For instructors: put material on reserve

Canvas Reading List

Course reserves can be managed through the Canvas Reading List Tool. 

Please note: As of Fall 2024, the Reading List tool has a new User Interface (UI)! It functions in the same way, but the interface has been improved and will look a bit different, which should make it more intuitive and easier to use. Please contact us if you need any assistance. You can also find updated step-by-step instructions below.

The Canvas Reading List Tool:

  • Allows you to search the library catalog within Canvas, where you can add books and electronic resources to your Reading List with the click of a button.
  • Automatically notifies the library when a physical item is added to your list and needs to be pulled and placed in the reserves section.
  • Can be quickly accessed by students, who see all materials in one place, and can mark items as read to keep track of their progress.

Need help getting started? Follow our step-by-step instructions or watch our video tutorial. Use the detailed guide to Canvas Reading Lists to find more information or contact us if you have a question—we’re happy to help!

No-cost course materials

You can also add links to no-cost course materials and open educational resources to the Reading List. Tisch offers a variety of services to support using no-cost course materials, including:

  • assisting in locating materials that are free for students to use
  • providing financial support for the time required to create or incorporate no-cost material into a syllabus
  • visiting your department or hosting a workshop to talk about using & creating these materials

Find out more about our services or submit our contact form to get in touch.

New this year, we are proactively acquiring textbooks listed at the Tufts bookstore when available in ebook format. If you'd like assistance in determining if the library has or can purchase an unlimited user eBook copy of a text so that your class can access it at no cost, get in touch with your liaison librarian.

Films and streaming video

See our streaming media FAQ.

To request streaming video for your Canvas course site, submit up to five titles per course using our request form or email us at: tischstreamingmedia@tufts.edu.

If a streaming version is not available, we can place a DVD copy on reserve for your course, or you can schedule an in-person screening. Please reach out to us with any questions.

Requests or assistance

If you need more help or would like an in-person demonstration of the Canvas Reading List tool, please contact:

For assistance with your Canvas site, contact canvas@tufts.edu.

How to use the Canvas Reading List tool