Very occasionally staff and students receive errors when using the system,
or perhaps it is not obvious how to do something.
The list below gives answers to questions received in recent years but please
contact the Library if you require assistance or have any questions.
A: Some users are experiencing intermittent issues with the Cite it! Bookmarklet. Sometimes, instead of showing you a pop-up window to select the Reading List (and section) or add to your ‘Collection’, it simply takes you to your Lists.
We recommend installing the more modern Cite it! Browser Extension. See instructions at: https://libguides.stir.ac.uk/rl/CiteitExtension.
If for any reason you can't install the browser extension, he following actions usually help:
Change to a different Browser
Delete Cite it! from your Browser and reinstall it https://libguides.stir.ac.uk/rl/citeit
If the link to an online resource does not work, please use the Report a broken link option. This will alert the Library to check and resolve the problem.
Q: I am trying to use the Rollover option but the previous lists for my module don't appear. [Staff]
A: Use the Search option and select All Lists. If you do not find the correct list or are not able to roll it over, please contact the Library and give the module code of the new and previous module. See more details.
Q: I don’t seem to have access to my list - what can I do? [Staff]
A: Due to changes in module co-ordinator, teaching teams or module code, you might not immediately be able to work on your list. Please let the Library know and we will update your account to enable access.
Q: I’m getting an error message when trying to 'log in' to the list in Canvas, what can I do? [Staff & Students]
A: Accessing the reading list system via Canvas does not require a password although some staff and students occasionally see a login box. The solution is to clear your browser cache or to shift to a different browser.
We recommend that you choose the option to delete all cached data and that you select all items except for passwords. Also ensure that the Time Range setting at the top is set to All time. For guidance on how to clear your cache see: http://stir.ac.uk/23 or contact the Information Centre.
Once you’ve cleared your browsing history, restart the browser and try to access the resource again.
Q: Why do I see a blank white screen when trying to access my reading list [Staff & Students]
A: You may see a blank screen when trying to access your reading list if the date/time setting on your computer or phone need to be updated.
Check and if necessary update the date and time setting:
Go to Start and click Settings
Choose Time & language and select Date & time
Enable Set time automatically
Choose the time zone (UTC Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London)
Click the Sync now button - if you see one. Otherwise, disabling and re-enabling Set time automatically will do the same thing.
Clear your website data / cache then try accessing the reading list again
Q: I see a 'Failed OAuth' error message when accessing my reading list. Can this be fixed? [Staff & Students]
A: The 'Failed OAuth' error may be the result of a caching issue on your device or the date/time might need to be updated. Try the following:
Clear your browser cache or to shift to a different browser.
We recommend that you choose the option to delete all cached data and that you select all items except for passwords. Also ensure that the Time Range setting at the top is set to All time. For guidance on how to clear your cache see: http://stir.ac.uk/23 or contact the Information Centre.
Once you’ve cleared your browsing history, restart the browser and try to access the resource again.
If clearing the cache does not work, check and if necessary adjust the date & time on your device. See instructions above.
Use a browser ‘incognito’ (e.g. in chrome) or ‘in private’ (e.g. in Edge) mode. Usually this is available by clicking the 3 dots at top right of your browser but if you need help contact infocentre@stir.ac.uk.
If you are viewing the list on your phone, try using a computer or laptop if you have access to one.
Try to access your list via the University app. You can use the app on your phone if you have downloaded it or if you prefer working on a device with a bigger screen you can open the app from the left menu in Portal. On the Uni App, click ‘Lists’ to go to your reading lists, or alternatively use Canvas.
Q: How do I resolve an 'Illegal Institution' error? [Staff & Students]
A: Firstly, try clearing your browser cache. If this does not resolve the issue it may be due to your browser blocking third-party cookies. Cookies are necessary for the reading list system but are automatically removed at the end of your session. Change the 'Settings' in your browser to allow cookies (this is usually in the Privacy related options) and then clear your cache again..
If you do not wish to allow all cookies, there is usually an advanced/customised option to allow only specific sites to use cookies. Set it to allow: eu01.alma.exlibrisgroup.com.
If you are experiencing difficulties accessing your reading list, please contact library@stir.ac.uk.
Q: How do I find my reading list when the link gives an "Illegal empty institution or tool name error"? [Staff & Students]]
A: This error occurs if you are using the web address from the top of the browser page instead of a reading list "shareable link". Here are some alternative ways to find your list: