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eReserves at Webster University Emerson Library

http://erserves.webster.edu

About eReserves

The eReserves system allows faculty to place reserve items on the web so the material is accessible to students 24 hours a day to view, download and print. Faculty who already use a web page can link it to an eReserves page which can serve as the central access point for all online reserve readings.

Advantages of eReserves include:

With the eReserves system faculty members have the opportunity to easily create a customized home page for their courses. The system accepts and displays documents in any format, including PDF, HTML, word processor files, spreadsheets, PowerPoint Presentations, and audio or video files. eReserves can be used in conjunction with course management software such as WebCT, Blackboard or Connections.

Examples of materials posted on eReserves include:

Potential uses of the eReserves system include:

The library's Electronic Reserves system, eReserves, was made possible through student technology fees.

Getting Started

An instructional video, Electronic Reserves for Students and Faculty, provides information on how to use eReserves. Additional help can be found under the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Instructions for Enabling Student Access

Students just need to know that your materials can be found on eReserves under your name and that "password" will be required for access. Students will need to have Adobe Reader, Powerpoint or Powerpoint Viewer, Word or Word Viewer installed on their computers depending on what types of files you have posted.

Instructions for Student Access to eReserves

Your instructor will give a course password. Instructions on how to look up the course is found at How do I? Find Reserve Materials.

You will need to have Adobe Reader, Powerpoint or Powerpoint Viewer, Word or Word Viewer or other plug-ins installed on your computers depending on what types of files your instructor as posted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my login information?

You can send an email requesting a new user I.D. and password by clicking Docutek ERes Manager at the very bottom of the Docutek Welcome page. You'll receive the new login information by email within 2 business day.

Is there a size-limit for articles?

Word and pdf documents should be 30 pages or less so that students with slower computer connections can more easily download the information. If the original document exceeds 30 pages, simply divide it into sets of 30 and label each posting part 1, part 2, etc. You can check the download time for each item by opening your course page, selecting the document tab, and clicking on the document title.

Is there a limit to the number of articles I can post?

You may post as many items as you like as long as Webster's Fair Use Policy is followed.

Will my students need a password to access my ERes materials?

Yes. Each of your course pages must be protected by a password to comply with copyright law. This password will allow students to view the items posted on your course page. Use of this password should be limited to students currently enrolled in your class. It is important to include this student password on your syllabus or otherwise make it clear to the students.

Can I change the password my students use? Is there a benefit to this?

You can change the student password by opening your course page, selecting the Page Management tab, and clicking Course Reserves page Settings. Under Step 2, click on the password box and type in the whatever student password you'd like.

Who is able to view my Ereserve course page?

Only those people to whom you've given the student password may view your Ereserve pages.

How do I post an article?

To upload a document to the Ereserves server, either fax it to the dedicated server or select it from the files on your computer.

You may fax clean, clear photocopies to a special Ereserves fax machine which will convert them to an electronic version. This can either be done by faxing the documents to the dedicated server, or by using the Docufax Direct feature. Fax Instructions:

Or Transfer files from your desktop, drive, or disk to the Ereserves server and upload them to your course page.

What's the fastest way to post materials ?

One may post hard copy materials almost immediately by faxing them to the Ereserve server, then uploading them to ones course page (see instructions above). Electronic files stored on ones desktop, drive, disk, etc, can also be uploaded and posted quickly.

If I don't have access to a scanner or fax machine, can the library post my materials?

Yes. Submit materials to Greg Kettinger's attention at Emerson Library. You may drop them off at the circulation desk, mail them to Emerson Library, Webster University, 470 E Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63119, or email electronic files to kettigre@webster.edu.

How should I submit materials to the library?

Clearly photocopied materials submitted with complete bibliographic information can be posted more rapidly than those missing pages or citation information. Photocopies of the original should be made:

  1. one page at a time in portrait format (please do not lay the book on its side and copy two pages at one time.)
  2. single-sided
  3. as clearly as possible, without black edges and excessive marginalia
  4. Following these recommendations will prevent significant delays in the posting of your items.

If I must submit my materials to the library to be posted, how soon will they be available for my students?

Requests to post Ereserve materials will usually be filled within 5 business days.

Can I add Internet links to my course page?

Yes. Adding a web link to your Ereserves page is a simple process:

  1. From the Page Management screen of your Ereserves course, click documents and copyright.
  2. At the document list box, select add document next to the green X.
  3. Click add a new document then type in the title of the article or website.
  4. Next, scroll down to Step 2 and click on web link. A box containing the letters http:// will appear. Type in the web address, then click the green check mark to verify the address.
  5. Finally, click save under step 3, then select document list at the bottom of the page to check your new addition.

Can I organize documents into folders grouped by week, topic, etc.?

Yes. To create a folder, open your course page, select the Page Management tab, then click manage folders. Click add folder next to the green X. Name the folder (e.g. Week 1, Group Project Instructions, Plato Readings, etc.) and click the save button, then click close window.

  1. To add existing documents to the folder: click documents and copyright', click the box next to the pertinent document, then click modify selected at the top of the box. At the Place in a folder field, scroll down to the appropriate folder, then click the save box and document list.
  2. To add new documents to the folder: when you upload, you will be prompted to decide if you'd like to add the new document to a folder. Simply click the appropriate box and select the folder name.

How long will my course page remain posted?

The course page will remain posted until the ending visibility date. The default ending visibility date will be the final day of the semester.

How can I repost my Eres course pages in future semesters?

Please see: Moving eReserves to a new semester

My Ereserve course page from last semester is no longer posted. Why not? Was it deleted?

Course pages will not be deleted unless at the express wish of the instructor. Your course page was most likely archived according to the ending visibility date. See instructions for reposting the course.

My colleague would like to use my course page in future semesters. Can I share it?

It's best to ask your colleague to request an Ereserve account so they'll be given their own user ID and password. This way, their name can be added to your course page under additional instructors and their students will see your colleague's name in addition to your name, thus preventing confusion. Remember that anyone with access to your page can make changes, so please clarify your expectations before sharing.

How do I create another course page for a different class I'm teaching?

To create another course page, access your account using Admin Login. From the Main Menu, click Course Reserves Pages and complete all required fields in Step 1. In Step 2, complete the Password field with a password with which the students will access your page. Also, add an end visibility date upon which the course page will be archived. Finally, in Step 3, click Save.

Is help available in addition to the Docutek tutorial and help section?

Yes, please contact Greg Kettinger at 314.961.2660 x7813 or kettigre@webster.edu.

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Updated October 31, 2007
The URL for this page is http://library.webster.edu/services/ereserves.html