A Smarter Way to Share Course Materials: UD Library Introduces Reading Lists Pilot

New Leganto-powered service gives faculty greater control over course content while helping students access materials more easily and affordably.

Every instructor knows the challenge: creating a course that inspires learning while ensuring students can access the right materials at the right time. Whether it is a journal article, a book chapter, a primary source, a multimedia resource or an open educational resource, connecting students with course content should be simple, seamless and equitable.

Beginning this fall, the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press will pilot a new service designed to make that process easier: Reading Lists, powered by Leganto.

Reading Lists will provide UD faculty members with a centralized way to curate, manage and share course materials directly through Canvas. The service builds upon the Library’s existing Course Reserves model while providing instructors with more flexibility, greater control and a more integrated experience for students.

“Reading Lists will transform how instructors connect students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Loren Mindell, access services librarian. “By bringing course materials directly into Canvas and partnering with faculty throughout the process, the Library can help make learning materials more accessible, affordable and aligned with course goals.”

A more seamless experience for students

With Reading Lists, students will access course materials using their UD credentials, eliminating common barriers such as purchasing expensive materials, navigating multiple websites or waiting for physical resources to become available.

Faculty members can select the readings and resources they want students to engage with, while the Library helps ensure those materials are available in ways that support student learning.

Reading Lists allow instructors to:

• Add materials directly from the Library’s catalog, DELCAT.
• Upload course files and documents.
• Link to external resources.
• Organize readings within Canvas course modules.
• Control when students can access course materials.

For students, this means fewer obstacles to accessing the resources their instructors have carefully selected to support course learning outcomes.

Faculty control with Library support

While Reading Lists gives instructors more ownership over their course materials, faculty members do not have to navigate the process alone. Library experts will be available to assist with creating reading lists, identifying resources, locating materials and ensuring uploaded content meets accessibility standards for students using assistive technology.

“Faculty remain at the center of this process,” said Mindell. “Reading Lists provides the tools, and the Library provides the expertise and support.”

Help shape the future of course materials at UD

Although Reading Lists will launch university-wide in spring 2027, the Library is seeking a small group of faculty members to participate in a fall 2026 pilot. Pilot participants will have the opportunity to explore the service early, provide feedback and help shape how Reading Lists can best support teaching and learning across UD.

Faculty members interested in participating in the pilot or learning more about Reading Lists are encouraged to contact Access Services Librarian Loren Mindell at lmindell@udel.edu.

To learn more about Reading Lists and how it can support your courses, watch the introductory video, Meet Leganto.