Library Assist: Answers

Please note:

• Many issues with reading lists can be caused by your internet browser. If your list does not open properly but there isn't a specific error message:

  • Try refreshing the page - press F5 on windows, Command + R on mac
  • Log out of Canvas and back in again
  • Try a different internet browser, for example if you are using Edge or Safari then try Firefox or Chrome instead

• Reading lists are usually ONLY associated with a specific module code for an academic year/semester. Module codes are indicated by the letters and digits on your Canvas module e.g. 4HS006

• Reading lists can only be accessed by students who have enrolled on the module in e:Vision

• Module Leaders have to publish the Canvas course, which may only happen near to the start of teaching

• The images in this FAQ are all from web Canvas. If you use the app, the wording will be the same but it will look different

An example of a typical module home page in Canvas is shown below with the 'Reading List' menu option highlighted.

If you are looking at a different section/area in Canvas, for example some text or a link that says it is going to open a reading list for you, then that is not the "official" list and it is likely you will encounter one of the problems explained in point 3 below.

If you can open the Canvas course for the module and see the option for 'Reading List' in the main Canvas menu - but cannot see the list itself after clicking on the link (as illustrated above) - there could be several reasons:

1. Server error/runtime error message. If you see this for all your reading lists it means there is a general problem with the way the lists are being integrated into Canvas. Please contact the Library asap and we will be able to investigate. In the meantime, it may be possible to see the recommended Books from your list by searching for your module code (e.g. 4HS006 or 6HR005) on the LibrarySearch catalogue. 

2. "Unknown user [your student number]". If you see this text, it means you do not have a Library account. If you only completed your enrolment today, the problem should resolve itself overnight. But if the error is persistent please contact the Library asap via Assist chat and we will be able to investigate the underlying cause. Please tell us the exact error message when you speak to us so that we know what to look for.

3. "This link is not currently available".

"No results found".

A login box that talks about 'leganto' that you can't login to. (students can't login to leganto directly)

If you see any of these, the first thing to check is whether you are clicking on the official 'Reading List' menu link as explained above. If not, then please locate it in Canvas and try opening the list that way. One thing to note here is that if you are in a 'Programme Course' on Canvas, i.e. it does NOT have an alphanumeric module code such as 4HS006 or 6HR005, then it is likely there is not supposed to be a list connected to it.

If you still cannot access the list, please contact the Library asap. It would be helpful if you are able to share specific details such as the error wording and the module code of the course you are in so we can start to investigate.

Other problems?

• If you see the list itself, but cannot access any 'View online' items on it, please see the linked FAQs for information on how these links usually work and how to login to Library resources.

• If you are trying to access an embedded link from a Canvas page or uploaded document that is not part of the official 'Reading List' menu, please contact the Library for help, or ask your Lecturer.