Leddy Library is transforming the current course reserves system with Course Resource Lists powered by Leganto, a new resource management system that integrates with the University of Windsor’s Blackboard system to create and manage online reading lists.

Starting March 15, faculty can submit their course readings via the online platform by adding the library resource list tool to their Blackboard course sites.

“Course Resource Lists serves as one-stop shop that connects faculty and students with Leddy’s print and online resources as well as external resources needed for courses,” said Dave Johnston, Leddy Library’s head of Access Services. “It enhances the traditional Course Reserves service by offering faculty an innovative approach to build, modify, and re-use course reading list directly in Blackboard each term.”

In January, some instructors had the opportunity to pilot the new platform with their winter classes.

“Course Resource Lists allowed me to efficiently gather and share sources with students,” said Tim Brunet, Speech Communications to Inform professor, who was part of the pilot group. “Leganto ultimately made my course more accessible because I replaced the course textbook with readings on reserve, online journals, and organized links to multimedia sources.”

Course Resource Lists transform the student learning experience by providing quick and easy access to course resources.

“All of our course resources were organized directly in our Blackboard course site,” said Emily Whitfield, second-year student studying English and media, communications and film. “It allowed me to revisit resources easily without having to carry a heavy textbook or a lot of papers.”

The Leddy Library team will support faculty with the creation of their course resource lists, provide copyright assistance, and conduct digitization of print material. The library will also host workshops to provide Course Resource Lists system training for faculty.

Instructors who wish to use the library’s course reserve system for their classes in the spring and summer can find more information and get started by visiting http://leddy.uwindsor.ca/course-resources-faculty.

—Marcie Demmans