Submit a Reading and Key Texts list

I’ve created a resource list on EARL. What happens next?

If you are using the resource list software (EARL) in Yorkshare, you do not need to send your list to the Library. The system automatically notifies the Library’s Orders Team about items that are not in stock. We will order them and create the links in the lists when the item is available. Library staff will also action your Key Texts instructions from your EARL list.

Please contact Sue Elphinstone with any queries relating to resource lists in EARL.

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I’m not using EARL yet. Who should I send my reading lists to?

Firstly, please complete a Resource list form for each reading list, in order to provide contextual information for the Library. Save the completed form as an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file.

Email your Resource list form with your reading list or module guide to the Library Orders Team, or post printed copies of the completed form and your list to the Orders Team at the JB Morrell Library.

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When does the Library need my reading lists?

The Library sends an email reminder to all departments each term to announce the date by which we need to receive next term's paper reading lists (EARL list owners see above). Please observe the deadline to help us deliver materials for students when they are needed.

2011-12 Deadlines
For autumn term reading lists Friday 12 August 2011
For spring term reading lists Friday 18 November 2011
For summer term reading lists Friday 9 March 2012

Library staff need sufficient time to purchase new titles or additional copies: at least six weeks for British books and two months for books from other countries.

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What can I put in the Key Texts collection?

The Key Texts collection is designed to maximise student access to items which are in particularly heavy demand, i.e. essential reading only. It is especially useful when a large number of students need to read the same publication in a short space of time.

Course packs may be a suitable alternative to Key Texts in some circumstances.

Key Texts can be borrowed from the Library for short periods; the advance booking system enables students to plan their work and ensure that material is available when they need it. Students can identify and book Key Texts by searching the Library catalogue for the author/title of the book, or their module title/lecturer’s name.

Our Key Texts web page gives more information about using the collection.

  • Key Texts comprise books or photocopies from the main Library collection which are identified as essential on reading lists and module guides. We will order any recommendations from your reading lists which are not in stock.
  • Transferring material to the Key Texts collection takes time, as Library staff are likely to be processing large amounts of stock simultaneously, and it may be necessary to recall books from borrowers. Please be aware of the Library’s deadline for receipt of reading lists each term.
  • Publications cannot be retained in the Key Texts collection indefinitely, as space is limited and demand is likely to fluctuate over the academic year. When you send Key Texts recommendations to the Library, please provide a release date (for example, the date on which assessed work must be submitted at the end of a module, or the date of the exam).
  • Key Texts recommendations are accepted only for modules with seven or more students. Space and staff resources are limited and we try to focus the collection on resources which will be used by many students in a short space of time.
  • If the Library cannot obtain a book you wish to use for teaching, we may accept a loan of your own copy. Please contact your Academic Liaison Librarian or Key Texts staff to discuss your requirements. Be aware, however, that personal copies may be heavily used and therefore may not be returned in their original condition.

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Key Texts borrowing statistics

To help you decide what to put into Key Texts you can look at termly Key Texts borrowing statistics reports.

The reports show how often items on a course have been borrowed while in Key Texts. If the column for the number of loans is blank the item was not borrowed.

Note that the statistics do not give the full use picture as all Key Texts items may be consulted or photocopied in the Key Texts area without being borrowed.

Reports are available for two years.

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How do I use the Photocopy collection?

The Photocopy Collection contains articles or chapters, mostly from journals or books not held by the Library, or those which are expected to be used heavily and for which extra copies may be needed.

Photocopies are 3-day loans and can be renewed.

If teaching staff want to recommend students to read articles not held by the Library, we will add them to the collection.

  • We can photocopy one article from any one issue of a journal already held by the Library, or
  • We can order a copy through our Interlending and Document Supply Service

Important

  • We can not accept photocopies made for your own research or from your own copy of a journal
  • Copying must comply with the provisions of copyright legislation. The University pays a fee to the Copyright Licensing Agency to allow the Library to hold this collection
  • Please give us enough time (at least three weeks) to add photocopies to the collection

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How can I use course packs?

Course packs are organised collections of photocopies of readings for a particular course. They are an alternative to Key Texts in providing access to heavily used readings.

The University's licence with the Copyright Licensing Agency allows multiple copying for course packs where the University Library holds a copy of the material required.

If the Library does not own a copy of the original publication we have to get a copyright fee-paid copy from the British Library (BLDSC) or another licensed document supplier.

Course packs (notes for course convenors) provides more information about using course packs.

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I have further questions about Library resources and services to support my teaching

Please contact the Academic Liaison Librarian for your department.