Integrating ORLO reading lists with Canvas

There are two methods of integrating ORLO reading lists within a Canvas course. Which option you choose will affect what happens when you roll over the Canvas course for a new academic year. The options are: (i) provide an external, static URL (the link in the rolled over course will need to be managed manually), or (ii) use the LTI integration, which means that the rolled over course will automatically update to the latest version of the reading list.

For step-by-step instructions on how to create ORLO reading lists, please refer to Bodleian Libraries LibGuide.

For general information on using ORLO in Canvas, please refer to ORLO (Oxford Reading Lists Online).

Index

  1. Method 1. External Static URL
  2. Method 2. LTI Integration: Oxford Reading Lists (NEW)

Method 1. External Static URL 

A stable link to an ORLO reading list can be added, which will not automatically update to new versions of the reading list. Note that you will need to update the link to the latest reading list link after your Canvas course rollover, but the previous year’s Canvas course link will remain live until that reading list is archived. 

This option is recommended in the following cases:

  • Preserve access to a previous year’s list for that cohort of students, especially during resit periods, or where a cohort studies the course in one year and sits exams in another. 
  • Avoid the need to update reading lists in previous courses. 
  • Use in courses with multiple links to entire reading lists or sections of lists. 

The external static URL can be inserted in Canvas in two ways:

  1. Add the link as an item in a module (External URL > paste in the ORLO link):
  2. Embed the link in a Canvas page using the External link icon in the Rich Content Editor:

Note: For the external URL, please tick the ‘Load in a new tab’ checkbox and ensure you copy the full link including a part at the end that refers to 'authentication', e.g.
https://oxford.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/.......?auth=SAML

Method 2. LTI Integration: Oxford Reading Lists (NEW)

Links to ORLO reading lists in the rolled over course will update automatically to the latest version, once the new reading list has been published, following the ORLO annual rollover (c. 10th week TT for Academic Year Lists, 10th week MT for Calendar Year Lists). Note that previous cohorts will have access to the latest version of the published reading list, unless the link in the previous years’ Canvas course is replaced with the static URL for the old reading list. 

This option is recommended in the following cases:

  • Courses where students from the previous year no longer need access to the reading list (such as for a one-year course), or do not have resit exams. 
  • Courses where the reading list does not change from year to year. 

The LTI integration option is called Oxford Reading Lists (NEW). It can be invoked in a Canvas course in three ways:

  1. Add the tool as an item on the left-hand course navigation menu using Settings > Navigation. 
  2. Add an item in a module (External tool > (Oxford Reading Lists (NEW)):
  3. Embed the tool in a Canvas page using the 'Apps' plug-in icon in the Rich Content Editor: and select Embed ORLO/Leganto Reading List item

Note: For the LTI integration, you need to be the owner of the reading list. Please email your subject Librarian or orlo@bodleian.ox.ac.uk to get publisher permission.