Course Reserves - Rush University

How the Electronic Reserves System works

The Library Access Services department creates structured lists of library catalog links to articles and electronic book chapters within our subscriptions; within the bounds of copyright compliance, PDF scans may also be hosted on a case-by-case basis.

These lists are integrated directly into the Rush Library Resources tab in the matching Canvas course, which avoids the need for entering a separate password and creates a reading list directly in the Learning Management System. Each instructor who sets up Electronic Reserves for their course can also receive a password that students can use to access the Electronic Reserves outside of Canvas at the link at the end of this section (and from the Rush Library homepage).

Important policy notes: Electronic Reserves are not automatically reopened for future terms. The Access Services department keeps a version of each citation in the system for future use, but course faculty must contact the library each term in order to have active Course Reserves when the term begins. All copyright permissions are the responsibility of the course faculty.

Faculty guidelines for placing articles in the e-reserves system

• If the Library subscribes to the digital versions of the journal or book the reading is sourced from, we will provide a permalink that gives students access with their Rush Single Sign-On username and password. If the Library does not own or subscribe to the source, the faculty must provide a PDF or as clean a photocopy as possible for the library to scan into PDF format. The Library is not responsible for the quality of material scanned from photocopies provided by the instructor. 
   
• Course reserves requests must be received at least 1 week prior to the first day of class to guarantee the reading list will be fully built and integrated in time; every new entry is manually created and every link is checked individually each term. Citations can be split into folders by week, topic, or module; please note that unless you've specifically requested content be suppressed until a certain date, all content will be visible from the beginning of the term.
   
• Any and all documents stored in the Electronic Reserves database are protected under Copyright Laws of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governing the making of photocopies of copyrighted material. It is the instructor's responsibility to secure permission to use material if it is so needed. For more information about copyright and course reserves, please see the Practical Steps from our Copyright Resources guide.
   

• Please contact the Library Reserves staff at lib_reserves@rush.edu or by voicemail at (312) 942-2272 with any Reserves questions.

The Library Access Services department can reserve print books from our existing collection for short term loans when such texts are used as required reading for a course. Please note, it is our recent experience that these books are very rarely used. Personal copies owned by faculty members can be cataloged into this category.

When possible, the Library will also look into purchasing electronic access to missing sources of citations and may consider purchasing a print copy of texts that aren't available online. We are happy to accept departmental donations of required textbooks.

Faculty guidelines for placing books in the physical Course Reserves:

• To place a physical item on reserve, please fill out our Reserves Request form (bottom of page) or email lib_reserves@rush.edu. Incomplete forms may result in a delay in processing.
   
• If the Library of Rush University Medical Center does not own a requested item, it may take up to 3 weeks to acquire it and prepare it for student access.
   
• Books from the collection placed on short term loan for Reserves will remain on reserve for the duration of the term. Books may not be placed on Reserve indefinitely and will require a new request each term.
   
• The Library of Rush University Medical Center cannot guarantee faculty personal copies against theft or damage, and they will be subject to standard library processing requirements. The disclaimer form (bottom of page) must be completed to add a personal copy to the Library Reserves.

Please contact the Library Reserves staff at lib_reserves@rush.edu or by voicemail at (312) 942-2272 with any Reserves questions.

Many frequently asked questions about e-reserves are answered on the library's FAQ and help topic page. Have questions or need assistance? Fill out the library's Ask a Question form. 

To place library-owned materials on reserve, please complete the online form below.

To place personal materials on reserve, bring the item(s) and a completed Reserve Personal Material Disclaimer Form to the Library Services Desk.