Instructional Scanning FAQs

PDF scans from the print collection

How do I place a new scan request to post on Canvas?

Please submit the Instructional Scanning Request form in Virgo. Be sure to complete the form in its entirety where applicable. If there is any extra information you need to add, please add that information to the Course Information section.

What if I have an older PDF scan from the Library that needs remediation? 

Please submit the PDF Remediation Request form in Virgo.

I have multiple requests to submit — what should I do?

For either an Instructional Scanning or PDF Remediation request, feel free to submit multiple requests at a time. However, keep in mind the active request limits for both located on the request page in Virgo. Let us know the need and urgency based on when the material is covered in your course helps us better prioritize. Requests are generally filled in the order received, but we do use strategies to try to get time-sensitive material to you when you need it.

Is there a limit on how many requests I can have active at once?

For Library scans submitted via the PDF Remediation Request form, the active limit is 10. For new scan requests, the active limit is 50 for instructors (this includes ILL requests as well). Additional requests can be placed as they are completed.

We own an item in Special Collections that's being used for a class — can that be scanned?

Please visit the Special Collections Reference Request page to request a scan and further information on their remediation services. 

I've already scanned an item from the UVA Library collection myself — can I upload that to be remediated, or should I place a new scan request?

If you scanned it yourself, it's best to submit a new request instead. Remediation quality (and turnaround time) depends heavily on starting from a good scan. 

If I request a scanned book chapter, will I get an accessible version? 

Yes. If you submit a request for a chapter or article from the UVA Library print collection, we'll provide a fully remediated, accessible version.

Can I use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for my course material? 

ILL is intended for personal research and scholarship and should not be used to supplement course material. This material is coming from another library that is not part of the UVA Library collection. Please consider the following information for ILL:

  • Copyright: ILL materials come with their own licensing terms tied to personal research use, so using them as standing course material can raise copyright concerns.
  • Please visit the Copyright and Teaching and Fair Use webpages for more information. 
  • If material isn't in our collection yet, consider submitting a purchase recommendation to explore potential purchase options. 
If I submit a scan request for instruction or Canvas, will I receive a PDF or a link to an e-resource? 

That depends on what is in the Library’s collection. The Library owns print and electronic resources. If we own the item electronically, you will receive a link to embed in your Canvas course. If we own the physical copy, you will receive a fully accessible PDF.

Electronic resources and instruction

Should I upload a PDF or link directly to the article/source? 
Will the Library remediate content from UVA Library databases?

Not directly — you'll want to link to that content rather than upload a PDF of it. 

Moving forward, is it the Library's preference that faculty link exclusively, or should we keep requesting accessible scans?

It's less about preference and more about what format we have available. If an item is only available in print, you'll receive a remediated PDF scan. If it's available electronically, you'll receive a link.

Will content added to Library databases be accessible? 

For most content, yes — VPAT agreements should be in place where vendors agree to provide accessible content. 

What if I'm running into licensing issues with material I've selected for my course?

Send us what you're seeing (4leo@virginia.edu) — Access Services has a workflow with Collections and Acquisitions teams to work through these issues together. We may not always be able to resolve it, but we'll walk through your options with you. 

Where do I send a student who needs an accommodation? 

Please direct students to the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC).

Help & additional resources

Access services

Sign in: ILLiad for Institutions

Frequently asked questions

Contact Information

Interlibrary loan & LEO
434-982-2617

Instructional scanning
434-924-0941