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Subject Librarians' Guide

A Guide to the processes and tasks undertaken by Subject Librarians

Resource Lists - Advice to MLs on Making up a List

Approval and Sign off 

All degree and taught postgraduate level modules at the university go through an approval process, which includes the 'sign-off' on the modules' Resource Lists. This is done as a collaboration between the module Leader and the relevant Subject Librarian. 

​​​Module Resource Lists - Key points for academic staff creating or amending a list 

  • Supporting student learning: Keep lists clear and focused with up to 3 core texts and up to 20 recommended items, so students can easily identify what is most important. You may add unlimited “additional reading” provided these resources are freely available online, open access, or already part of UHI subscriptions.

  • Variety of resources: Use a mix of formats including books, chapters, journal articles, websites, databases, videos, and other digital resources to support different learning styles and needs.

  • Equitable access:

    • Prioritise eBooks wherever possible to ensure that all students, including those studying online or overseas, have reliable access.
    • Where eBooks are not available, please consider alternatives or adding digitised chapters/extracts (within copyright limits) so students can still engage with essential content
    • Include open access materials where appropriate, as these can be accessed freely by all students without barriers.

  • Print materials: Avoid relying heavily on print-only resources, as these can disadvantage students who are not on campus. Similarly, avoid out of print items as these can be difficult for students and the partner libraries to source.

  • Currency and relevance: Use the latest edition of a text unless an earlier one is more relevant to your teaching.

  • Library support: Work with your Subject Librarian early in the process. They can help you identify the best formats for student access, advise on digitisation options, and suggest suitable alternatives if material is unavailable.

  • Final checks: All new or amended lists must be reviewed and agreed with your Subject Librarian before they are shared with students, unless changes are covered by the "additional reading" exception.

  • Once completed, we recommend embedding your list in the VLE using the LTI integration. 

Instructions for Talis list creation can be found in the Module Resource List guide.

 

Advice to Module Leaders on finding existing resource lists

Finding your Resource Lists  

Resource Lists are searchable on Talis Aspire  by any of the following

  • Module Code
  • Title
  • Word in title

To find your lists, go to the front page Talis Aspire and start typing your search term in the search box. . Simply click the link of your chosen module to start accessing your reading.

Each list has a unique and stable URL, which can be given to students and embedded in teaching materials, including in Brightspace.