Library: Course Reserves

The library’s Course Reserves system enables instructors to build a resource list for their course directly in the Brightspace course site. Thus, students can access any course readings and other resources you add through this central location. A link to the Course Reserves can be added to the Brightspace site in one of four ways:

1. Add a link to the navbar

  • In the course navbar, go to Course Admin.
  • In the Site Setup section, select Navigation and Themes.
  • Locate the Active NavBar box on the page and click on it. A dropdown menu will open.
  • Select Course Reserves from the menu and click Apply.

The navbar for your course site will now be updated to include a direct link to Course Reserves. You can locate the link by clicking on Content in the navbar and selecting it from the dropdown menu.

2. Add a link to Course Content

  1. In the course navbar, go to Course Content.
  2. Under the Table of Contents, select the module to which you want to add a link to your course resources. If there are no modules, you will need to create one.
  3. Once the page for the selected module opens, locate the Existing Activities box and click on it.
  4. Select External Learning Tools from the dropdown menu.
  5. In the popup Add Activity window, locate Course Reserves and click on it.

A direct link to the Course Reserves tool is now added to the selected module in your course content. Clicking on this content Item will launch the tool.

3. Activate a homepage containing a Course Reserves widget

  • In the navbar, go to Course Admin.
  • In the Site Setup section, select Homepages.
  • Locate the Active Homepage box and click on it. A dropdown menu will open.
  • Select Course Reserves Home Page from the menu and click Apply.

Your course homepage will now include the Course Reserves widget.

4. Add a Course Reserves widget to your custom homepage

  • In the navbar, go to Course Admin.
  • In the Site Setup section, select Homepages.
  • Either create a new homepage or copy and customize an existing one. For detailed information about this process, please refer to this resource.
  • Select the homepage to which you want to add the widget.
  • On the Create/Edit Homepage page that opens, click on Add Widgets.
  • In the new popup window, go to the list of Custom Widgets, check Course Reserves and click Add.
  • Click Save and Close.

The Course Reserves widget has now been added to your custom homepage.

Library Help

For help or guidance with using the Course Reserves system, please visit the Course Resources for Instructors page on the Library website.