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Subject Librarians' Guide

A Guide to the processes and tasks undertaken by Subject Librarians

Why do we check the resource lists?

Image of a smartphone screen showing shelves of books. Phone is held above a print book

Source - Pikaby.com  CC0

Reading list checking is a time-consuming task. It is helpful to know why we undertake this process.

  • To ensure that students are aware of the reading requirements of their modules
  • To ensure that these reading resources are available to students in a number of ways. Not all resources will be available in all these ways, but there will normally be a number of access possibilities, such as,
    • Available as eResources via the university
    • Available openly on the internet (Open Access and legally available)
    • Available as copyright compliant scans through the Virtual Learning Environment / CLA Digital Content Store
    • Available as print copies in Academic Partner Libraries
    • Easily and relatively cheaply available to purchase by students (if wished)
  • In order to provide our students with access to a cross-partnership, joined-up library resource service, it is important to ensure
    • The eResources manager is aware of eResources that require to be purchased.
    • The lead academic partner library and any offering partners' libraries are aware of titles on lists and can make decisions on purchase and stock levels, including awareness of existing or on order eResources to inform their purchasing.
  • To provide supporting evidence to the approval or reapproval panel on the suitability of the lists.
  • To provide a structure for the iterative process between Module Leader and the Subject Network Librarian.

What do the Subject Network Librarians need to do?

For each Book Title on the list:-

Further Actions needed

Checklist for Module Reading List:-

  1. Reading List Software - List created and any existing links in place
  2. eBook and eResource requests in SharePoint form for the eResources Manager
  3. Sign Off sheet completed     (This is still a work in progress)
  4. Signoff sheet (with URL of Reading List) to Faculty Officer
  5. Signoff sheet (with URL of Reading List) to Module Leader
  6. Advise relevant (or all) Academic Partner librarians of lists and Sign off sheet location once approved.
  7. Check with lead partner that print copies will be purchased where no eBook exists or is on order
  8. Revisit the list in 2 months to check that all copies and links are in place