Course Resource Lists

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I or my course assistant get help with my Course Resource List?

Please email reserves@tc.columbia.edu.

If I upload a list of citations, how long will it take for my list to be completed?

We process requests in the order received, and strive to do so as quickly as possible. In the first weeks of, and those just preceding, the start of a new term, it may take the libraries a few weeks to process your request. We encourage sending your requests as soon as possible. You can upload a list or begin working on a list several weeks before the start of a new term.

If I add a item to my list, and it is marked “Library processing,” how long will it take to be completed?

As above, we strive to process your resources as quickly as possible. Depending upon how many you add/request, and how close to the start of the new term they are submitted, it may take us a few weeks to process your items. If you would like to indicate the date by which a particular resource is needed, we will do our best to accommodate your request; you can do this using the Discuss with library feature of your list or emailing reserves@tc.columbia.edu. 

The Library prepared a list for me at the start of the term; how can I add additional items after this?

There are a few ways you can do this; see the Request an Addition to Your List page, or please feel free to email reserves@tc.columbia.edu with your requested addition.

What is a “fair use excerpt”?

This varies from resource to resource, and each determination should be made on a case-by-case basis; please read more on our Copyright page. Generally, the smaller, and less significant, the excerpt you are requesting the better. The Libraries will always try to acquire your resource in electronic format first, if possible. If the resource is only available in print, we will digitize a single requested excerpt from the resource, in accordance with fair use guidelines, and place the print copy on physical reserve at the library. We thank you, in advance, for understanding that we must comply with copyright restrictions when preparing Course Resource Lists.

How can I link or add items from my Course Resource List to my Modules in Canvas?

To embed an item from your list into a Module in your Course, follow these steps, prepared by DFI.

To embed an item from your list into a Page in your Canvas course, follow these steps, prepared by DFI.

To retrieve a permalink from a library resource on your list, you can refer to this Guide to finding and sharing permalink to library resources. 

Why I am receiving an error message when I try to view my list in Canvas Student View?

Because of the way Course Resource Lists are configured, the platform is unable to verify your credentials when you are in Canvas Student View. Instead, please view your list from your regular Canvas Instructor View, and utilize the View list as a student option from directly within your Course Resource List.

Can I retrieve items or sections I delete from my list?

Unfortunately deleted items and sections do not go to a "trash bin," and are immediately purged from the system once you confirm that you would like to delete them. Please be sure that you would like to delete items/sections before confirming. 

I have a Columbia student in my course, why can't they view my list?

Gottesman Libraries must manually create library accounts for Columbia patrons. Please email reserves@tc.columbia.edu with the name(s) and UNI(s) of your Columbia student(s), so we can assist with account creation and list access.

Why does my Course Resource List look different?

Course Resource Lists are powered by Ex Libris’ Leganto. In Summer 2024, Course Resource Lists updated to the New User Interface (UI) designed by Ex Libris to enhance usability and present a cleaner, simplified interface that optimizes key tasks for instructors and students.

Faculty who have used Course Resource Lists prior to this New UI update can rest assured that their lists and resources remain in our system. 

Watch our short New UI video below to see the difference between the previous and new interfaces.

Further Questions? Please email reserves@tc.columbia.edu.

Course Resource Lists New User Interface (UI)