News and Events

A new reserves management software, Ares, will expedite the Libraries' current electronic and print reserves processing, starting in fall quarter. Ares connects directly with Blackboard Learn, and faculty will request materials online, track reserves processing and receive notifications when materials are available for their classes. Students will also have direct access to course reserve materials through Blackboard once they have been processed and made available.

A few basic frequently-asked-questions are included below to help explain the new software and reserves request process. The Libraries will host three workshops to provide step-by-step directions on how to use the new software; contact information is also provided for those seeking additional assistance.

How does Ares work?
Faculty can submit reserve requests through the “Course Reserves Administration” link on Blackboard Learn. From Course Reserve Administration, faculty will be able to request materials to be placed on reserve or they upload a file. All requests must be approved by Library Reserves staff before they are processed. Once approved, materials can be tracked via status updates on Blackboard. Faculty, staff and students will be notified through Blackboard when materials for their courses are available. Download step-by-step instructions here.

What does Ares look like?
Here is a preview of the Ares interface. Reserve materials are shown within each course, and information such as bibliographic record, author, status, material expiration date (or inactive date), and tags are visible. Some changes will be made to this interface over the next few weeks.

I already have materials on reserve from previous quarters. Why do I have to resubmit request for these items?
Unfortunately, we are unable to transfer reserve item records from our old system to Ares. Submitting a request through Blackboard Learn creates the new item record in our new system, which allows us to begin reserves processing. We recognize that this is an inconvenience, but you will only have to resubmit reserve items one time; after that, items can be cloned from previous Blackboard course shells into current Blackboard course shells.

When can faculty begin submitting fall reserve requests?
Once faculty have access to their Fall quarter course shells and sandboxes in Blackboard Learn, they can begin the submission process for library reserve materials. If they have additional questions or would like to set up an appointment for an overview of the process, they can contact their library reserves coordinator directly.

For more information:
Attend the Ares and Accessible Documents Faculty Workshop or contact the library reserves coordinator at their location:
University City -- Laura Chance, W. W. Hagerty Library, lac344@drexel.edu, 215-895-6786
Center City -- Alison King, Hahnemann Library, amk379@drexel.edu, 215-762-3509