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Additional Options

Troubleshooting Reserves

How do I access course reserves for my class?

Why doesn’t my class have reading list link in Libraries Course Reading Lists?

  • Either no Libraries Course Reading List exists for your course, or materials are still being processed and are not yet available.
  • For questions about reserves, contact us or your instructor.

Why can’t I access readings assigned by my instructor from off campus?

  • Online readings through library licenses should be accessible to valid UW students, faculty and staff from off-campus. Some article databases may be restricted to on-campus and/or in-library use only. If you are having problems contact the Library Technology Group Help Desk, (608) 262-8880, for help.
  • More information about Off-Campus Access

What if the reserve item I need isn’t included?

  • It’s possible the materials have not yet been received or are still being processed.
  • For questions about reserves, contact us or your instructor.

Why won’t a PDF file open?

  • Often this is due to a problem between your web browser and Adobe Reader. Occasionally, it is related to the PDF being created with an outdated Adobe Acrobat version.
  • Here are some things to try:
    • Use another web browser
    • Download the most recent version of Adobe Reader
    • Save the file to your desktop, then double-click to open it directly into Adobe Reader
    • Check your web browser settings on how it handles .pdf files and try adjusting it
  • Adobe Reader Support

Why won’t a PDF file print correctly?

  • Use the latest version of Adobe Reader
  • Click the printer icon button on the Adobe Acrobat menu bar (vs. the web browser print button or File/Print)
    while document is displaying onscreen.
  • NOTE: PDF files expand when printing, and resulting files can be very large so printing times may be
    lengthy.
  • Sometimes printing performance can be improved by downloading PDF files to your hard drive before printing. Right click on the PDF link, then select the Save option from the pop-up menu.
  • If a document prints with edges cutoff, check on the “Shrink to Fit” box in the
    Print window.
  • If a document prints blank pages, skips pages or reverses pages (“mirror image”),
    check the option for “Print as Image”. Then, upgrade to the latest printer driver software for your printer.
  • Adjusting the printer settings to 300 dpi may slightly decrease quality but improve
    printing time.
  • Adobe Reader Support

How can I get assistance with accessibility issues?

  • If you have difficulty viewing Adobe PDF files or other accessibility problems, your instructor, the McBurney Resource Center and the Libraries can partner to supply you with another format.
  • To contact the Libraries, use the Course Reserves Feedback Form.

Required Viewers

  • Adobe Reader
    • This is a free web browser plug-in needed to view these electronic reserve documents. You can download the Adobe Reader directly from the Adobe web site. There is no charge for this software
      and it is available for both Macs and PCs.
  • RealPlayer
  • PowerPoint