Adding a link to a library reference with Ally

Instructors can use Ally to add a link to a library reference. This process is useful when a library resource is a PDF that cannot be edited, but you can provide a bibliographic reference to the resource. This library link then serves as one of the alternative formats available for the library resource. To get started, select the Ally indicator gauge next to a PDF that has been uploaded to Canvas. (If the PDF is already fully accessible, then the steps in this article are not necessary.)

Adding a library resource link to an inaccessible PDF

1. When you select the Ally indicator gauge for a PDF, Ally will display the options What this means, How to x (for example, How to add headings, or How to tag a PDF, etc.), or to upload a remediated version of the PDF. In the example below, the PDF is untagged, so one would need to select How to tag a PDF. Select the How to option for your PDF (see Fig. 1).
   
   Figure 1: Low Ally accessibility score with What this means and How to options
2. Ally will then ask whether you can get hold of an editable version of the PDF file (see Fig. 2). Select No if you do not have access to an editable version. If you do have access to an editable version, it is preferable to use the editable version.
   
   Figure 2: Can you access an editable version of the PDF?
3. If the answer is no, Ally will then ask whether you can provide a bibliographic reference instead (see Fig. 3). Alternatively, Ally might tell you at this step how to fix the specific error, but it will also give the option to provide a reference. Select Yes to provide a library reference to the source..
   
   Figure 3: Can you provide a bibliographic reference for the PDF?
4. Ally will then ask you to provide as much information about the resource as possible, such as the URL, title, chapter/volume/page number, author(s), date of publication, and publisher or journal (see Fig. 4).
   
   Figure 4: Metadata form in Ally, with Add Reference button at the bottom
5. Now, the resource is available as an alternative format (see Fig. 5).

Figure 5: Library reference link listed as an alternative format in Ally

Need more help with Ally? Contact the Academic Technology team for assistance.