessly allowing students direct access to the materials. They can even check off which materials they have accessed as they go.”
CJ de Jong, head of access services at U of A libraries, provided examples of reading lists professors prepared for their courses, including Urban Economics and Ethics and Law in Teaching.
De Jong said the library is looking to spread the word about the new reading lists and “encourages all instructors to use this platform to provide a consistent look across all courses and make access to library and other resources easier for students.”
