Lamson Library: Resources For Faculty: Course Reserves

Electronic Reserves

What are electronic reserves?

Electronic Reserves (eReserves) are the means by which we can legally make digital versions of copyrighted works available to the students in a particular course. The library pays the associated copyright fees to make this happen. Those fees are based on the number of students in the course and must be paid each semester. For this reason we ask instructors to notify us each semester that you would like to use eReseves and to remove eReserves material from Canvas at the end of the semester.

How can I put materials on electronic reserve?

When submitting new eReserve requests, please fill out the eReserve request form.

If the book or journal is owned by Lamson, that is all you need to do. Ask a librarian for help determining if Lamson already owns the material you want to use.

For books and journals not owned by Lamson Library, after filling out the form please drop off your personal copy at the Information Desk or mail the item to the library to the attention of Joyce Bruce (MSC#47). When we are finished creating the digital copy, we will leave it on the Information Desk hold shelf for you to pick up at your convenience.

What materials are eligible for eReserves?

We can only use original, legally produced copies of works purchased or owned by the institution or instructor to produce digital copies for eReserves.

Also, we cannot copy more than approximately 10% of a given work. If more than 10% of the book is needed, we can place the entire work on physical reserve at the Information Desk.

How long does it take for an eReserve to be ready?

It can take anywhere from a day to a few weeks to obtain copyright permissions. The weeks leading up to the start of a semester can be a very busy time for us, so please try to plan ahead as much as possible.

How will students access eReserve materials?

On the eReserve request form, we ask for the file name that you would like us to give the document that we scan for you. When the item has received copyright clearance, you will receive a pdf with this file name that you may share only with the students in your course. The most common way this happens is by posting the pdf within the Canvas course. Please do not post eReserve pdfs on the open web.

Do I have to fill out the eReserve form again for material I have already requested for eReserves?

You will not need to fill out a new form. If you wish to resubmit material that has previously been placed on e-reserves, the Library will need to obtain copyright clearance again, so we do need you to notify us. However, instead of submitting the form for repeat requests, you may email Lamson Library Interlibrary Loan and include the following information: the course name and number, the CRN for the current semester course, the name of the file (article name) and the number of students enrolled in the class.

Who can I contact with questions about eReserves?

Copyright issues regarding course reserves can be complicated! For additional assistance email Lamson Library Interlibrary Loan or call 603 535-2576

Physical Reserves

What are physical reserves?

Physical Reserves are books, DVDS, and other materials that are shelved behind the Lamson Information Desk. The direct link to the reserve site is https://plymouth.on.worldcat.org/courseReserves/landing

Placing non-digital items gives your students access to them for limited-duration loans. This saves students money, and helps to ensure that the first person to find an item does not check it out for an extended period. You can also put your own personal copies of materials on reserve.

The available loan durations are 1, 2, or 4 hour loan periods for in-library use and 1, 3, or 7 day loans that you can take out of the library.

How can I put materials on reserve?

For Library Materials, fill out this Reserve form.

For your instructor-owned materials, bring the item(s) to the Information Desk, and fill out a separate paper reserve form for each course (forms available at the Information Desk.) Please note that although we are very careful with all Reserve materials, we are not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft.

If I have materials for several different courses, how will students know which course the item is for?

Each course will have its own page in the library catalog with a list of materials for that course. Also, we can list the same item for more than one course.

How long will it take to get materials on reserve?

We process reserve requests usually within three business days after receiving them. However, at the start of a semester, there can be a sudden flood of requests, which may cause delays. Please submit reserve requests at least two weeks before the start of your course.

How will students find the reserve materials for my courses?

Your course will have its own page in the library catalog that students can access from the main screen of the Lamson Library web page. Follow this path to the reserves page:

Once the materials are processed, the library catalog record will have the information students need to request the item. You can save trouble and confusion for your students by giving them the “location” number to ask for when they come to the Help Desk, but we can also help them find the number too.

Faculty Ready to Place Request?

Forms

Electronic Reserve
For reserves that will be digital, most likely destined for Canvas. (Opens in Google Forms)
Physical Reserve
For reserves in physical form. These will be available at the library's circulation desk.

Are You a Student Looking for Reserves?

If you are a student searching for course reserves, please go here.