Averaging 67.3 visits per student, Sociology 1A took the top spot for most active Resource List in semester one 2014/15.
We asked course organiser Susie Donnelly how the experience of using Resource Lists @ Edinburgh has benefited the class:
I spent less time this semester dealing with issues to do with access to readings.
Particularly helpful for first year students who are getting to grips with university life.
Students have reported that they are very happy with this tool.
The Resource List has certainly made life a lot easier. Sociology 1A is an extremely large course, with approx. 480 students and the numbers are growing each year. This places a significant demand on us to provide the required material for students in an accessible, reliable and responsive way. The Resource List has helped in this regard and once the list was up and running, I believe I spent less time this semester dealing with issues to do with access to readings.
While the initial set-up took some investment of time and energy, I was supported with training and support from staff in the Library Learning Services.
In the Resource List, students are shown multiple ways to access readings and the interface is very straightforward – this is particularly helpful for first year students who are getting to grips with university life.
As the semester progressed I was able to add new and up-to-date resources and material (rather than being limited by what has been published in the course handbook at the start of the semester). In particular, around the assessment period I was able to respond to requests from students for more academic writing support.
However, I should also mention that the use of these kinds of tools raises questions about independent learning and the extent to which library and research skills are being displaced.
For the moment though, the students have reported that they are very happy with this tool…and if the students are happy then I am happy!
Susie Donnelly – Co-convener of Sociology 1A
More information on how to make the most of Resource Lists can be found on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.
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Stephanie Farley
Library Learning Services Assistant