Teaching with the Library Resource Organizer

The ASU Library Resource Organizer (LRO) is a Canvas-integrated service that helps instructors organize and share course materials in a structured, accessible way. By connecting your Canvas course to library-supported resources, the LRO makes it easier for students to access readings and media while ensuring materials are properly licensed and accessible.

Why Consider Using the LRO?

The LRO helps simplify the process of assigning and sharing course materials while reducing the burden of managing licensing, access, and accessibility.

Faculty use the LRO to:

• Centralize course readings and media in one consistent location within Canvas
• Reduce textbook costs by leveraging library-licensed ebooks, articles, and streaming video
• Ensure materials are accessible with PDFs reviewed and remediated, and media captioned when required
• Avoid broken links mid-semester since Course Resource Services verifies and maintains resource access
• Stay aligned with copyright and licensing requirements
• Reuse curated resource lists from previous terms with minimal setup

For many courses, the LRO becomes the single place students go to access assigned readings and media.

Typical LRO Workflow

Using the LRO is straightforward and supported by the Course Resource Services (CRS) team.

At a high level:

1. Activate the LRO in Canvas and create or connect a list
2. Add your materials (books, articles, streaming video, web resources, or PDFs)
3. Click “My list is ready” to send your list to CRS for review

CRS will:

• Verify links and access
• Check licensing terms
• Investigate purchases or digitization if needed
• Review uploaded PDFs for copyright compliance and accessibility
• Confirm when your list is ready for students

Submitting your list early (ideally two weeks before the term begins) helps ensure everything is processed and ready for students on day one.

When Should I Use the LRO vs. Uploading Directly to Canvas?

In general, use the LRO when the material is published, licensed, or part of the ASU Library collection. Upload directly to Canvas when the material is your own or openly licensed.

Use the LRO when:

• Assigning books, book chapters, or journal articles
• Linking to library databases or ebooks
• Assigning streaming video that may require licensing
• Requesting digitization of excerpts
• You want the library to verify licensing and accessibility

The LRO ensures materials are properly licensed, accessible, and maintained throughout the semester.

Upload directly to Canvas when:

• Sharing your own slides, notes, or original documents
• Using open educational resources (OER) that you’ve created
• Posting course-specific materials that do not require licensing review

If you’re unsure which route to take, Course Resource Services is happy to advise before you finalize your materials.

Additional Resources

For detailed instructions and step-by-step guidance, refer to the official ASU Library Resource Organizer LibGuide:

• Adding the Resource Organizer Tool to a Canvas Course
• Creating a Reading List for the Course
• Managing the Link to the Course
• Adding Content to the Reading List
• Linking LRO Items Directly within Canvas
• Reusing an LRO / Rollover

Access the full guide here: https://libguides.asu.edu/resource-organizer

Course Resource Services (CRS)

For technical questions, list processing, licensing, digitization requests, or training:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 480-965-3159
• Website: https://lib.asu.edu/course-resources

CRS also offers consultations if you would like help building or reviewing your Resource Organizer before the semester begins.