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Canvas External Tools - About LibGuides

This article provides directions for instructors on how to enable LibGuides in their Canvas course.

What is LibGuides?

LibGuides is a simple web design platform UWM Library uses to create digital help pages about services and resources. Librarians create individual guides to support subject-specific research and coursework.

Individual LibGuides contain recommended research tools, library materials, and tutorials organized by topic into tabbed pages. 

When LibGuides is enabled in a Canvas, a general guide to essential research skills and library resources will display in your course navigation. All published LibGuides are also listed on the library website arranged by subject.

Who Can Use LibGuides?

Any instructor can enable LibGuides in in their Canvas navigation.

The LibGuides platform is licensed by the UWM Libraries and is administered by the Instructional Design Librarian. Only Library staff can create and edit LibGuides or have a LibGuides account.

How Do I Enable LibGuides in My Course?

Navigate to your Canvas Course

Select "Settings" from the bottom of the left navigation menu

Canvas Navigation menu highilighting the settings option

Select the "Navigation" from the top of the panel

Canvas course settings panel highlighting the navigation tab

Find "Library Resources" from the list of hidden items

Select the kebab menu to the right of "Library Resources"

Course navigation item list highlighting the kebab menu for Library Resources and outlinging the enable option

Select "+Enable"

Alternatively, you can drag "Library Resources" to the top list of visible navigation items

Navigation item list showing Library Resources with an arrow indicating the drop location

Select "Save" from the bottom of the page

Bottom of the navigation item list highlighting the save option

Confirm "Library Resources" is now in the left navigation menu

Course navigation menu highlighting the location of Library Resources

What content will display in my course?

Once you enable LibGuides in your course navigation, a general guide to library tools and services will display. This will be the content that displays in the majority of class sites. 

When available, a librarian may enable a subject or course-specific research guide with search tools and resources recommended for your discipline. 

  • This is common for courses that fulfill the Oral and Written Communication, Part B (OWC-B) general education credit 
  • If you think a course-specific or subject LibGuide exists for your class, but it does not display when LibGuides is enabled in your Canvas navigation, please email UWM Libraries for support

Not all classes have course-specific guides. Librarians create course-specific guides in consultation with instructors and/or program coordinators when there is a demonstrated program need. If you would like to request a LibGuide for your class, please start a ticket with the Library to get started. 

Where can students and instructors go for support with LibGuides?

Students and instructors should contact the UWM Libraries for LibGuides support.

What should I do if I have an accessibility concern?

Students should communicate accessibility concerns with UWM Libraries. If concerns persist, please contact the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at cetl@uwm.edu. 


Keywords:
libguide, library, guide 
Doc ID:
151628
Owned by:
Lynn M. in CETL
Created:
2025-06-11
Updated:
2025-08-15
Sites:
UW-Milwaukee Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, UW-Milwaukee Help Desk