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Reading Lists: Information for Instructors

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We recommend accessing Leganto via Brightspace - but you can also log in using this link https://www.ul.ie/library/readinglists

A Faculty Perspective of Leganto

How to Build or Update Your Reading List

Faculty can use this guide to update or build a module reading list. 

If you prefer, send your list of recommended readings to the library by email, in Word or PDF format, and include

  • The names of any instructor or collaborators on the module
  • The module code and when it will run i.e. Autumn Semester, Spring Semester, or Summer
  • The number of students taking the module
  • The essential items that are must-haves for your students

Your list will be checked by library staff and connected to existing library holdings. Where none of the essential items are available electronically, the Library will endeavour to acquire these through purchase or digitisation, subject to budgetary and copyright considerations.

Reading lists for Semester 1 2024/2025 lists are now available. Reading lists from previous years have 'rolled forward' and are visible via your Brightspace site. If your list is not visible please notify the library libinfo@ul.ie 

Essential Requirements

1. Reading lists must be associated with an active and relevant module code.

2. Select  'My List Is Ready' when you have finished building or editing a reading list. This ensures that library staff can review and action administrative work on the reading list.

3. Use the 'essential reading' tag to request the library to order resources. A maximum of three items may be tagged each year. Please order as early as possible to allow time to source, order and receive the material before the semester commences.

4. When tagging material to scan a chapter or article, use the 'source for module' tag.  A maximum of three may be tagged while adhering to copyright rules.

 

Library Tips for Creating Reading Lists

Every lecturer will have a particular style of teaching and method of sharing information with students in their modules.

The following guidelines are informed by the experience of library staff building reading lists since 2018.

We have seen examples of varying lengths and layouts of lists, and we'd love to hear from you about what works for you: 

1. Use the module name and code in the title of your reading list to confirm to students that they are 'in the right place'.

2. Include a brief description in the box located in the opening section to explain the purpose of the reading list and set your expectations of your students.

3. Align course materials and required readings with the learning objectives of the module.

4. Provide students with recommendations for current and up-to-date sources.

5. Use a variety of content where possible including articles, textbooks, videos, and reference materials.

6. Ensure the content is accessible to all learners and learning styles.

7. Organise reading lists into sections you deem appropriate for your module e.g. weekly reading, by theme, or by relevance to assignments

8. Label consistently, and include notes/ tags where appropriate e.g. essential reading, recommended reading, prime, and supplementary.

9. Please allow sufficient time for the library to acquire new material for your reading list - 4 to 6 weeks in advance of teaching is ideal.

10. Reading lists with an abundance of course materials can serve as a comprehensive bibliography but may prove overwhelming for some students. (Brewerton, 2014 https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2013.864688).