Accessibility Guidance for Instructors

Accessibility in Course Reserves

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Best Practice: Link! Don't download.

For the most accessible course materials, always link directly to library resources rather than uploading downloaded PDFs. 

Our content vendors are working toward WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, but their PDF downloads may not yet be accessible and many won’t meet requirements until the April 24 deadline.

Linking ensures students always receive the most up‑to‑date, flexible version of the material and can use the accessibility tools that work best for them. Students who prefer PDFs can still download them on their own.

Using links also avoids navigating differences between content providers and gives the library accurate usage data. When instructors upload PDFs, resource use is undercounted, which can affect decisions about future access and retention.

For the best experience, use the Course Reading List tool in Canvas. This not only tracks usage accurately but also helps RUL prioritize course materials for permanent purchase and long‑term access.

Using the Course Reading List Tool in Canvas

The Reading List tool lets you place all required course materials directly inside your online course. It brings together library articles, ebooks, streaming media, digitized items, and physical materials in one organized, easy‑to‑navigate list—so students always know where to find what they need.

Instructors can fully control how materials are arranged and displayed, and can add or update items at any point during the semester. The result is a streamlined, flexible way to manage and deliver course readings.

The tool also tracks how often items are viewed, downloaded, or loaned, giving instructors and libraries insight into what students actually use.

Get started today by visiting our guide to Creating and Using Course Reading Lists in Canvas!

Requesting Course Reserves

  • Need a scan of a physical book or journal at the library for your course? 
  • Need the library to look into buying new content for your course? 

Rutgers University Libraries is here to help!

Please fill out the reserves request form and a member of our team will be in touch.

FAQs

Will scans of physical content provided by the Rutgers University Libraries be compliant with accessibility standards?

Examples include Digitization Requests, Interlibrary Loan Requests, etc.  

RUL is making every effort to ensure that the scans we create of our physical material meet accessibility standards. Alt Text will need to be reviewed by instructors to ensure that it is appropriate for the desired experience in that course.  

Will scans of physical content provided via Interlibrary Loan be compliant with accessibility standards?

RUL is making every effort to ensure that the partners we borrow from meet accessibility standards, but we cannot guarantee the resource will be compliant. As a reminder, ILL content is for individual use only and is not to be utilized in courses. If you need material for a course, please fill out the course reserve form.

Are PDFs downloaded from library websites or Quicksearch compliant with accessibility standards?

Examples include articles downloaded directly from content publishers, or from the institutional repository.  

The libraries do not recommend using downloaded PDFs in course reading lists as their compliance will differ depending on the vendor or provider. Instead, we highly recommend that you always link directly to the assigned article or chapter in lieu of providing a PDF copy. This will ensure that the user can interact with the content in its native format. The native format provides the user with the most flexibility when utilizing accessibility tools or services.  

Should I include citations or uploads in my Canvas course or utilize the reading list tool?

We strongly encourage you to always use the Reading List tool as it provides many benefits to instructors, students, and the library. 

Benefits for Instructors

  • All course materials in one place: Instructors can easily build organized reading lists that pull together articles, ebooks, videos, websites, and more into a single list within their course.
  • Streamlined workflow: Drag‑and‑drop tools, easy list editing, reusable templates, and the ability to update lists throughout the semester save significant time.
  • Better use of library resources: The Reading List Tool integrates with RUL, helping instructors discover materials they may not have known were available, including open educational resources.
  • Insight into student engagement: Analytics show which items students view, download, or borrow, helping instructors understand what’s actually being used.

Benefits for Students

  • Easy access to all course materials: Students find everything they need in one organized place inside their course site and can even access materials via our Library Mobile app. 
  • Improved navigation and clarity: Lists can be structured week‑by‑week or by topic, highlighting essential readings and reducing confusion. 
  • More interactive learning: Students can mark items as read, leave comments, and suggest resources, helping them stay engaged and track their progress.
  • Reliable access to library materials: Direct links ensure students can quickly connect to full‑text articles, ebooks, streaming media, and other resources we provide.
If I send the libraries a PDF can they remediate it?

No, the libraries will not remediate prior versions of PDFs regardless of source.   If the material still exists within the libraries physical books or journals, a new scan can be requested which would be compliant with accessibility standards.

Is creating an accessible version of a work considered a fair use?

Yes, creating an accessible version is considered a fair use but access should be limited to the course you are teaching. For additional questions about copyright please contact ask_research@libraries.rutgers.edu.

Who do I contact if I have a general question about accessibility of library materials, services, sites, or tools?

Please contact rul_accessibility@rutgers.edu.