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Reading Lists in Canvas

Information supporting the use of the Reading List app in Canvas.

Reading List interface has changed

ExLibris, the makers of Leganto Reading List software have rolled out a new user interface that will improve the user experience for staff and students. Same great functionality, with a new streamlined look that integrates more seamlessly with Canvas. A different interface, but the creation and updating of Reading Lists is essentially the same. Several new features have been introduced with the updated design.  

Do I need to do anything?  No. Any lists on the platform will still be available in the new interface. You will be able to rollover your list to the next teaching period. All existing links will remain active, and staff can continue to collaborate on lists.  

Questions? Submit your query to the Library Teaching Support team. 

Why Reading Lists?

Reading Lists are an interactive and collaborative way of managing course learning materials.

Teaching staff can

  • Link students directly to learning materials
  • Ensure copyright compliance of learning materials
  • Get statistics on student usage
  • Collect and store readings to your Favorites, then add them to courses whenever you want
  • Easy to update and rollover lists each semester
  • Collaborate with others to create Reading Lists

Students can

  • Easily find and access course learning materials
  • Access lists anywhere, anytime, on any device
  • Provides functionality to save items to your Favorites for future reference

Questions? Need help?

Reading List enquiries may be sent to the Library's Teaching Support team

Best practice for Reading Lists

Apply best practices when creating or updating your Reading Lists to enhance your students' learning experience for your courses.

The following are some recommended tips from the Library.

Image: Copyright © 2023 RMIT University. Is provided under CC-BY-NC-4.0

  1. Length of the list - Too many readings will result in the list becoming slow to load and difficult to navigate. To optimise the student learning experience, a Reading List should have the appropriate number of weekly readings for the level of study. Consult the course rubric for guidance.
     
  2. Set importance - The significance of the resource should be indicated. Is it required reading? Is there an expectation that it will be discussed in a class setting? Is it to support an assessment?
     
  3. Improve navigation - A well-structured list will guide student learning. To help target and engage the reader the use of weekly topics or section headings is encouraged.
     
  4. Keep readings current - In curating a quality list of resources, they should be current, preferably no older than 5 years.
     
  5. Prefer electronic resources - Minimise print material on a Reading List to increase optimal access for your students' learning experience.
     
  6. Consider ebook user numbers and download capacity - ebook content might be limited by the number of simultaneous users and how much content can be downloaded or printed. Check the guide on Using e-books for teaching.

Copyright University of Queensland. Adapted from Best practice for reading lists. Reproduced with permission from University of Queensland.

What I love about Reading Lists

The following video shows RMIT University academic Cath Nolan from the College of Business and Law talking about Reading Lists.

Why I Use Reading Lists (2:23 min) by RMIT University Library (YouTube)