How do I add library resources to a Canvas course?
Answer
Overview
Library resources are added to Canvas course sites in automated and manual ways.
Research Guide Link in Course Site Navigation
The "Research Guide" link appears in the left navigation bar of all Canvas courses by default. In most cases, the link will point to library resources tailored to the general subject area of a course. In some instances the link may point to a guide created for a specific course or to the directory of research guides. Contact your liaison librarian if you'd like a guide tailored to your course.
To hide any links in the course navigation bar, refer to the "
Course Reading List
The Course Reading List is a new feature in Canvas designed to help instructors incorporate library materials more seamlessly into their Canvas courses. Reading lists can include books and articles owned by the library, videos, web resources, course reserve materials, and more. For more, visit the Using Course Reading List Feature in Canvas guide.
Individual Resource Links
Links to most library resources can be added to your Canvas course site but the link you use matters. While many resources can be searched for online and logged into through a "Sign in Through My Institution" link (e.g. The Oxford English Dictionary), some require the use of a special link from the subscribing library's website (e.g. Films on Demand). Our lists of research databases and journal titles are good places to start.
When linking to a resource in Library Search, such as an eBook, use the "Permalink" on the resource's record to assure students will be be prompted for their JMU credentials. Here's an example record of an eBook.
How to Add the Library Search Widget to a Canvas Page
If you have any problems with this process below, contact us through the Ask the Library page.
- Log into Canvas and navigate to the course you wish to add the widget to.
- Navigate to the existing page that will include the widget, or create a new page.
- Click “Edit” on the right side of the page screen.
- Place your cursor where you would like the widget to appear on the page.
- Click on the "Embed" button in the text editor panel. (Note that you may have to click the "More" button in the text editor bar to reveal the "Embed" button. Refer to the "Instructure Community page for more information.)
- Copy the following text and paste it into the "Embed" window. <iframe src="https://apps.lib.jmu.edu/primo/primo.html" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="190px" scrolling="no" id="librarysearchwidget">Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.</iframe>
- Click the “Submit” button.
- Verify that the widget is placed in the correct location.