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University of York Library
Library Subject Guides

Reading Lists: a Practical Guide

Introduction

 

Introduction to Reading Lists

 

The information below will explain what Reading Lists is and how you can use it alongside your teaching.

Jump to: What is Reading Lists? | How the Library can help | What students want from Reading Lists | Get started


Student Feedback

It's connected to the library and I really like the essential/recommended tags” SBS

Easy format, clear distinction between essential and recommended reading” Politics

It's a perfect electronic source connected to the library - easy to check and easy to find the sources required. Really fantastic.” Law

It is easy to find a book that you need without having the trouble of struggling between different editions and so on.” History

It saves so much time!” SBS

Linking to the library catalogue is brilliant” Archaeology

1 What is Reading Lists?

Reading Lists is an online system that works within your VLE modules to create reading lists for students.

Reading Lists are an important part of the student learning experience. It ensures consistent and equal access to reading materials for students. It is also the key way in which academic staff inform the Library about recommended reading for their modules.

Through Reading Lists, the Library works with academic staff to ensure that students can access the course reading they need.

The Library has written Reading Lists guidelines. These outline how the Reading Lists system should be used throughout the university.

2 How does the Library help staff use Reading Lists?

We can help in a number of ways:

  • If you have a brand new list or major changes to a reading list, we can do that work for you. Just send the list to us via the online submission form.
  • We offer 1-2-1 and departmental training at any time of year so if you’d prefer to talk to someone face to face about reading lists, contact lib-readinglists@york.ac.uk.
  • We can provide guidance on selecting materials to include in your reading list.
  • We maintain this online guide which contains information on how to use the Reading Lists system so you can make changes to the lists yourself.

3 What do students want from Reading Lists?

Whether you have inherited a list from a colleague or you are starting from scratch, reading lists are most helpful to students if they are:

  • Realistic: so that students have access to sufficient copies of items and appropriate loan periods, in digital form wherever possible.
  • Accurate: so that students can find the correct resource and edition.
  • Prioritised: so that students understand what they are expected to read and the Library understands what it needs to provide.
  • Clear: so that students understand which resources are relevant to which parts of the module.
  • Up-to-date: so that students are working with your latest information.
  • Timely: so that the Library has time to acquire and make available the required resources.

4 Get started with Reading Lists