If you are creating a list for a new course from scratch, you can access the reading list system by going here. You will need your York Login.

If you’re starting from scratch or making major changes you can send your list to us and we will set it up. However, it’s still worthwhile reading the information below to find out about about selecting resources, how we can provide resources (e.g. digitised readings) and information about the tags you will need to use.

In order to add items to your HYMS Reading List you need to set up sections in the list. If you’d like to structure the list by weekly reading we have a template for that, otherwise you will need to add in the sections yourself. Sections need to have title and there is also the option to add a description.

There are two options available: weeks 1-10 or a blank list. If you choose a blank list you could then structure your sections by topic, or by essential/recommended module reading, it’s entirely up to you. 

Once you have set your sections up you are ready to start adding items to the list. And remember, you can edit section titles and move them around as needed.

When adding items to a list always use the Cite it! option. Use this on any website or HYMS Unicat. On Unicat you can select individual items or search strings to add to a list. DO NOT use the inbuilt Reading List search option to add items as this will not always pull relevant search links to HYMS lists.

Using the Cite it! tool you can add an item straight to your list or your My Collection area (allowing you to gather together items to reuse on different lists).

If a book is not in stock on Unicat: add it to your list from Amazon.

If adding an article to your list, add it from the journal platform. The link will be updated by the library to ensure it  authenticates via the library providers.

If updating an edition, add as a new item and copy relevant guidance and tags from the old reference, then delete the old edition reference.

Use the My Bag option to move items around your list more easily. See the 'Steps to get started' and 'Manage existing lists' tabs above, or search the FAQs for more information on these and other features.

It is also important to think about how your students will access the reading for your module. In particular:

• Ebooks provide wide access to resources

We purchase ebooks to provide the widest possible access to resources. Not all publishers make ebooks available for libraries to buy, even when there's an option for individuals. Some ebooks have restrictions (e.g. three concurrent users); we always purchase the best available version.

• Digitise a range of chapters

We can scan either two chapters or up to 20% of most books (whichever is the greater). Please note that the Copyright Licensing Agency has temporarily extended these limits until July 2021, for participating publishers only. After this date they will revert to the standard limit of 10% or one chapter.

We then upload a high quality PDF scan to your list. Scanning chapters increases availability of resources; there is no restriction on the number of books per list from which we can scan chapters. You can let us know what to scan by using the tags (see step 4).

• Link to ejournals in your reading list

Ejournals have few access restrictions. You can create direct links to subscribed content through your reading list, which we recommend rather than uploading articles to the VLE. We can digitise articles from print-only journals, and we are able to purchase individual articles if we don’t take the journal.

• Consider the types of materials you want to include on your reading lists

The Library’s Reading Lists system enables you to add a range of other resources, including web links. You can embed links, for example, to our Skills Guides, key Library and Archives collections, relevant online databases, or programmes from Box of Broadcasts.

See our full handout for tips on selecting resources to use in your Reading Lists.

Once items have been added to a list, you need to add tags to each item. There are two types of tags: importance-level tags that are visible to everyone, including students; and tags which are only visible to Library staff.

Importance-level tags help students manage their workload and it also informs the Library about how many copies to purchase.  

“The grouping of reading into "essential" and "recommended" allows me to develop my understanding when necessary, whilst still managing my workload” English student

There are three tags you can use:

• Essential - students must read this. The Library will meet demand using a range of options, including print and electronic copies, digitisation and ‘Use in Library Only’ copies
• Recommended - all students are advised to read this. It is expected that students will read at least some material from this category. We will purchase at least one copy of these titles.
• Background - students may choose to read this. We may not automatically purchase background items, but we will add items to stock based on student demand.

As well as the tags, use the Library Discussion feature to indicate which libraries need to purchase the title in question. This information is shared with the relevant library partners i.e University of York, University of Hull and/or NHS partner libraries.

Tags only visible to the Library are for requesting scanning for both the Digitisation Service and for requesting reading in an accessible format:

• The Digitisation Service can provide high-quality copyright-cleared scans of reading needed for your course e.g. a book chapter or journal article. This is particularly useful for helping students get access to reading that is in high-demand.
• Our Alternative Format Request (SSP) tag is for students with a print impairment who need course materials providing in an alternative format. Furthermore, there are lots of different ways that we can help students and staff with disabilities use the Library and we’re always happy to discuss this with people so please get in touch.

HYMS Reading Lists allows you to annotate both sections and individual items.  See below for an explanation of what the options are:

• Public notes can be viewed by anyone and display beneath the item details on your list. This is useful for providing guidance to students about why you have recommended items and help them to prioritise their reading.
• Private notes can only be viewed by yourself.
• Library discussion can be used to send comments on an item to Library staff.

Publishing your HYMS list:

If you’ve created the list yourself the next step will be to publish your list so that it is visible to students.

It is important to always use the 'Anyone' publishing option. If you select one of the more restricted options this will affect access to some non-York resources.

You don’t need to worry about telling the Library as well. We run reports every night to pick up new items that you have added to a list and order items, organise digitisation etc. Of course, if you have any concerns or queries just get in touch: lib-readinglists@york.ac.uk.

You can unpublish your list if you no longer want it to be visible to students. Just click on the menu option again and choose Unpublish. 

Add to Blackboard: 

Once published, you need to add the permalink of your list to embed on HYMS Blackboard. Click on the Reading List options menu (⋯) from within a list and select Permalink > List. You will then get an URL similar to the following https://eu.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44YORK_INST/lists/34818174540001381?auth=SAML

Using this, it is important to create two links, a:

Student link: to create a student link use the link given but with ?auth=SAML removed.

Editing link: it is also good practice to add a hidden link with the title Edit link for [name of course] reading list. To do this copy the link completely. Ensure that you select for the reading list to appear in a separate window from Blackboard.

Hull reading list system:

Whilst the York reading list system is the primary reading list system of HYMS, links will be included on the Hull Talis system to the individual lists to ensure that students have orientation to them from all relevant points.