The Resource Library allows you to include a set of resources that are accessible to learners from within a course.
Use Case Information
The Resource Library can includes content items such as recipes, slideshows, and videos in one central location. These resources are associated with categories and subcategories for easy filtering.
Tip
In this article, we focus on adding resources and files to an individual course. To create a set of resources that are included in all courses see our Managing the Global Resource Library article.
Understanding Resources
We have two different areas resources can be added. The Global Resource Library, found under Courses > Settings and the Course-Level Resource Library, which is individual to each created course. When both resources are included, learners will see global and course-level resources in the same utility area, with global resources always displaying above course-level resources.
Global Resource Library:
These resources can be accessed from any course that has resources enabled in Course Utilities.
Path: Courses > Settings > Global Resource Library
Course-Level Resource Library:
Add resources at the course level so that they can be accessed for that particular course only.
Path: Courses > All Courses > Click on Content Title to access > Content step > Resource Library (left sidebar)
Note
The Resources utility must be enabled on each course in order for learners to have access. When enabled, the Resources utility will display in the left menu of a course in the learner view. To do this, navigate to a course outline, click on Utilities in the left sidebar (right above Resource Library) and go to the Study Tools tab to enable Resources. Read more about utilities in the linked article under the Managing Utilities in a Course section.
Course-Level Resource Options
There are two different ways you can add to the Resource Library: Resource Category or Course File.
Resource Category
Adding a resource category has two options:
- Create pages with the native course authoring tool or copy existing course pages. Most page types* are available to create as a resource for learners, but common use cases include slideshows or PDF Viewer pages. *Assessment type pages are not available to add as a resource.
- Add downloadable files, like a PDF.
Course Files
Adding a Course File allows you to upload files and assign them to specific sections of a course. To the learner, the files will be displayed in a list within each section title in the Resources area of the course.
This article has steps for three resource types: Add a Resource Page, Add a Downloadable File, and Add a Course File.
How to Create a Resource from a Course Page
- From your homepage, select Courses > All Courses.
- Click the Content Title of the course you want to alter. By default, you'll land on the Content step.
- In the left sidebar, select Resource Library.
- In the Resource Library section, Click Add Category to start building out your Resource Library.
- Select Resources Page.
- Enter a label in the Category Label field, and then click Save.
- Click Add Subcategory to add at least one subcategory to each category.
Tip
You can rename and delete resource categories and subcategories.
- Click Save.
- Within any subcategory, click Add New Page and then choose the page type you’d like to create, similar to how you'd create a page in the the course editor).
- Enter a Page Title and Catalog Image to display in the catalog tile.
Tip
It's best practice to add an image! If you do not add an image, it will display a grey block with a camera icon.
- Click Save.
- Continue adding content for your page, using the same editors that you’re used to within a course.
- Click the 'X' in the top right of the window to exit the page editor and click Resource Library to return to your category list.
- Continue creating as many categories and pages as you’d like.
How to Create a Downloadable File
You can also choose to upload files to the course that learners can download from the Resources area of the course. Downloadable File limit is up to 2GB.
- From your homepage, select Courses > All Courses
- Click the Content Title of the course you want to alter. By default, you'll land on the Content tab.
- In the left sidebar, select Resource Library.
- Click Add Category to start building out your Resource Library. Choose Download.
- Enter a label in the Category Label field, and then click Save.
- Click Add Subcategory to add at least one subcategory to each category.
- Click Save.
- Within any subcategory, click Add New File.
Tip
You can reorder categories to choose what order they will display in for the Resource utility in a course by clicking the up and down arrows.
- Add the File Name, then choose the file you want to add. If you have Asset Library enabled, you can upload assets from CAM in this step by clicking Add File from Central Asset Manager.
- Click Save.
How to Create a Course File
You can also choose to upload files to the course that learners can download from the Resources area of the course. When the learner goes to the Resources area in the syllabus, they will see an option for Files. These files are grouped under the course section they belong to, which you will select using the instructions below.
- From your homepage, select Courses > All Courses.
- Click the Content Title of the course you want to alter. By default, you'll land on the Content tab.
- In the left sidebar, select Resource Library.
- Click on the Course Files tab.
- Select a course section for the file to be listed under.
- Click Choose File to upload your file.
- In the Title container, enter a Resource Name.
- Click Add Resource.
Notes, Tips, and Considerations
- To view your resources as a learner would see them, preview the course by going into the course builder/course outline and click on the thumbnail image in the top left of the screen.
- When viewing the Resource Library, learners will see a Back to Lesson link that will take them back to where they left off within the course.