Providing a reading list or reader in Canvas

Information for lecturers

With the Readers tool in Canvas, lecturers can easily create digital reading lists with required or recommended literature for students. A reading list can include both online resources from the University Library catalog and (personal) PDF files. Additionally, the tool offers the option to have a hardcopy reader printed by Canon.

Initial setup (first-time only)

Log in to Canvas and go to Courses. Select the course for which you want to create a reading list or reader.
Click on Settings at the bottom left of the course menu.
Go to the Navigation tab.
Drag Readers from the bottom menu to the top menu and click Save to confirm.

You can now create a reading list. Proceed to step 1 below.

Creating a reading list

Step 1: Select the desired course.
Step 2: In the left menu, click Readers.
Step 3: Click Create List.
Step 4: Name your reading list and click Next.
Step 5: To organize your reading list by weeks, click the arrow under Create Sections and select Weeks. Choose the number of weeks and click Create List.

You can now add titles and/or PDF files. Proceed with the steps below.

Add titles

Step 6: Click +Add to add a new title.
Step 7: Click Search Library and enter a search term or title, then click the magnifying glass to search.
Step 8: Click the plus icon (+) next to the desired title, or select the title and click Add.
Step 9: After adding all desired titles, close the search screen by clicking the cross at the top. You can rearrange titles by hovering over the title, clicking on the dots on the left, and drag to reorder. To delete a title, hover over it, click the dots on the right, and select Delete Item.

You can now (optionally) add PDF files. Follow the steps under 'Add PDF.' Otherwise, proceed to step 10 under 'Publish Reading List.'

Adding a PDF
You have two options for adding a PDF:

a. If you have already have a PDF-file: Hover over the title of the item. Three dots will appear on the right. Click these dots and select Edit Item. A new menu opens. Go to the Links and availability tab. You can upload the PDF by dragging the file or selecting it from a folder on your computer. Note: Only .pdf files can be printed in a reader. Other file formats are only visible in the digital reading list.

b. If you need a scan: Check if the desired title is available at one of the Library locations. This is indicated in green. Click on the title of the item. A dropdown menu will appear. In this menu, click on Digitization Request. Fill in the required information. Note: Make sure to enter the page numbers you want to have digitized, even if you have specified the chapters. Without specifying the page numbers, the file cannot be scanned. Would you like to include images as well? Check the Include images box.

Take into account the following copyright limitations:

Maximum of 40 pages

No more than 20% of the entire publication

Proper citation is mandatory

Publishing the reading list

Step 10: When the list is complete, click My List is Ready. You can choose to publish it immediately for students or delay publishing.
Step 11: Click Send. The list will now be sent to the library for a copyright check and for print-ready preparation.

The Library will review and approve the list within 5 working days. Once approved, it will be published for students in this course, available until the end of the academic year. You will receive an email confirmation.

Up to 10 working days after publication, students can order a printed reader. You can also order a copy through the Canon webshop, with delivery within five working days to the specified (work) address.

Contact for support

Reader coordinators and contacts on location

Amsterdam Law School	Arnolf van Asperen	020 525 4967
Other faculties	Eric-Jan Dol
General support	Deborah Külbs