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Information for UCL students on how to find and use your reading lists.
In brief
Access your reading lists via a direct link from the relevant Moodle course using the 'Library Resources' block.
Alternatively, use the reading list 'Search' to search by course code, title or lecturer name. 'Sign in' (top right) first to ensure you see all the lists.
Using your reading lists
If you haven't already, 'Sign in' using the link at the top right of the page. Readings are ordered as your lecturer has chosen - by week or topic etc. Use the 'Table of contents' to see all the sections at a glance. You can sort the list by 'type' e.g. group together articles, chapters, websites etc. using the top right hand button 'Group by'. The title of each reading is blue and underlined, click on this to see further information:
- Full details of the reading and its source
- A live link to the library catalogue for that item
- Where available, links to the full text reading
You can also keep your own notes for each reading using 'Add Note' and the 'Read Status' radio buttons.
The 'Add Note' facility allows you to make your own notes against each entry on the reading list. Your notes are visible only to you.
Using the 'Read Status' button will help you organise your reading by allowing you to keep track of where you are with your reading lists and to plan so you can make sure you have read everything you need to for your lecture or seminar. It also saves time as you can mark up those items you are definitely not going to read, perhaps because you do not wish to do in-depth background reading on a particular aspect of a topic as it is peripheral to your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a list for my course?
- Try going via Moodle: there should be a link from each Moodle course to its associated reading list
- If using the reading lists 'search' box, first sign in! Some lists are not visible until you have signed in
- You can search for a list by course code, title, or lecturer name: try more than one search and check you have the right course code / title information
- If you don't find a list it is possible your lecturer has not set one up: ask them in the first instance. Not all lecturers will choose to have a list here
- If your lecturer thinks there should be a list then please e-mail readinglists@ucl.ac.uk with the course code and lecturer's name - and your email address so we can reply to you.
- What does the note 'Digitised reading' mean?
Some key readings are digitised by the library using copyright licences, and added to your online reading list. If you see the note 'Digitised reading', click on the (blue, underlined) title to see the full record, then click on the 'weblink' to see the pdf. If you are off campus you may need to log in with your UCL ID.
- What does the note 'e-journal' or 'e-book' mean?
This alerts you to the full text article or electronic book being available for that particular reading. Click on the title of the article to see the full record and links to the full text. If you are off campus you may be prompted to log in with your UCL ID.
- Why do some e-journals / pdfs not work off campus?
From off-campus, e-resources will not always recognise you as a member of UCL. The easiest way around this is to access Desktop@UCL Anywhere which mimics on-site access.
You could also use the 'findit@UCL' button, instead of the web link. This takes you via UCL library which will recognise you and allow you in. You may be asked to sign in using your UCL ID.
If this doesn't help, please use the 'Feedback' button at the top of the screen, or email details of the problem to readinglists@ucl.ac.uk.
- The list is very long: how can I jump to Term 2 without scrolling all the way down?
Beneath the list title is a 'Table of contents': click the blue 'show' link to reveal each section of the list. Click on any section title to jump straight to it.
- What is the 'Teaching Collection'?
These are paper chapters or articles available for 3-hour loan in some libraries, which have been copied under UCL's CLA licence.
The shelfmark indicates which library it is held in ('Science' 'Main' etc.) and the four-digit number that follows is its unique number. Teaching Collections are either located beind the issue desk in the library, or in the Short Loan Collection (SLC) where you can use a self-issue machine to borrow the item. Staff in all libraries are happy to help you find your readings!
- How do I set up an RSS feed?
Set up an RSS feed to recieve a notification when changes are made to a reading list you use. Alerts can arrive in an email inbox or via a browser toolbar button.
Go to ReadingLists @ UCL and search for your list by module code or title (or 'Browse hierarchy' to see all lists in your department). Once in the chosen reading list click 'Recent changes' (grey button below the title); then 'Subscribe to RSS feed'. Select from the drop-down box where to recieve your notifications then click 'Subscribe now'.
- Where can I report a problem?
If there is a technical problem with your reading list, please email: readinglists@ucl.ac.uk or use the 'Feedback' button at the top of the reading list.
Please note that the content of the list is designed by your lecturer so do check with them for queries about the choice of readings, or clarification on the notes.