Reading Lists - Guide to Creating and Editing a Reading List

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.

Some users are experiencing iintermittent issues with Cite it!. 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. 

This issue is under investigation but try the following actions which usually help: 

• Go back to the resource you wish to add. Usually, the pop-up screen displaying details to be added to your list are still displayed (if not click Cite it! again) and you can click Add again. If that still does not work, try the options below.

• 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.

1. Click the Full details option next to the resource to be investigated.
   
    
2. Make sure the Links and availabilty tab is selected and then hover your mouse in the box containing the link.
3. You should now see Report a broken link. Click the link and the Library will deal with your report as soon as possible.
   

Q: I am trying to use the Rollover option but the previous lists for my module don't appear.

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’m getting an error message when trying to log in to the list in Canvas, what can I do?  

A: Accessing the reading list system via Canvas does not require a password although some staff occasionally see a login box. The solution is to clear your browser cache or to shift to a different browser.  

Once you’ve cleared your browsing history, restart the browser and try to access the resource again. The link below will show you how to clear browsing history on all major browsers.  We recommend that you choose the option to delete all cached data and that you select all items except for passwords.  https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000510.htm  

Q: I don’t seem to have access to my list?  

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: How do I find my reading list when the link gives an "Illegal empty institution or tool name error"?

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:

• Go to your Canvas module and click the Reading List link on the left menu.
• Open the reading list system https://readinglists.stir.ac.uk/ and search by module code.
• If you are still not able to access the list, report the broken link to the Library giving details of the error message and if possible attach a screenshot.

Q. Why do I see a blank white screen when trying to access my reading list

Sometimes users report seeing a completely white, blank screen when trying to access their reading list.  This can happen in Chrome and Edge. The reading list might still load properly on their smartphone

This might be due to the date/time stamp on your computer. 

It is worth trying the following: 

1. Go to Start and click Settings 

2. Choose Time & language and select Date & time 

3. Enable Set time automatically 

4. Choose the time zone (UTC Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London) 

5. Click the Sync now button - if you see one. Otherwise, disabling and re-enabling Set time automatically will do the same thing. 

6. Clear your website data / cache then try accessing the reading list again 

Q: Why does Cite it! not work for me? 

A: Some users are experiencing intermittent issues with Cite it!. 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. 

This issue is under investigation but try the following actions which usually help: 

• Go back to the resource you wish to add. Usually, the pop-up screen displaying details to be added to your list are still displayed (if not click Cite it! again) and you can click Add again. If that still does not work, try the options below.

• Change to a different Browser 

• Delete Cite it! from your Browser and reinstall it https://libguides.stir.ac.uk/rl/citeit

Q: How do I resolve an  'Illegal Institution' error?

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.