Enhance student experience and support improved access to teaching resources for your modules by following our best practice guidelines.
Required action
All module convenors for taught modules are required to publish module reading lists annually using the TALIS reading list system, and to embed them in Moodle, our online study environment.
| ACTION | POSITIVE OUTCOMES |
|---|---|
| Publish your list at least 4 weeks in advance of the start of the module. | In line with Kent Inclusive Practices it enables students to access content earlier and plan their studies. Enables the Library to check and supply the resources students require in time. |
| Set a level of importance to indicate if it is: ● core (must read), ● recommended (should read), or ● background (could read).  |
Students have clear and realistic expectations of what should be read. Informs the Library how many print copies or what type of digital licence is required. |
Structure the reading list by topic or weeks in the term. |
Clear structure supports students to plan their reading. Here is an example of a clearly structured reading list. |
Recommended action
Follow our guidelines to enhance and improve the student experience.
| ACTION | POSITIVE OUTCOMES |
Limit list length. |
Long lists can be overwhelming for students. Ideally, reading lists should contain no more than 100 individual items. If you have many alternative sources annotate your list to make clear the reading expectations for each section. |
Annotate your list. |
Annotations help guide students reading choices, focus their time and can be used to highlight diverse content. For example, 'Chapter 4 gives a good overview of topic x'. |
| Include a range of formats: books; journals; videos; podcasts. | Supports different learning styles, gives students a varied experience and a rich list of references. |
| Include diverse cultural perspectives: voices and experiences from different races, genders, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. | See the Diversity Mark Toolkit for help. |
| Provide core readings digitally where possible: as an e-book, e-journal article or a scanned copy. | The Library has a Digital First policy and aims to make materials available electronically wherever possible. This reflects the mandatory KIPS process, enhancing accessibility for all and essential for those with disabilities. |
| Review your list annually. | This ensures the currency of resources. Books on your list will not automatically update where there is a new edition unless you request a review. |
Linking with Moodle
Save time, effort and energy by embedding your reading lists in your Moodle modules.
| ACTION | POSITIVE OUTCOMES |
Integrate your reading lists in Moodle. |
This allows you to hide and/or highlight sections of your list with the students learning. See our Reading list Help pages. |
Help and support
Your Divisional subject librarian can help you explore current library collections and beyond to support teaching and learning.
Visit our Reading list support for academic staff web page for help and support.