Canvas pilot and LMS/Library integration

Submitted by Loanne Snavely, head, Library Learning Services

Recently, Blackboard announced October 15, 2016, as the end-of-life date for ANGEL, with some limited operational support to Penn State through December 2017 (more info). Thus the University is actively exploring options for a new Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to Blackboard, which was piloted previously, Canvas is currently being piloted. The University Libraries have been well represented in ANGEL for over 10 years and have been at the forefront nationally of Library/LMS integration. To carry on this tradition, and to fully utilize the advances in technology now available, individuals from multiple library departments — including Library Learning Services, I-Tech, RCR and Access Services — had a meeting on Friday, December 12, with LMS administration to explore the possibilities for effectively integrating the library into the new LMS, including Research and Course Guides, Ask a Librarian, Course Reserves and other services. It was an exciting and wide-ranging discussion on the possibilities for the new LMS/Library integration. Linda Klimczyk from I-Tech will lead the technology development for the University Libraries. Some options can be explored now in order to put them in place in time for implementation with the new LMS rollout in the future.

To fully understand the possibilities, Learning Design Librarian Amanda Clossen is participating in the Canvas pilot and has attended an extensive online training program. She will be using Canvas as the LMS to teach Library Studies 301h in Spring 2015. As a member of this pilot, she will be providing feedback, as well as participating in focus groups. In this capacity she will be able to represent the Libraries and advocate ways in which our resources and services can be strategically integrated throughout the pilot. Contact Amanda at asc17@psu.edu with ideas and questions.