Canvas is a convenient option for housing documents and linking to outside resources. However, you must take into consideration several factors when seeking to distribute content and resources to your students. Use the information in the right-hand column to navigate through these helpful best practices.
Grace librarians are not the copyright police, nor are we legal experts in copyright. It is our responsibility to provide resources, but not advice in regards to what you can and cannot do in your courses. The interpretation of copyright law is up to the individual.
E-resources can be added to Canvas when:
A faculty member is the owner of the copyright of the work
The material is made available by linking to a database or website rather than posting a PDF copy
The copyright owner has granted permission to distribute PDF copies
The material has been designated as open access by the copyright owner
(see the Creative Commons tab for more information)
The material is in the public domain
The intended use falls within Fair Use exemptions under copyright law, or under another copyright exception
A license for the use of the material has been obtained
As a best practice, embed persistent links (permalinks) to library resources within your Canvas courses. Permalinks provide reliable access to assigned readings. In addition, library databases support accessibility features, such as text to speech, and create an inclusive learning environment. Avoid posting a PDF copy in Canvas as this could infringe copyright and it may not be accessible to screen readers.
In order for students to authenticate, copy and paste the Grace Proxy Prefix URL to the beginning of the resource's permalink (see below). Omit any spaces between the prefix and the permalink. Always test your links to ensure students can access the material.
Grace Proxy Prefix URL: https://heinz.grace.edu/login?url=
Permalink: https://research-ebsco-com.heinz.grace.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=7a377c6a-0f5b-37f3-9967-c099b13e7318
Your Link in Canvas should look like this: https://heinz.grace.edu/login?url=https://research-ebsco-com.heinz.grace.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=7a377c6a-0f5b-37f3-9967-c099b13e7318
Also, include the citation to provide attribution. This also assists with retrieving the e-resource in the event a link breaks.
EBSCO
Link to EBSCO content (i.e. Academic Search Complete, Atla, Business Source Complete, ERIC, PsycArticles, etc.):
JSTOR
Link to JSTOR content by locating the Stable URL beneath the resource's publication information
NOTE: Make sure to add the Grace Proxy Prefix URL to the permalink before using the link/URL in Canvas.
Sage Journals
Link to Sage content by simply copying the full URL in the address bar for permalink access.
For permalink assistance, contact library@grace.edu.