Course Reserves, Ares  

Samuel Merritt University Libraries uses the Automated Reserves System (ARES) for managing course reserves. Maintained and operated by the Library, the ARES database differs from Blackboard as it is supported by SMU Libraries staff to manage physical and electronic reserve requests available from library resources. ARES is a single point access for instructors and students for online reserve services which can include articles from journals or periodicals or book chapters. In ARES, instructors can:

• create a course site(s) within ARES to centralize their physical and electronic reserves access for students
• submit physical reserve requests (book, personal book copies, DVDs, etc.) for their course(s)
• submit electronic reserve requests for articles, book chapters, and other materials* from library resources
• upload their own or existing articles, book chapters, and other documents for their course(s)
• clone (copy) a class from a previous semester or year and re-post reserve items without having to resubmit individual requests the following semester  
• link to SMU Libraries e-resources

As outlined above, ARES manages multiple requests for reserves per class such as physical books and electronic reserves. 

Electronic reserves allow students to access materials from any computer with internet access on campus or off-campus.  Formats of electronic reserves range from PDFs, Word documents, and web links to full text journal articles, and personal uploads such as syllabi.

Aside from submitting requests on ARES, instructors have additional functions such as assigning proxy user(s) or other assigned person(s) to manage the ARES courses other than the professor.  The proxy user can submit or cancel requests, manage course content, and clone class(es). 

If you need additional information call Thom Sota at 510-869-6511 x3649 or ttran@samuelmerritt.edu

*Please see the Copyright Guidelines & Rules tab for more information.