Learning resources guidelines
Access to learning resources is essential to course delivery and the student experience at UQ. Teaching staff should endeavour to add learning resources such as textbooks, journal articles, and book chapters to course reading lists. The Library is committed to working with Course Coordinators to provide timely and equitable access to these resources.
These guidelines apply to all staff involved with learning resources. They should be read in conjunction with UQ’s Course Design Policy and the Library’s collection principles and collection management guidelines.
Course readings
Course Coordinators should make readings available on their course reading list via Talis Aspire before the start of each teaching period as outlined in the Course Design Policy (Clause 21):
“Details of recommended and required learning resources must be confirmed no later than 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.”
Required and recommended resources
The Library provides access to required and recommended readings and textbooks electronically where possible, considering the model available, access conditions, and suitability for the subject areas.
For print-required and recommended readings, the Library will acquire:
- 2 copies of required resources plus 1 extra copy per 100 students (up to 15 copies across all campuses)
- 1 copy of recommended resources across all campuses.
The Library may consider acquiring additional copies of recommended titles with considerable demonstrated demand.
Textbooks
The Library prioritises the purchase of textbooks published on course reading lists. While students are expected to own a copy of some learning resources (i.e. those appearing on Course Profiles), the Library acts as a ‘safety net’ by purchasing limited numbers of textbooks.
The Library prioritises the purchase of perpetual access copies of eTextbooks over subscription models. The Library will purchase a small number of subscription eTextbooks where no other option is available, the access is suitable for the course and the cost is reasonable.
The University’s Conflict of Interest Policy recognises that a financial conflict of interest can arise when a staff member commercialises their teaching resources. Course Coordinators prescribing their own textbooks should register this through the Disclosure and management of interests and where a conflict is identified, the Head of School will be asked to consider whether the textbook can be used.
Journal articles and book chapters
The Library makes available copies of journal articles and chapters of textbooks cited on reading lists. Preference will be given to linking to existing licensed information resources rather than making a new electronic copy and storing locally. All copying must comply with the educational copying provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth.) and Communication of Book Chapters Online [copyright] Policy [3.80.07].
Course readers and learning guides
If a course reader (i.e. book of readings) or learning guide is sold by the University or an agency of the University, such as the School Locker, the Incidental Student Fees and Charges Procedure requires that multiple copies must be deposited and made freely available from either the Library or the School, Centre or Faculty office. The latest edition only of such resources is retained by the Library.
Related information
Collection management guidelines
Review
The Library Executive is responsible for overseeing the implementation and review of this guideline in line with UQ’s strategic direction.
Last updated: October 2024