Course Materials Overview
Course Materials (also known as Course Reserves) allows instructors to make library books, articles, videos, and other resources available to students enrolled in their Rice University courses. Materials can be accessed digitally through Canvas or physically at the Fondren Library Service Desk.
For Students
To access Course Reserves materials, log in to Canvas, select your course, and click Resource List to view your required and recommended course materials.
You can also search for Course Reserves items through Fondren Library's OneSearch by going to Advanced Search, selecting Course Reserves, and searching by instructor, course number, or course name.
Please note that OneSearch will not include PDFs, YouTube videos, or other materials added directly by your instructor. Always check Canvas for the most complete view of your course materials.
For Faculty
Build and manage your course reading lists in Canvas using Leganto, Fondren's reading list tool. Getting started guides are available for:
Course materials are placed on reserve at the request of an instructor or their designated proxy. Students may also request items for courses where an instructor hasn't yet set up reserves.
Video Streaming & Digitization
Fondren offers many Streaming Video Resources that can be linked directly in Canvas. To request digitization or additional streaming options, complete the form on the Rice University OIT Video Streaming page or contact your subject librarian.
- Only lawfully made copies owned by the instructor or Fondren Library may be digitized.
- Accepted formats: Blu-ray, DVD, VHS. ILL and rental materials cannot be digitized.
- Source materials are digitized at up to 4K resolution, depending on the condition and format of the original media.
- Disclaimer from TSS, which processes video digitization: All English-language videos will now be digitized with subtitles by default to support accessibility, English language learners, and content retention. If you need a version without subtitles, please specify this in your request.
- Fondren media may be checked out or renewed online while digitization is in progress.
Policies
Copyright
Copyright law limits what can be digitized for course use. Electronic items (PDFs, videos, etc.) will not be made available until rights are legally secured, and rights must be renewed each semester. For guidance, see the Copyright and Fair Use LibGuide, OIT's Digital Copyright Compliance page, and Rice's Copyright Policy. Contact Course Reserves early in the semester if any materials may need clearance review.
Timelines
Submit requests at least two weeks before the semester begins for timely processing. Mid-semester requests are typically available within two to four business days (Monday–Friday). Video digitization requests require at least four weeks; allow additional time at the start of the semester.
Digital Access
Electronic resources are strongly preferred. E-books, CDL copies, and other digital items take priority, in keeping with Rice University Policy 501 and Fondren's commitment to equitable access.
If you need a single item put into an accessible format, please submit a Digital Accessibility Request.
If you are requesting that all materials for a course be remediated, please contact the Fondren Library Service Desk at 713-348-4021 or flsd@rice.edu so we can coordinate with Student Disability Services.
Controlled Digital Lending (CDL)
If a title isn't available digitally, we'll work with librarians to explore purchasing or acquiring one. If no digital version is obtainable:
- If 10% or less of a book is needed, we can scan those pages directly.
- If more than 10% is needed, we scan the full book via CDL — students may access it online for two-hour periods, similar to a physical reserve checkout. The physical copy will be unavailable during the semester.
- All scans are produced in OCR format for accessibility.
- If an item cannot be scanned due to copyright restrictions, a physical copy will be placed on reserve at the Service Desk (typically a two-hour loan).
Contact Us
For general questions, email reserves@rice.edu or call (713) 348-4021.
Heidi Vieira, Course Reserves Supervisor: hjv1@rice.edu | (713) 348-8895