It is important reading lists are submitted to the library in advance of teaching to allow the library time to review your list and ensure resources are readily available to your students.
CAMPUS TAUGHT MODULES
Autumn term: Please submit your list for review by the end of June
Spring term: Please submit your list for review by the end of November
ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) MODULES
You will be contacted by the Library 4 weeks before the module starts (we estimate that; D3 12/12/25, D4 09/03/26, D5 11/04/26, D6 06/06/206)
Step 1: Finding your reading list
Step 2: Install Add To Reading List tool
Step 3: Adding content to your list
For Campus taught modules existing lists will be associated with the module on Canvas, to access the list please use the Reading List Tab on the side menu on your module Canvas
For Online Distance Learning (ODL) modules, prior the start of teaching tutors can find the reading list associated with the Parent module on Canvas, to access the list please use the Reading List Tab on the side menu on your Canvas page for the parent module. Once the module launches the same reading list will be automatically associated with the published module students access.
If you can't see the Reading List Tab, the following video shows how to find it (e.g. go to settings).
If no list exists for your module you will be presented with an option to create a list and this will automatically associate the list with your module on Canvas
If there is a list associated with your module on Canvas but you would like to archive this and start a new list for that module or if you need any further support, please email: readinglists.lib@sussex.ac.uk
You can install and use the bookmarking tool, this can be used to add items to your list that are not on the catalogue.
When in the reading lists system click on your initials in the top left corner. Choose the add to reading list option. This will open a pop up where you can see the bookmarking tool which is called "ADD TO READING LIST". Drag this into your bookmark bar on your browser.
When you are in your reading list you can add any existing items directly via Library Search. Most important is to include the ‘essential’ resources all students are required to read in preparation for lectures and seminars.
We recommend week by week - or topic by topic - sections, with clearly marked 'Essential' and 'Recommended' sub-sections. If it's a new module, you can create a weekly template above. We have statistical evidence that concise lists get the most usage. We recommend 150 items max
Not in stock
It's not necessary to contact the library directly to request each new purchase for your module. Add any new content not currently in stock which you would like purchased for the module from the publisher's website or Amazon so that we have the details of the book and we will purchase as part of the review process.
Requesting a digitisation
To request a digitisation, add the book and chapter information to the reading list and include information in teh library discussion on the item, when the library reviews the list we will digitise the chapter or purchase an ebook (if available).
N.B.: The library can digitise material under the terms of the CLA Scanning Licence. The licensing is complex but means that we are usually able to reproduce either:
If an item is not on the library catalogue then you can add it from a webpage by using the bookmarking tool which is called "Add to reading list" on your browser (please see the box for instructions on how to add this) or you can manually create the an entry. The first video shows how to use the button to add items to your list. Doing it this way will automatically bring across metadata from the webpage you are viewing. When the list is sent to review the library will make all relevant checks, updates and purchases as necessary.
The second video shows how to manually add an item that is not on the library catalogue. This is similar to using the "Add to reading list" button but requires you to manually enter all the data for the item.
For Campus Taught modules, to ensure that your students have all the resources they need for their module, you'll need to Request a Review. It is essential that we receive your reading list for review every semester, even if there are no changes from the previous year. The reading list team will work to ensure that your essential readings are available online.
For Online Distance Learning (ODL) modules, there is not a need to send to review as the library staff will work with you to review the list and publish it.
If you add new items to your list after it has been sent to review please follow the process above again so the new items are picked up as a new review.
EBooks
Please note not all titles are offered as eBooks by publishers, once we have review your list, we'll include a list of any titles which we can't make available electronically and will then work with you to take appropriate action.
When a new list is created it will initially be set as "draft" which means it will not be publicly visible. You will need to publish your list to make it accessible. Click the Publish button to do this.
Training
We are more than happy to arrange a remote 1-to-1 training session over Microsoft Teams or in person. Please email readinglists.lib@sussex.ac.uk with times and dates that suit to request.
Remote departmental sessions or drop-in clinics can be arranged on request. Please email readinglists.lib@sussex.ac.uk.
In 2026 we will are planning to host Group Training sessions online and in the Library.