To address the unprecedented global and immediate need for access to reading and research materials, the Internet Archive suspended waitlists on its 1.4 million (and growing) books in their lending library.
This National Emergency Library was available from 24th March - 16 June 2020. The waitlist suspension allowed users to immediately borrow digitised books and supported students, researchers and other readers during a very difficult period when physical access to library collections was not possible.
From the 16th June 2020, traditional controlled digital lending was reintroduced, meaning that users would need to wait for access to a digitised book in the borrowable collection, if it was on loan to another user.
You need to set up a free Internet Archive user account for access.
These borrowable books can be accessed alongside other freely accessible 'always available' digitised books via the Internet Archive book collection.
In recognition of the value of digitised reading lists to the taught course experience of students, on 16th June, the University’s Maintaining Educational Opportunities and Outcomes (MEOO) committee agreed a new reading lists policy, which is now available on the Library’s website.
Reading List Policy
All modules must have a Library created reading list (this could be one book, or many) which the Library will make available to students via ELE modules.
All reading lists for Term 1 should be sent to your Reading List Team as soon as possible, but by 1st August at the very latest.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all materials on reading lists need to be available digitally.
You can read the policy in full.
Many modules already have reading lists in place, so staff will be used to working with the library on this service. If you are involved in teaching in September you should have received a message about module reading lists for 2020/21. If you have not previously used the service and want more information just get in touch.
As all materials need to be available digitally, some changes to existing reading lists are likely to be required. When the reading list team check your lists they will flag any inaccessible content so that alternatives can be considered.
This new approach to reading lists will mean that students on all taught modules have easy access to all their required readings through their ELE modules.
If you need help or advice, please contact the Library Reading List Teams at
Exeter readinglists@exeter.ac.uk
Cornwall digital@fxplus.ac.uk