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Readings Online

Uploading readings from a reference manager

This method of adding readings to a reading list can save you a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of resources in your reading list.


Important: Only use this method if the following applies:

  • You are confident with reference management software
  • You have your list organised in a folder in the reference management software
  • The information in each record has been checked and edited to include enough information to create a full citation including adding the correct link to the resource. See Linking to resources: FAQs.
  • Check that the reference type is correct (e.g., it's a book chapter, but your reference type is journal article). If your readings have an incorrect reference type, the Readings Online team will need to delete the record, and re-enter it.

Note: Please avoid uploading your entire library to Readings Online. If this occurs only the software provider can remove the records.

How to upload readings from a reference manager to Readings Online


  • Check all citations for accuracy
  • Add any missing info and fix errors
  • If you include a URL, make sure you’ve used the Open Athens link generator
  • Remove any PDFs from your citations
  • Double check everything


  • Follow the export instructions for your reference manager
  • In Zotero, you can right click on the folder you wish to export, and select RIS as the format. This will download your folder as a .RIS file
  • Ensure that you are exporting a folder rather than your whole library


  • Open the relevant Readings Online module in the LMS, then click on the ‘add reading’ icon
  • Select ‘readings from file’
  • Navigate to where you saved the .RIS file and select it
  • Follow the steps to assign the readings as required or recommended
  • Add any notes for the library
  • Click submit
  • Refresh the page, and your readings will appear in the ‘ungrouped’ folder


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