Skip to Main Content

Managing your Library Reserves

Getting Started

Faculty that have used Library Reserves for a course in the last AY, the Library team will roll over Library Reserves Lists before the upcoming semester, typically a month before the start of the semester. 

However, if you want to create the list yourself there are several methods available. Review the table below to help you decide which is the best method for your subject.

Scenario Create a new list from an existing list Create a new list from scratch
You want to use the Reserves List from a previous course with minimal changes. ✔️  
You want to preserve tags and notes from an existing list. ✔️  
You created a new list a while ago and it's not yet linked to a course. ✔️  
Your course has never used a Reserves List before.  
✔️
You anticipate significant changes to the existing Reserves List. ✔️ ✔️

 

Library Reserves Lists

The Library team will roll over Reserve Lists before the upcoming semester. If you want to create your list in advance, follow the steps below.

Steps:

  1. Starting from your course in Canvas, open the Course navigation menu and select Library Reserves.
  2. Select the Create from an existing list option:
  3. All the lists you currently have access to as a collaborator or owner will be displayed. Select the Duplicate list option for the list that you wish to copy:
  4. On the next screen change the title of the Library Reserves List to the current semester. (example title: HIST 101 - LastName (Su24) Check the other details are correct and click Create list.
  5. You are ready to start editing the list, see the steps for adding sections, items, tags and notes or collaborators. Once changes are made or if none are required, see the information on publishing your list.

The Library team will roll over Reserve Lists before the upcoming semester. If you want to create your list in advance, follow the steps below.

Steps:

  1. Starting from your course in Canvas, open the Course navigation menu and select Library Reserves.
  2. Select the Create a new list option:
  3. Enter List name: Course Number – Last Name (Semester and Year) and click Next.
    • Example: LTWR 100 – Hernanadez (Fa24) 
  4. Choose from one of the available templates, such as a numbered list (Weeks or Modules) or a defined list (Required & recommended or Materials).
    • If using a numbered list, you can add or remove the number of sections.
  5. Click Create list.
  6. You are ready to start editing the list, see the steps for adding sections, items, tags and notes or collaborators. Once the list is complete, see the information on publishing your list.

Please contact Library Reserves Staff to link a new course to an existing list that is already associated with one or more courses.

You can email reserve@csusm.edu for assistance with Library Reserves requests.

When emailing, please include the semester and course number in the Subject line (i.e. Fall 2024 SOC 101) of the email and include as much bibliographic information as possible, such as:

  • Title
  • Author
  • Edition
  • Publisher
  • ISBN
  • URL (link to item information)

More options for Library Reserves Lists

+Add - add sections, items, and notes. See our notes and tags section. 

Manage Items - view a list collapsed and move entire sections by dragging and dropping. 

Filter - view a list by due dates, tags, material type, and status. 

Search - look up materials that are on the list. 

From the List menu, there are more options for working with a List, including:

  • Edit list - rename the list, description, add subjects, and add or change the start and dates.
  • Unpublish list - Change the visibility of the list. 
  • View list as a Student - Change to student view to preview materials.
  • Sort items - Organize sections by Author or title.
  • Manage connected courses - Link multiple courses or course sections to one list. 
  • Export - Lists can be exported. Choosing Export to Word allows citations to be exported in different formats.
  • Delete list - This action cannot be undone.

Exporting your Library Reserves List

You can export your Library Reserves List in specific formats such as APA or MLA. You are also able to export it to Zotero.

  1. Starting from your course in Canvas, open the Course navigation menu and select Library Reserves.
  2. Once your list loads, Click on the ... on the top navigation bar. 
  3. Click "Export list"
  4. Select Export options
  5. Click Export

Exporting to Word will allow for the citations to be downloaded in different Bibliographic styles (APA, MLA, etc.).