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Canvas for Instructors - Adding Library Resources in Modules as External URLs

This support article outlines steps for linking licensed library content in Canvas.

Article audiences

This article describes how instructors can link licensed library content in their Canvas courses.

Before you begin...

  • Determine the learning materials you desire to include in your course (These materials might be journal articles, book chapters, multimedia resources, etc.).
  • Identify stable links to your learning material content, and create a text document of these URLs. The UWM libraries can support faculty in identifying stable links to content.Image properties
  • Create a list of the stable links (URLs) you wish to add to your course.

Adding External URLs as Module Items in Canvas

Step 1: Open Modules 

In course navigation, click the Modules link.
open module

Step 2: Add Module Item

Click the Add Item Button.

add module

Step 3: Select Add "External URL"

In the Add [Item Type] drop-down menu, select the "External URL" option.

add external url

Step 4: Enter the URL Address of Your Desired Content

Copy and paste the permalink to the library content you want to include in your course. 

enter url

enter url 2

Step 5: Give the URL a Page Name

Identify the resource that you are providing a link to. For example, providing the title of an article and the last name of the author can help users to identify the resources.

add page name

Step 6: Click "Load in a New Tab."

For security reasons, Canvas will not always open external content within its own interface. Checking the "Load in a New Tab" option will ensure that the resource will open in a new tab.

click load in a new tab

Step 7: Add item

Click the "Add Item" button.

Add item

Step 8: View Module

View the external URL in your module. When students click to access the resource, it will direct them to the item's location on the library's website.

view module

***This guide was adapted from the Canvas Community guide. For the most up-to-date information, please visit Canvas' community guide.***




Keywords:instructure canvas canvaslms lms library libraries licensed content permalink external journal database support l1 l2 l3 hd2 hd3 hdsuper   Doc ID:81144
Owner:David D.Group:UW-Milwaukee Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Created:2018-03-26 14:55 CDTUpdated:2022-06-02 11:04 CDT
Sites:UW-Milwaukee Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
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