Course Reserves
The Libraries support UH faculty by providing tools to place physical and electronic materials on course reserves through Canvas.
Instructors can create and manage reading lists, use the library search or a browser plug-in to add materials, request digitized book chapters, and request library purchases as needed. Instructors using the Course Reserves program should read all Course Reserve policies and be familiar with copyright and fair use for Reserves. For detailed information on creating and managing reading lists and materials for Course Reserves, please see the Course Reserves Instructor Guide.
Students can access electronic course reserves through Canvas or check out physical course reserves at the service desk of the corresponding library.
The Libraries have recently transitioned to a new system that offers enhanced functionality and an improved experience for both instructors and students. The updated system makes it easier to for instructors to manage course materials, improves student access, and streamlines workflows. On this new platform:
- Instructors can create dynamic lists of citations from a range of sources—print or electronic Library resources, streaming video, websites, journals, and even add resources to reading lists while searching the Libraries, browsing the web (via a browser plug-in), or directly from Canvas
- Library subscriptions are fully leveraged to enhance learning affordability
- Students have direct access to articles from reading lists. No broken links!
- An optional AI Syllabus tool is available for instructors to generate reading lists
- Instructors can submit digitization requests, purchase requests, and exchange messages with Libraries staff directly from within the system
One of the biggest improvements is that Course Reserves is now fully integrated into Canvas and designed as a self-service tool. Rather than submitting lists and materials to the Libraries, instructors can now add, update, and organize course resources directly within Canvas. This provides more flexibility, faster turnaround, and full control over reading lists—while the Libraries continue to support access, licensing, and troubleshooting behind the scenes.
Accessing Course Reserves
Instructors and students can access course reserves through Canvas:
- Log in to Canvas (for login issues, contact Canvas for help)
- Select the course you would like to view. For faculty, select the course (Published or Unpublished) you wish to add Course Reserves to.
- From the left menu bar, select “Course Reserves.”
- The Course Reserves interface will be displayed. Students can now view materials from readings lists, and faculty can create or manage reading lists.
Students: Checking out physical Course Reserves materials
Physical materials (books, printed items) from your course can be checked out at the service desk of the appropriate library location. Please confirm service desk hours before checking out any physical items.
- To request the item at the service desk, please have the item title, course number, or the instructor’s name
- Most reserve items must stay in the library and check out for 3 hours and have $1/hour overdue fines
- Reserves that may leave the library check out for 2 days, depending on the item, and $3/day overdue fines
- There are no renewals on reserve items
- Scans or copies of a reserve item can be made using scanners and photocopiers. Please observe copyright law when making copies or scans of reserves items.
Questions?
For UH faculty looking for assistance with Course Reserves, please see the additional resources below. For other inquiries or support, please email [email protected] or call 713-743-2753.
Course reserves inquiries are processed in the order in which they are received.
Additional resources: