Learning Objectives

• Identify the benefits of using BLUEcloud Course Lists.
• Successfully log in to BLUEcloud and access BLUEcloud Course Lists.

What is BLUEcloud Course Lists?

BLUEcloud Course Lists is a resource list management system that gives librarians and teaching staff the ability to work together to facilitate access to library resources to support teaching and learning. Staff collaborates using the software to build and publish online, interactive lists of reference materials, from which students access resources relevant to the subjects in their classroom.

BLUEcloud Course Lists is a resource management tool used by teachers and library staff to collaborate and create lists of curriculum-aligned resources for students to access.

BLUEcloud Course Lists not only can save staff time when it comes to curating resources, it is also easy to use. BLUEcloud Course Lists has a simple user interface and a bookmarklet tool, making it quick and easy to select the desired resources and place them in a list. Library and teaching staff can collaborate to create and build lists fostering a working relationship placing the library at the forefront of curriculum building. This product is web-based and does not require any software installation. It is also compatible with Chromebooks, laptops, and other mobile devices.

Benefits to Library and Teaching Staff

There are a wide variety of benefits to library and teaching staff when using BLUEcloud Course Lists. Library and teaching staff can work together to create lists for each course increasing the connection between the library and the classroom. This could work in a variety of ways, including the following:

• library staff could create lists based on the subject matter and post the lists on a library webpage
• teaching staff could reach out to library staff and ask them for a list with specific requirements
• teaching staff could create lists and library staff could verify the resources

Because library and teaching staff use the same software, library staff can become the tech support when teaching staff has any questions. Consequently, teaching staff gains a better understanding of library resources, what is available, and how the library staff can help them with their teaching and research needs. Communication and collaboration between library and teaching staff also increase as lists are being created and resource needs are being discussed. Allowing teaching staff to create lists could also inform library staff of purchasing needs if the library's collection development policy warrants it, allowing for a more robust library collection for all students. 

Benefits to Students

Course Lists can be a starting point for students to find required or recommended reading they may not have found on their own. Lists can serve as a guide for students to expand their reading on a subject. A list created with BLUEcloud Course Lists is also online and accessible from school, home, or anywhere with an internet connection. Students don't have to save the reading list because it is freely available from their email, school or library website, or other locations. The ability to directly link to resources makes it easy for students to place holds, print, or read in real-time. 

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. Are you using BLUEcloud Circulation and Cataloging? How does being able to create class lists alongside circulation and cataloging make your workflow easier? 
2. Identify a teacher you would choose to collaborate with using Course Lists. What skills does this teacher have that make him or her a good candidate?
3. Log in to BLUEcloud and verify that you can click on My Classes. If you don't see the My Classes tile, or are unable to access BLUEcloud, contact the Library Support Staff at your ITC for help.