Linking Library Resources from Blackboard
Why include library resources in Blackboard?
Your students already use Blackboard to access syllabi, assignments, etc. By adding a library resources section to your Blackboard site, you make it easier for students to also access library databases, journal articles, and other library resources you expect them to use in their assignments and research. Mason libraries offers a variety of online resources such as course-specific guides, research guides, and instructional materials that can be linked to from Blackboard.
You can also work with a subject librarian to create a library resources section in Blackboard or a course-specific guide that can then be embedded in Blackboard or linked to from elsewhere on the web.
A library resources page in Blackboard might include, for example, a link to E-Reserves, a link to the main Libraries web site, and contact information for your department's liaison librarian.
How to link library resources to Blackboard
Follow these instructions to set up library resources section in your Blackboard course.
Step 1: Enter "Build" view. Click on "Course Content" and select "Create Folder."
Choose a name for the folder (here, we chose Library Resources), and click save.
Step 2: Once you've created a folder, click the drop-down button to the right of the folder link. Select "Go to Folder."
Step 3: Once you're in the folder, click "Add Content Link," choose "Web Link," and then "Create Web Link."
You can create a link to any page of the libraries' web site; some suggestions are listed below.
- To link to a specific course guide or subject guide, go to infoguides.gmu.edu. For subject guides, go to Browse by Subject to find a guide relevant for your course. For course guides, click on "Course Sources" and search for your course.
- To link to online tutorials, go to library.gmu.edu/education/students/tutorials.html and select the tutorial that fits your students' needs.
Once you've chosen a link, give it a title and enter the web address. Do not select "Open in a new browser window" unless you want users to be directed outside of the Blackboard site. Click Save.
Suggested resources to link to
| Mason LIbraries Web Site | library.gmu.edu |
|---|---|
| E-Reserves | http://furbo.gmu.edu/cgi-bin/ers/OSCRgen.cgi |
| Course Reserves (print) | http://magik.gmu.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=rbSearch |
| InfoGuides (Subject-Basded Research Guides & Course Pages | http://infoguides.gmu.edu/ |
| Research Portals | http://library.gmu.edu/portals.html |
| Ask A Librarian | http://library.gmu.edu/mudge/IM/IMRef.html |
| Tutorials | http://library.gmu.edu/education/students/tutorials.html |
For more assistance with linking library resources in Blackboard, contact Educational Services at edserv@gmu.edu.
*Based on Linking Library Resources to Blackboard from Arizona State University Libraries