This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
UVic Libraries

Course reserves

Course reserves, also called “course readings," are learning materials chosen by instructors. They can include books, articles, websites, videos, and more.

Students and instructors can both access the online Course Reserves platform through Brightspace. To view any other active reading lists in Brightspace, click the Lists tab.

We can also place required textbooks (from the library or private copies) on the course reserves shelves if needed.

Build reading lists

Instructors can access the Course Reserves platform through Brightspace. Use this platform to build and update reading lists for students.

Consult the Course Reserves Reading Lists guide for instructions on how to create and manage reading lists. 

Course Reserves staff can also help you create and manage your reading lists.

Workshop for instructors

Request an online, hands-on workshop to learn how to use the Course Reserves platform. You will be able to create interactive reading lists that are accessible through Brightspace:

  • Create, edit, and roll over lists.
  • Add items from the library catalogue, web resources, and print materials.
  • Ensure that you're following UVic’s Fair Dealing Guidelines.

Bring your syllabus, and we can help you get started!

If you are interested in arranging a workshop, please email reserves@uvic.ca.

Support for reading lists

If you would like help creating or updating your reading lists, email reserves@uvic.ca. Include the following information:

  • instructor name
  • instructor email
  • course number and section
  • term(s)
  • loan period
  • item details (author, title, publication date, publisher, call number)

Processing times

To make sure your reading lists are ready by the start of the semester, please submit them by the following dates:

  • Summer semester (May–August): April 1.
  • Fall semester (September–December): August 15.
  • Spring semester (January–April): December 1.

We will process requests in the order we receive them.

It can take 2 weeks to process requests we receive at the beginning of the semester. We will prioritize the readings for the first 3–4 weeks.

Print reserves

We will only place a physical item on course reserve if it is a required reading for the course. If an ebook for the title is available, we will include a link in the reading list instead.

If you only need 10 per cent or 1 chapter of the title, we may be able to create an accessible PDF, where possible. We can upload the PDF to the reading list.

Fair dealing

All course reading lists must follow UVic’s Fair Dealing Guidelines.

Here is how to follow the guidelines, depending on the original format of the content:

Online resources

  • Create a permanent link for ebooks and journals the library subscribes to.
  • Link to open access resources online.

Physical resources

  • Place personal copies (of textbooks, journals, etc.) on print reserve.
  • Upload a PDF of an article or book excerpt (make sure you’re within the limits of fair dealing).

Learn more about Fair Dealing and course reserves.

Note: Sometimes, you may want to assign readings that exceed the Fair Dealing Guidelines. In this case, the UVic Bookstore may be able to create a coursepack with your course readings. The bookstore can sell these to students. Coursepacks and complimentary/desk copies of textbooks provided by publishers cannot be placed on course reserves.

Information for students

Textbooks & course readings: information for students

Contact

Do you have any questions? Have you found issues with the Course Reserves platform? Please visit our troubleshooting guide or contact us at reserves@uvic.ca.