Add LibGuides Directly in Blackboard

Faculty can now easily link or embed research guides from the CCRI Library’s LibGuides system directly in their Blackboard courses.

🧭 New LibGuides LTI 1.3 Tool Now Available in Blackboard 

Faculty can now easily embed CCRI Library content directly into their Blackboard courses using the LibGuides LTI 1.3 tool. This includes direct access to the CCRI Library's subject research guides and the A–Z database list.

What Are LibGuides?

LibGuides is a CCRI library-curated platform that organizes course-specific research tools, citation support, and academic resources. By linking or embedding LibGuides directly in Blackboard, you give students easy access to trusted materials right where they need them. 

The new LibGuides LTI integration offers a seamless way to incorporate these resources into your course without manually copy/pasting links. Depending on where you place the tool, it will either:

• Embed the guide directly in your course content area, or

• Provide a clickable link in your course navigation that opens in a new window.

This flexibility allows you to highlight subject-specific guides, citation tools, or A–Z database listings as course resources with just a few clicks.

Important Note: The LibGuide integrated tool is read-only for students. 

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📎 Option 1: Add LibGuides to Course Content Area

To add a LibGuide directly to your content area (e.g., “Welcome/Start Here”):

1. Enter your Blackboard course.

2. Go to the content area where you'd like to add the resource (e.g., “Welcome/Start Here”).

3. Click Build Content → scroll down and select LibGuides.

4. Choose from the available LibApps content types:

   • Full Guide

   • Single Page

   • Content Box

5. Click Submit.

   

🖼️ Example Menu Path: Welcome/Start Here_Build Content_LibGuides

Note: You’ll find LibGuides listed among the list of all the other third party LTI integrations like OpenStax, Norton, Cengage, Pearson, McGraw Hill etc.

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📎 Option 2: Add LibGuides to Course Menu Navigation Panel (Opens in a New Window)

You may also add LibGuides as a permanent link in your course navigation menu for easy student access. 

To add the link as an instructor:

1. In your course menu, click the + icon at the top left.

2. Choose Tool Link.

3. Enter a Name (e.g., APA Citation Guide).

4. From the Type dropdown, select LibGuides.

5. Check the box for Available to Users.

6. Click Submit.

   
   

🖼️ Example Menu Path: Add Tool Link+__Enter title "LibGuides"_select "Available to Users"_ click drop down arrow_select LibGuides_Submit

📌 This version opens the selected content in a new browser window or tab when students click it.

🛈 This is a great option for persistent access to a general guide (e.g., A–Z Databases or a subject guide).

💡 Pro Tip

Before setting up the LibGuides tool in your course menu, take a moment to browse the available guides at https://libguides.ccri.edu

📚 How to Choose LibGuide Content

When launching the tool for the first time, you’ll see the following options:

🔍 Step 1: Selecting a LibGuide Site

• Choose: Research Guides (libguides.ccri.edu)

🧩 Step 2: Select Content Type

You’ll be prompted to select from several content types:

• Full LibGuide – entire subject guide

• Single Page – one page from within a guide (e.g., “Citing Sources”)

• Content Box – embed just one section (e.g., “Recommended Databases”)

• All A–Z Databases – direct access to CCRI’s complete database list

💡 After selecting your content, click Embed Content to embed it in the course. The selection screen won’t appear again unless you remove and re-add the tool.

Trouble Finding the LibGuides in Blackboard?

If you are having difficulties with adding the link, contact the Instructional Technology team or submit an OLT support ticket so we can help you enable the LibGuide tool for your course.

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🧑‍🏫 Why Use LibGuides?

✔️ Keeps students inside Blackboard
✔️ Promotes research and information literacy
✔️ Customizes support for specific assignments
✔️ Saves faculty time curating links manually

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❓ Need Help with LibGuides

Email Jillian Lang at jrlang@ccri.edu for any LibGuide-related questions.

If you would like a custom course guide created please request an appointment with a Librarian

Need help choosing a LibGuide for your course: Contact the CCRI Library Team

🧩 Blackboard Troubleshooting 

Need help with the tool functions in Blackboard? Send OLT a ticket.